The king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went with him. All the troops of Judah and half of Israel’s escorted the king.

So Hanun took David’s emissaries, shaved off half their beards, cut their clothes in half at the hips, and sent them away.

“You must not go!” the people pleaded. “If we have to flee, they will not pay any attention to us. Even if half of us die, they will not pay any attention to us because you are worth 10,000 of us. Therefore, it is better if you support us from the city.”