Book of 1 Chronicles - Chapter 19 - Verse 5

Upon hearing how David's men were treated by their enemies, David felt their shame and wanted to provide a way for them to regain their dignity. Therefore, he sent for the men and instructed them to stay in Jericho until their beards had fully grown back. This act of waiting for their beards to grow was a way for David to show empathy for his men and acknowledge the humiliation they had faced. It was a form of compassion and understanding from David as their leader. By allowing the men to stay in Jericho until their beards were restored, David was ensuring that they could return to him with their honor intact. This decision by David reflects his sensitivity towards his followers and his desire to protect their integrity. It also highlights the importance of respect and dignity within a community, even in the face of adversity.

In this passage from 2 Samuel 10:5, we see David's reaction to the mistreatment of his messengers. The word "shaved" in Hebrew can be translated as "shamed," indicating that the men were humiliated by having their beards shaved off in a culture where a man's beard was a symbol of strength and honor. This act not only physically harmed the men but also wounded their pride and dignity. David, as a just leader, responds with compassion and understanding, allowing the men to stay in Jericho until their beards regrow, sparing them from further embarrassment. This action shows David's concern for the well-being and honor of his people, even in the face of provocation and aggression. It also underscores the importance of maintaining one's dignity and respecting cultural norms, even in times of conflict and war.