Bible Dictionary
Hanun
The name of several men, including Hanun king of Ammon, whose insult to David’s messengers led to war, and two men who helped repair Jerusalem’s wall.
Definition
Hanun, meaning “favored,” “pitied,” or “graciously given,” was the name of several men. The best-known was the son and successor of Nahash, king of Ammon; two others helped repair Jerusalem’s wall.
Biblical Usage
Hanun of Ammon dishonored David’s messengers, causing David to wage war against him and the Ammonites. Other men named Hanun repaired the Valley Gate and the east wall of Jerusalem under Nehemiah.
Historical Background
Hanun ruled from Rabbah Ammon. The conflict with David resulted in the loss of Ammonite independence according to the supplied material.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Graciously given. (1.) The son and successor of Nahash, king of Moab. David’s messengers, sent on an embassy of condolence to him to Rabbah Ammon, his capital, were so grossly insulted that he proclaimed war against Hanun. David’s army, under the command of Joab, forthwith crossed the Jordan, and gained a complete victory over the Moabites and their allies (2 Sam. 10:1-14) at Medeba (q.v.). (2.) Neh. 3:13. (3.) 3:30.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(favored).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ha'-nun (chanun, "favored," "pitied"):</p><p>(1) A son and successor of Nahash, king of Ammon. Upon the death of Nahash, David sent sympathetic communications to Hanun, which were misinterpreted and the messengers dishonored. Because of this indignity, David waged a war against him, which caused the Ammonites to lose their independence (2Sa 10:1 ff; 1Ch 19:1).</p><p>(2) One of the six sons of Zalaph who assisted in repairing the East wall of Jerusalem (Ne 3:30).</p><p>(3) One of the inhabitants of Zanoah who repaired the Valley Gate in the wall of Jerusalem (Ne 3:13).</p><p>Byron H. Dement</p>