2 Samuel 10
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Long ago, there was a king. His name was David. David had a friend, far away. That friend was a king too. His name was Nahash.
But one day, Nahash died. His son became the new king. That son's name was Hanun.
David was sad about his friend. He wanted to be kind to Hanun. So David sent some men. Nice men. They had to say: "We are so sorry."
The men walked and walked. They came to Hanun's land.
But then something strange happened. Other men said to Hanun: "Watch out! Those men are not nice. They are spies!"
Hanun believed it. And he did something mean. Very mean. He grabbed David's men. He cut off half of their beards. And he cut their clothes short. Then he sent them away.
The men were ashamed. So ashamed! Their faces were red.
David heard about it. He said: "Poor men. Stay away for a while. Wait until your beards grow back."
What Does This Mean?
Hanun did not trust David. David wanted to be kind. But Hanun thought: he is mean.
That was not true. David really wanted to help.
Then there was a big fight. A lot of soldiers. But you know what? David's soldiers won. God helped them.
The Common Thread
Sometimes people do not believe that someone is good. That is very sad.
Do you know what people did later? With Jesus. Jesus came to help. Jesus was so kind! But some people said: "We do not trust you."
They did not believe it. Just like Hanun.
But Jesus kept loving. He always kept loving.
For You
Sometimes someone gives you something. A gift, or a hug. And you have to think: is this nice? Or not?
Mommy loves you. Daddy loves you. God loves you.
You may believe it. Really.
And you? When someone says sorry, you may believe it too. That is beautiful.
David wanted to be kind. That was good. You may be kind too. To your brother. To your sister. To your friend at school.
Even when someone is mean back? Yes. God helps you. Just like He helped David.
Talk About It
Have you ever been kind to someone? What did you do?
What do you think? Did Hanun make a good choice? Or not?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You that You are kind. Always.
Help me to be kind too.
And when I am sad or scared, will You help me? Just like You helped David.
Amen.
Questions about 2 Samuel 10
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is 2 Samuel 10 about?
What does 2 Samuel 10 say?
What does 2 Samuel 10 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from 2 Samuel 10?
Why is 2 Samuel 10 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
David remembered. Years had passed, a crown had come, and still he held onto the fact that Nahash, no friend of Israel, had once been good to him. "I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father showed kindness to me." Who was good to you back when you were nobody? Have you thanked them, or has your own rise quietly erased them?
Joab was surrounded, enemies in front and behind, and his last word before moving was "may Yahweh do that which seems good to him." Then he "came near to the battle." He stepped forward before he knew the outcome. That is usually how it works. The fleeing comes after the advancing, not before. What are you waiting to see before you move?
Hanun took David's messengers, shaved off half their beards, and cut their garments in the middle at their buttocks. What was meant as kindness became public humiliation. David didn't demand they return immediately; he told them, "Wait at Jericho until your beards have grown, and then return." Sometimes the most loving thing is to give someone space to heal before facing the world again. Who around you needs that kind of patience today?
Hadadezer sent for reinforcements from beyond the River. When his first army was defeated, he did not humble himself. He doubled down, gathering Syrians from farther away to try again.
Watch your own heart when you lose a battle you should have surrendered. Pride does not always retreat quietly. Sometimes it just calls for backup.
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
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