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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Samuel 11:20 if the king's anger flares, he may ask you, 'Why did you get so close to the city to fight? Did you not realize they would shoot from atop the wall?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/11-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/10_2Sa_11_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 11:20 - David Arranges Uriah's Death" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="if the king's anger flares, he may ask you, 'Why did you get so close to the city to fight? 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Didn&#8217t you know they would shoot arrows from the wall?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/11.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But he might get angry and ask, ‘Why did the troops go so close to the city? Didn’t they know there would be shooting from the walls?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/11.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />then, if the king’s anger rises, and if he says to you, ‘Why did you go so near the city to fight? Did you not know that they would shoot from the wall?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />if the king’s anger flares, he may ask you, ‘Why did you get so close to the city to fight? Did you not realize they would shoot from atop the wall?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/11.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And if so be that the king's wrath arise, and he say unto thee, Wherefore approached ye so nigh unto the city when ye did fight? knew ye not that they would shoot from the wall?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/11.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />if it happens that the king’s wrath rises, and he says to you: ‘Why did you approach so near to the city when you fought? Did you not know that they would shoot from the wall?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />then it shall be that if the king’s wrath rises and he says to you, ‘Why did you move against the city to fight? Did you not know that they would shoot from the wall?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/11.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />and if it happens that the king&#8217s wrath rises and he says to you, &#8216Why did you go so near to the city to fight? Did you not know that they would shoot from the wall?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />and if it happens that the king’s wrath rises and he says to you, ‘Why did you go so near to the city to fight? Did you not know that they would shoot from the wall?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />and if it happens that the king’s wrath rises and he says to you, ‘Why did you approach the city to fight? Did you not know that they would shoot from the wall?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />then if the king becomes angry and he says to you, ‘Why did you go so near to the city to fight? Did you not know that they would shoot [arrows] from the wall?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />if the king’s anger gets stirred up and he asks you, ‘Why did you get so close to the city to fight? Didn’t you realize they would shoot from the top of the wall?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />if the king&#8217s anger gets stirred up and he asks you, &#8216Why did you get so close to the city to fight? Didn&#8217t you realize they would shoot from the top of the wall? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/11.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />it shall be that, if the king's wrath arise, and he say unto thee, Wherefore went ye so nigh unto the city to fight? knew ye not that they would shoot from the wall?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />he may get angry and ask, "Why did you go so near the city to fight? Didn't you know they would shoot arrows from the wall? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/11.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />it shall be that, if the king's wrath arise, and he say unto thee, Wherefore went ye so nigh unto the city to fight? knew ye not that they would shoot from the wall?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />the king may become angry. He might ask you, 'Why did you go so close to the city to fight? Didn't you know they would shoot from the wall?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/11.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />he may get angry and ask you, 'Why did you go so near the city to fight them? Didn't you realize that they would shoot arrows from the walls? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/11.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />if the king starts to get angry and asks you, 'Why did you get so near the city to fight? Didn't you know they would shoot from the wall? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />if the king?s anger flares, he may ask you, ?Why did you get so close to the city to fight? Did you not realize they would shoot from atop the wall?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/11.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />if the king becomes angry and asks you, 'Why did you go so close to the city to fight? Didn't you realize they would shoot from the wall?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />if it happens that he becomes angry, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And if the king's wrath shall rise, and he shall say to thee, Why approached ye so nigh to the city for the fight? knew ye not that they would shoot from the wall?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/11.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />it shall be that, if the king’s wrath arise, and he asks you, ‘Why did you go so near to the city to fight? Didn’t you know that they would shoot from the wall? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />then, it has been, if the king’s fury ascends, and he has said to you, Why did you draw near to the city to fight? Did you not know that they shoot from off the wall?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> then, it hath been, if the king's fury ascend, and he hath said to thee, Wherefore did ye draw nigh unto the city to fight? did ye not know that they shoot from off the wall?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And it being if the wrath of the king shall go up, and he say to thee, Wherefore drew ye near to the city to fight? did ye not know that they cast from above the wall?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If thou see him to be angry, and he shall say: Why did you approach so near to the wall to fight? knew you not that many darts are thrown from above off the wall? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />if you see him to be angry, and if he says: ‘Why did you draw near to the wall in order to fight? Are you ignorant that many darts are thrown from above the wall?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/11.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />the king may become angry and say to you: ‘Why did you go near the city to fight? Did you not know that they would shoot from the wall above?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />then, if the king’s anger rises, and if he says to you, ‘Why did you go so near the city to fight? Did you not know that they would shoot from the wall?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And if the king's wrath rise and he say to you, Why did you approach so near to the city to fight against it? Did you not know that they would shoot from the wall?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />If it is that the anger of the King arises and he says to you: “Why did you come near to the city to fight with it? Did you not know that they shoot from the wall?<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />it shall be that, if the king's wrath arise, and he say unto thee: Wherefore went ye so nigh unto the city to fight? knew ye not that they would shoot from the wall?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />then it shall come to pass if the anger of the king shall arise, and he shall say to thee, Why did ye draw nigh to the city to fight? knew ye not that they would shoot from off the wall?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/11-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=2739" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/11.htm">David Arranges Uriah's Death</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>and instructed the messenger, “When you have finished giving the king all the details of the battle, <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">if</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/2534.htm" title="2534: ḥă·maṯ (N-fsc) -- Heat, rage. Or chemac; from yacham; heat; figuratively, anger, poison.">anger</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: ta·‘ă·leh (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">flares,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wə·’ā·mar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">he may ask</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- ">you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4069.htm" title="4069: mad·dū·a‘ (Interrog) -- Why? for what reason?. Or madduaa; from mah and the passive participle of yada'; what known?; i.e. why?.">‘Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/5066.htm" title="5066: nig·gaš·tem (V-Nifal-Perf-2mp) -- To draw near, approach. ">did you get so close</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: hā·‘îr (Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">the city</a> <a href="/hebrew/3898.htm" title="3898: lə·hil·lā·ḥêm (Prep-l:: V-Nifal-Inf) -- To feed on, to consume, to battle. A primitive root; to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle.">to fight?</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: hă·lō·w (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">Did you not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yə·ḏa‘·tem (V-Qal-Perf-2mp) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">realize</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3384.htm" title="3384: yō·rū (V-Hifil-Imperf-3mp) -- Or yara; a primitive root; properly, to flow as water; transitively, to lay or throw; figuratively, to point out, to teach.">they would shoot</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: mê·‘al (Prep-m) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">from atop</a> <a href="/hebrew/2346.htm" title="2346: ha·ḥō·w·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- A wall. Feminine active participle of an unused root apparently meaning to join; a wall of protection.">the wall?</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>Who was the one to strike Abimelech son of Jerubbesheth? Was it not a woman who dropped an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died in Thebez? Why did you get so close to the wall?’ If so, then you are to say, ‘Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead as well.’ ”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/12-9.htm">2 Samuel 12:9</a></span><br />Why then have you despised the command of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You put Uriah the Hittite to the sword and took his wife as your own. You have slain him with the sword of the Ammonites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/15-5.htm">1 Kings 15:5</a></span><br />For David had done what was right in the eyes of the LORD and had not turned aside from anything the LORD commanded all the days of his life, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/51-1.htm">Psalm 51:1-4</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. When Nathan the prophet came to him after his adultery with Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. / Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. / For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-28.htm">Matthew 5:28</a></span><br />But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-14.htm">James 1:14-15</a></span><br />But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. / Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/3-6.htm">Genesis 3:6</a></span><br />When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/6-32.htm">Proverbs 6:32-33</a></span><br />He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. / Wounds and dishonor will befall him, and his reproach will never be wiped away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/6-12.htm">Romans 6:12-13</a></span><br />Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires. / Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-12.htm">1 Corinthians 10:12-13</a></span><br />So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall. / No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Galatians 5:16-17</a></span><br />So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. / For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-22.htm">Ephesians 4:22-24</a></span><br />to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; / to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; / and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">1 Peter 2:11</a></span><br />Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/4-7.htm">Genesis 4:7</a></span><br />If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/7-20.htm">Joshua 7:20-21</a></span><br />“It is true,” Achan replied, “I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I did: / When I saw among the spoils a beautiful cloak from Shinar, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/16-1.htm">Judges 16:1-3</a></span><br />One day Samson went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute and went in to spend the night with her. / When the Gazites heard that Samson was there, they surrounded that place and lay in wait for him all night at the city gate. They were quiet throughout the night, saying, “Let us wait until dawn; then we will kill him.” / But Samson lay there only until midnight, when he got up, took hold of the doors of the city gate and both gateposts, and pulled them out, bar and all. Then he put them on his shoulders and took them to the top of the mountain overlooking Hebron.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And if so be that the king's wrath arise, and he say to you, Why approached you so near to the city when you did fight? knew you not that they would shoot from the wall?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/6-7.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-8.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-41.htm">Approached</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-3.htm">Archers</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-21.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-17.htm">City</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-17.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/psalms/2-12.htm">Flare</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-34.htm">Happens</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-9.htm">King's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-13.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-15.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/judges/5-31.htm">Rises</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-36.htm">Shoot</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-11.htm">Tells</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-20.htm">Wall</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-10.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-8.htm">Wrath</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/12-5.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-22.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-5.htm">Approached</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-22.htm">Archers</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-15.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-23.htm">City</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-22.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/psalms/2-12.htm">Flare</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-20.htm">Happens</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-24.htm">King's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-21.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-17.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-4.htm">Rises</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-24.htm">Shoot</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-14.htm">Tells</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-21.htm">Wall</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-9.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-5.htm">Wrath</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 11</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/11-1.htm">While Joab besieges Rabbah, David commits adultery with Bathsheba</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/11-6.htm">Uriah, sent for by David to cover the adultery, would not go home.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/11-14.htm">He carries to Joab the letter of his death</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/11-18.htm">Joab sends the news thereof to David</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/11-26.htm">David takes Bathsheba as his wife</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>if the king’s anger flares</b><br>This phrase anticipates King David's potential reaction to the news of the battle's outcome. David, as a king, was responsible for military decisions and the welfare of his troops. His anger would be justified if he perceived a tactical error. This reflects the responsibility and accountability of leadership, a theme seen throughout the Bible, such as in the leadership of Moses (<a href="/exodus/32-19.htm">Exodus 32:19</a>) and the kings of Israel.<p><b>he may ask you</b><br>The use of "he may ask you" indicates a direct communication between the king and his messenger, highlighting the importance of delivering messages accurately. This reflects the role of prophets and messengers in the Bible, who were tasked with conveying God's word to the people, such as Nathan confronting David later in <a href="/2_samuel/12.htm">2 Samuel 12</a>.<p><b>‘Why did you get so close to the city to fight?</b><br>This question points to a tactical error in the battle strategy. In ancient warfare, approaching a fortified city too closely without proper siege equipment was dangerous. The historical context of warfare during this period often involved sieges, as seen in the conquest of Jericho (Joshua 6). The question implies a lack of wisdom or foresight, which is a recurring theme in the Bible, contrasting human error with divine wisdom (<a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a>).<p><b>Did you not realize they would shoot from atop the wall?</b><br>This phrase underscores the common military practice of defending a city from its walls. Archers and soldiers would use the height advantage to repel attackers. The mention of shooting from the wall connects to other biblical accounts of city defenses, such as the defense of Jerusalem (<a href="/2_kings/25-4.htm">2 Kings 25:4</a>). It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of ignoring known dangers, paralleling spiritual vigilance in the New Testament (<a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The King of Israel, who orchestrates the battle plan and later becomes entangled in sin with Bathsheba.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/joab.htm">Joab</a></b><br>The commander of David's army, who is responsible for executing David's orders in the battle.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/u/uriah_the_hittite.htm">Uriah the Hittite</a></b><br>A loyal soldier in David's army and the husband of Bathsheba, whose death is orchestrated by David.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city from which David rules and where he remains while his army is at war.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_battle.htm">The Battle</a></b><br>The military engagement against the Ammonites, during which Uriah is placed in a vulnerable position.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_sin.htm">The Consequences of Sin</a></b><br>David's actions demonstrate how sin can lead to a cascade of further sins and consequences. We must be vigilant in guarding our hearts and actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_accountability.htm">The Importance of Accountability</a></b><br>David's lack of accountability led to grave sins. Christians should seek accountability partners to help maintain integrity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_justice_and_mercy.htm">God's Justice and Mercy</a></b><br>Despite David's sin, God remains just and merciful. This account reminds us of the need for repentance and the hope of forgiveness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_complacency.htm">The Dangers of Complacency</a></b><br>David's decision to stay in Jerusalem while his army fought shows the danger of complacency. We must remain active in our spiritual battles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership.htm">The Role of Leadership</a></b><br>As a leader, David's actions had significant repercussions. This highlights the responsibility leaders have to act righteously.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 11</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_abijah's_mother_michaiah_or_maachah.htm">What was King Abijah's mother's name: Michaiah (2 Chronicles 13:2) or Maachah (2 Chronicles 11:20), given Absalom's only daughter was Tamar (2 Samuel 14:27)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_king_david_deceive_and_kill.htm">Why does King David, described elsewhere as righteous (1 Kings 15:5), resort to deceit and murder in 2 Samuel 11:14-17?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_risk_lives_for_saul's_body.htm">Why would the men of Jabesh-gilead risk their lives to retrieve Saul's body if he was seen as a failed king (1 Samuel 31:11-13)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/contradictions_in_1_samuel_4_on_eli's_sons.htm">Are there any contradictions between 1 Samuel 4 and other biblical accounts regarding the fate of Eli's sons or the Ark's movements?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/11-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">if</span><br /><span class="heb">אִֽם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the king’s</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">anger</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲמַ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·maṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2534.htm">Strong's 2534: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heat, anger, poison</span><br /><br /><span class="word">flares,</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּעֲלֶה֙</span> <span class="translit">(ta·‘ă·leh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> </span><span class="str2">To ascend, in, actively</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he may ask you,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאָמַ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ā·mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">‘Why</span><br /><span class="heb">מַדּ֛וּעַ</span> <span class="translit">(mad·dū·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4069.htm">Strong's 4069: </a> </span><span class="str2">Why? for what reason?</span><br /><br /><span class="word">did you get so close</span><br /><span class="heb">נִגַּשְׁתֶּ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(nig·gaš·tem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5066.htm">Strong's 5066: </a> </span><span class="str2">To draw near, approach</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the city</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעִ֖יר</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘îr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to fight?</span><br /><span class="heb">לְהִלָּחֵ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(lə·hil·lā·ḥêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3898.htm">Strong's 3898: </a> </span><span class="str2">To feed on, to consume, to battle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Did you not</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲל֣וֹא</span> <span class="translit">(hă·lō·w)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">realize</span><br /><span class="heb">יְדַעְתֶּ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ḏa‘·tem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they would shoot</span><br /><span class="heb">יֹר֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(yō·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3384.htm">Strong's 3384: </a> </span><span class="str2">To flow as water, to lay, throw, to point out, to teach</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from atop</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵעַ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(mê·‘al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the wall?</span><br /><span class="heb">הַחוֹמָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(ha·ḥō·w·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2346.htm">Strong's 2346: </a> </span><span class="str2">A wall of protection</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/11-20.htm">2 Samuel 11:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/11-20.htm">2 Samuel 11:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/11-20.htm">2 Samuel 11:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/11-20.htm">2 Samuel 11:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/11-20.htm">2 Samuel 11:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/11-20.htm">2 Samuel 11:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/11-20.htm">2 Samuel 11:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/11-20.htm">2 Samuel 11:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/11-20.htm">2 Samuel 11:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/11-20.htm">2 Samuel 11:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/11-20.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 11:20 It shall be that if the king's (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/11-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 11:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 11:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/11-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 11:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 11:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>