In Bamidbar Rabbah (Numbers Rabbah) 21, we encounter a fascinating tension. God commands the Israelites to "Assail the Midianites." Seems pretty straightforward, right? But then, the text throws us a curveball. Doesn't Deuteronomy 20:10 tell us that "When you approach a city to wage war against it, you shall call to it for peace"? So, which is it? Offer peace, or attack?

The Rabbis address this apparent contradiction head-on. The command to offer peace, they explain, doesn't apply to everyone. Specifically, Deuteronomy 23:7 states, "you shall not seek their peace or their welfare" when it comes to Moab and Ammon. It's a complex situation, demanding careful discernment.

And then, the story takes a personal turn. The text illustrates the danger of extending mercy indiscriminately through the story of King David.

David, in his compassion, decides to show kindness to Ḥanun, the son of Naḥash. "David said: I will act with kindness to Ḥanun son of Naḥash" (II Samuel 10:2). A noble gesture, you might think. But, according to Bamidbar Rabbah, God wasn't so thrilled. The Holy One, blessed be He, essentially says to David: "Will you violate my directive? I wrote: 'You shall not seek their peace or their welfare,' and you perform acts of kindness with them? 'Do not be overly righteous' (Ecclesiastes 7:16) – so that a person will not relinquish the Torah."

According to the text, David’s kindness, though well-intentioned, flew in the face of a divine decree. He was being "overly righteous," to the point of disregarding God's specific instructions.

So, what happens? David's act of kindness backfires spectacularly. "Ḥanun took David’s servants, and he shaved half their beards, and he cut their garments in half, until their buttocks, and he sent them away" (II Samuel 10:4). Ouch. Talk about a diplomatic disaster!

The humiliation leads to war. As Bamidbar Rabbah tells it, David ends up in conflict with Aram Naharayim, the kings of Tzova, the kings of Maakha, and the children of Amon – four nations in total. "Yoav saw that the face of the battle was [before and behind him]" (II Samuel 10:9). David finds himself surrounded, embroiled in a conflict that, according to this interpretation, could have been avoided.

The text concludes that David's troubles stemmed directly from seeking the welfare of those regarding whom God had said, "You shall not seek their peace [or their welfare]." That's why it is written: "Assail the…"

This passage from Bamidbar Rabbah isn't just a historical anecdote. It's a powerful lesson about the complexities of judgment, mercy, and obedience. It raises profound questions: When do we extend compassion, and when do we hold back? How do we balance our own sense of righteousness with the directives we receive? Are there times when being "too kind" can actually lead to harm? It's a lot to chew on, isn't it?

The ancient rabbis weren't afraid to wrestle with these difficult questions, and neither should we. As we navigate our own lives, let's remember the story of David and the Midianites. May we find the wisdom to discern when to offer peace and when to…well, you know.