1 – In verse 1, who is Hanun? Who is his father, Nahash? (1 Sam 11) Why might Nahun be looking for an opportunity to end relations with David and Israel?

2 – In verses 2-3, what did David intend by sending envoys to Hanun? What motivation did Hanun's advisors attribute to David's envoys?

3 – In verse 4, why was Hanun's treatment of David's envoys so humil1ating? What did they think would happen?

4 – In verse 6, why spend $1,000,000 rather than apologize to David? What did they expect? How is this an illustration of the sinner's action when God's envoys bring his message?

5 – In verses 9-12, was Joab confident he would win? Why did Israel fight so valiantly? Why should we resist our enemy against such great odds?

6 – In verse 15, the Syrians retreat, regroup, and come back in greater force with Hadadezer in charge. What is at stake? Why such overwhelming force in a fight that initially wasn't theirs? What happened? How does the outcome alter the geopolitical map?

7 – If your king assigns you the job of special envoy to your town or workplace, what can he expect from you? If you won't be warmly welcomed, then why do it?