2 Samuel 10:7 (KJV)
And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men.
Sometimes—and I think this happens especially often in the Old Testament historical books—the Bible records events without assigning them a moral value. What unfolds in this chapter is tragic from beginning to end. It is fact. It is history.
The Bible does not say that David was blessed in these victories. It does not say he was right in all that he did. Much of what he did was simply what had to be done. It certainly was not what he wanted to do.
That shapes my conclusion for this difficult chapter: much of it could have been avoided with better communication.
The chapter begins with sincere intention. David wanted to comfort Hanun after the death of his father. He did so by sending servants. That was a common and accepted practice. A busy man of importance often sends representatives to attend the funeral of another notable figure.
Recently, a man important in my own world passed away. At his funeral were pastors from all over the country. I noticed that one person of significance was not present. He did send two representatives, but they left—not only quickly—but before the service had even concluded. The thought was there, but there was also a message.
Perhaps none of this would have happened had David gone himself.
Then Hanun listened to his advisers without so much as consulting David’s servants. A wiser leader would have delayed judgment and sought clarification.
The remainder of the chapter is driven by what was heard, assumed, or feared. No one attempted to resolve the matter through communication before turning to violence.
In the end, David was victorious. Scripture records that.
But the outcome remains far more tragic than it ever needed to be.
Communication does not always resolve differences—but it is almost always the right place to begin.
#BibleReflection #OldTestamentLessons #LeadershipAndWisdom #BiblicalHistory #TruthFromScripture
The High Cost of Assumptions: How Poor Communication Turned Good Intentions into Tragedy
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Scripture doesn’t just record victories—it reveals why conflict happens and how it might have been avoided. 2 Samuel 10reminds us that assumptions and silence can turn good intentions into tragedy.
👉 Read the Bible carefully. Think biblically. Live wisely.
💬 Question for you:
Where have you seen assumptions—rather than communication—cause unnecessary conflict, either in Scripture or in life?
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