In light of the frequent fighting between Israel and the Ammonites, we might well wonder how and why the Ammonite king Nahash previously assisted David (10:1–5). Perhaps Nahash harbored David in some way while he was fleeing from Saul. Regardless, the old animosity is not far below the surface, and David’s attempt to congratulate the new king is interpreted as a spy mission. David’s men are badly mistreated. In the ancient Near East, beards were shaved only during times of personal or national catastrophe as a sign of deep mourning. By cutting off the men’s garments at the buttocks, the Ammonites treat the messengers as prisoners of war. Humiliated, David’s men cross the Jordan River and stay at Jericho until their beards g…