Tarry At Jericho

“When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed: and the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.” (2Sa 10:5 AV)

David hears of the death of the king of Ammon.  He sends a company of servants to go to Hanun his son to share David’s condolences and mourn with the kingdom of Ammon.  David does this because Ammon showed kindness to him as he fled the face of Saul.  Hanun listened to his counselors who suggested these mourners were actually spies.  Hanun had his people shave off half their beards and cut off their garments on the backside at the waist.  This was extremely embarrassing.  These mourners returned to Israel with half their facial hair missing and their backside completely naked.  David met them and retired them to Jericho until their beards were grown back.  They tarried at Jericho until their reproach had passed.  Their repose at Jericho did not undo the past.  There would be those who would always know of the embarrassment these mourners once felt.  The could never totally live it down.  But, the did go to Jericho and tarry there until the obvious marks of their reproach passed.

Most know if Jericho from the events of Judges.  We remember Jericho by the children’s song we sing.  And the walls came tumbling down.  But Jericho has a rich history as a place of refuge for all sorts of people.  When we read of it here, this is the first mention of it since Joshua defeated the city almost 460 years prior.  The city itself would not be rebuilt until years after David’s death.  So, the Jericho which David sent his servants was a Jericho that was functional but still lay accursed from Joshua’s conquest.  It was the perfect place to send those who might be temporary outcasts looking to recover from life’s misfortunes.  Jericho was the city of the prophets.  Or, at least those who were seeking protection from abusive kings.  It is here Elisha healed the bitter waters for God’s servants.  Oded the prophet encouraged Ahaz to return captives to the city of Jericho that they may recover.  Jericho was known as the city of Palm Trees.  It was extremely hot but well watered by a system of aqueducts and flooded eddies that made the city a fertile place.  Especially for figs and dates grown on palm trees.  The city was never intended to be permanently restored and inhabited as Joshua placed a curse on the one who would restore it.  They would do so in by the life of their eldest and youngest sons.

This city was a place of recovery and restoration.  It was a place to go where it didn’t matter what one’s condition was.  It was a place where everyone understood each had their misfortunes.  It was a place wherein the hurting or rejected could seek refuge and restoration.  It was not meant as a permanent place.  It was not meant as a city were anyone could reside.  It was a place for the rejected.  It was a place for the refuge of humanity.  It was a place where healing could take place.  It was a place where God’s people could go and be ministered unto.  A place others would consider a curse.  A place where those looking from the outside would consider themselves too good to go.  Sort of like the assembly of God’s people. The church!  A place others consider a curse.  A place they wouldn’t be caught dead in.  A place where only those less than perfect people might go to.  David, as a picture of our Savior, tells his hurting servants to tarry at Jericho.  Jericho, although not desired by most, we still essential.  It was the most important place for those who needed ministry the most, to retire until they were well enough to venture back out.  The problem with labeling church as a non-essential is that it closed down the only place for those who are hurting to retire to.  When the doors open back up, tarry at Jericho.  Tarry at Jericho every time there is ministry.  Heal up.  Then go back into the world to serve the LORD.  Tarry at Jericho.