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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>1 Chronicles 20:1 In the spring, at the time when kings march out to war, Joab led out the army and ravaged the land of the Ammonites. He came to Rabbah and besieged it, but David remained in Jerusalem. And Joab attacked Rabbah and demolished it.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_chronicles/20-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/13_1Ch_20_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Chronicles 20:1 - The Capture of Rabbah" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="In the spring, at the time when kings march out to war, Joab led out the army and ravaged the land of the Ammonites. He came to Rabbah and besieged it, but David remained in Jerusalem. And Joab attacked Rabbah and demolished it." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_chronicles/20-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_chronicles/20-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_chronicles/">1 Chronicles</a> > <a href="/1_chronicles/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_chronicles/19-19.htm" title="1 Chronicles 19:19">◄</a> 1 Chronicles 20:1 <a href="/1_chronicles/20-2.htm" title="1 Chronicles 20:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_chronicles/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_chronicles/20.htm">New International Version</a> In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, Joab led out the armed forces. He laid waste the land of the Ammonites and went to Rabbah and besieged it, but David remained in Jerusalem. Joab attacked Rabbah and left it in ruins. <a href="/nlt/1_chronicles/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, Joab led the Israelite army in successful attacks against the land of the Ammonites. In the process he laid siege to the city of Rabbah, attacking and destroying it. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem. <a href="/esv/1_chronicles/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, Joab led out the army and ravaged the country of the Ammonites and came and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. And Joab struck down Rabbah and overthrew it. <a href="/bsb/1_chronicles/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> In the spring, at the time when kings march out to war, Joab led out the army and ravaged the land of the Ammonites. He came to Rabbah and besieged it, but David remained in Jerusalem. And Joab attacked Rabbah and demolished it. <a href="/kjv/1_chronicles/20.htm">King James Bible</a> And it came to pass, that after the year was expired, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it. <a href="/nkjv/1_chronicles/20.htm">New King James Version</a> It happened in the spring of the year, at the time kings go out to battle, that Joab led out the armed forces and ravaged the country of the people of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem. And Joab defeated Rabbah and overthrew it. <a href="/nasb_/1_chronicles/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that Joab led out the army and ravaged the land of the sons of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed in Jerusalem. And Joab struck Rabbah and overthrew it. <a href="/nasb/1_chronicles/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that Joab led out the army and ravaged the land of the sons of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem. And Joab struck Rabbah and overthrew it. <a href="/nasb77/1_chronicles/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that Joab led out the army and ravaged the land of the sons of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem. And Joab struck Rabbah and overthrew it. <a href="/lsb/1_chronicles/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that Joab led out the force of the military and brought the land of the sons of Ammon to ruin, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem. And Joab struck Rabbah and tore it down. <a href="/amp/1_chronicles/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then it happened at the end of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, Joab led out the army and ravaged and devastated the land of the Ammonites, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem [with Bathsheba]. Joab struck Rabbah and overthrew it. <a href="/csb/1_chronicles/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> In the spring when kings march out to war, Joab led the army and destroyed the Ammonites’ land. He came to Rabbah and besieged it, but David remained in Jerusalem. Joab attacked Rabbah and demolished it. <a href="/hcsb/1_chronicles/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> In the spring when kings march out to war, Joab led the army and destroyed the Ammonites&#8217 land. He came to Rabbah and besieged it, but David remained in Jerusalem. Joab attacked Rabbah and demolished it. <a href="/asv/1_chronicles/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> And it came to pass, at the time of the return of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that Joab led forth the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and overthrew it. <a href="/cev/1_chronicles/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The next spring, the time when kings go to war, Joab marched out in command of the Israelite army and destroyed towns all over the country of Ammon. He attacked the capital city of Rabbah and left it in ruins. But David stayed in Jerusalem. <a href="/erv/1_chronicles/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> And it came to pass, at the time of the return of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and overthrew it. <a href="/gwt/1_chronicles/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> In the spring, the time when kings go out to battle, Joab led the army [to war]. They destroyed the Ammonites and came to Rabbah to attack it, while David stayed in Jerusalem. Joab defeated Rabbah and tore it down. <a href="/gnt/1_chronicles/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> The following spring, at the time of the year when kings usually go to war, Joab led out the army and invaded the land of Ammon; King David, however, stayed in Jerusalem. They besieged the city of Rabbah, attacked it, and destroyed it. <a href="/isv/1_chronicles/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> Later the next spring, at the time that kings go out to fight, Joab led out the army, ravaged the territory of the Ammonites, and then went out and attacked Rabbah, while David remained behind in Jerusalem. Joab besieged Rabbah and conquered it. <a href="/msb/1_chronicles/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> In the spring, at the time when kings march out to war, Joab led out the army and ravaged the land of the Ammonites. He came to Rabbah and besieged it, but David remained in Jerusalem. And Joab attacked Rabbah and demolished it. <a href="/net/1_chronicles/20.htm">NET Bible</a> In the spring, at the time when kings normally conduct wars, Joab led the army into battle and devastated the land of the Ammonites. He went and besieged Rabbah, while David stayed in Jerusalem. Joab defeated Rabbah and tore it down. <a href="/nheb/1_chronicles/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> It happened, at the time of the return of the year, at the time when kings go out, that Joab led forth the army, and wasted the country of the people of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem. Joab struck Rabbah, and overthrew it. <a href="/wbt/1_chronicles/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And it came to pass, that after the year had expired, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it. <a href="/web/1_chronicles/20.htm">World English Bible</a> At the time of the return of the year, at the time when kings go out, Joab led out the army and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem. Joab struck Rabbah, and overthrew it. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_chronicles/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And it comes to pass, at the time of the turn of the year—at the time of the going out of the messengers—that Joab leads out the force of the host, and destroys the land of the sons of Ammon, and comes in and besieges Rabbah—David is abiding in Jerusalem—and Joab strikes Rabbah, and breaks it down. <a href="/ylt/1_chronicles/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And it cometh to pass, at the time of the turn of the year -- at the time of the going out of the messengers -- that Joab leadeth out the force of the host, and destroyeth the land of the sons of Ammon, and cometh in and beseigeth Rabbah -- David is abiding in Jerusalem -- and Joab smiteth Rabbah, and breaketh it down. <a href="/slt/1_chronicles/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And it will be at the time of the return of the year, at the time of the going forth of kings, and Joab will lead the power of the army, and he will destroy the land of the sons of Ammon, and he will come and press upon Rabbah: and David dwelt in Jerusalem. And Joab will strike Rabbah and destroy it.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_chronicles/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And it came to pass after the course of a year, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab gathered together an army and the strength of the troops, and wasted the land of the children of Ammon: and went and besieged Rabba. But David stayed at Jerusalem, when Joab smote Rabba, and destroyed it. <a href="/cpdv/1_chronicles/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now it happened that, after the course of a year, in the time when kings usually go forth to war, Joab gathered an army with experienced soldiers, and he laid waste to the land of the sons of Ammon. And he continued on and besieged Rabbah. But David was staying in Jerusalem when Joab struck Rabbah and destroyed it. <a href="/nabre/1_chronicles/20.htm">New American Bible</a> At the turn of the year, the time when kings go to war, Joab led the army out in force, laid waste the land of the Ammonites, and went on to besiege Rabbah; David himself remained in Jerusalem. When Joab had attacked Rabbah and destroyed it, <a href="/nrsvce/1_chronicles/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, Joab led out the army, ravaged the country of the Ammonites, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. Joab attacked Rabbah, and overthrew it.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_chronicles/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> AND it came to pass that in the next year, at the time when kings go out to battle, Joab mobilized the armed forces and came and encamped against the land of the children of Ammon and took some of the towns, and came and besieged Rabbath their capital city. But David remained at Jerusalem. And Joab captured Rabbath and destroyed it. <a href="/hpbt/1_chronicles/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And it was the next year at the time of the going forth of Kings, and Yuab gathered the armies and he came and he encamped against the land of the sons of Amon, and he seized on it and he encamped against Rabbath their great city, and David was dwelling in Jerusalem, and Yuab seized Rabbath the city of the children of Amon, and he destroyed it. <div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_chronicles/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And it came to pass, at the time of the return of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and overthrew it. <a href="/sep/1_chronicles/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And it came to pass at the return of the year, at the time of the going forth of kings to war, that Joab gathered the whole force of the army, and they ravaged the land of the children of Ammon; and he came and besieged Rabba. But David abode in Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabba and destroyed it. <a href="/parallel/1_chronicles/20-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wtNNY-qpWWI?start=5646" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_chronicles/20.htm">The Capture of Rabbah</a> 1<a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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/6256.htm" title="6256: lə·‘êṯ (Prep-l:: N-csc) -- Time. From ad; time, especially now, when, etc.">In</a> <a href="/hebrew/8666.htm" title="8666: tə·šū·ḇaṯ (N-fsc) -- A return, answer. Or tshubah; from shuwb; a recurrence; a reply.">the spring,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8141.htm" title="8141: haš·šā·nāh (Art:: N-fs) -- A year. (in plura or shanah; from shanah; a year."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6256.htm" title="6256: lə·‘êṯ (Prep-l:: N-cs) -- Time. From ad; time, especially now, when, etc.">at the time when</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·mə·lā·ḵîm (Art:: N-mp) -- King. From malak; a king.">kings</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: ṣêṯ (V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">march out to war,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3097.htm" title="3097: yō·w·’āḇ (N-proper-ms) -- The LORD is father, three Isr. From Yhovah and 'ab; Jehovah-fathered; Joab, the name of three Israelites.">Joab</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5090.htm" title="5090: way·yin·haḡ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to drive forth, i.e. Lead, carry away; reflexively, to proceed; also, to sigh.">led out</a> <a href="/hebrew/2428.htm" title="2428: ḥêl (N-msc) -- From chuwl; probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength.">the army</a> <a href="/hebrew/6635.htm" title="6635: haṣ·ṣā·ḇā (Art:: N-cs) -- Or tsbadah; from tsaba'; a mass of persons, especially reg. Organized for war; by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7843.htm" title="7843: way·yaš·ḥêṯ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- Perhaps to go to ruin. A primitive root; to decay, i.e. ruin.">and ravaged</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’e·reṣ (N-fsc) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">the land</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê- (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">of the Ammonites.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5983.htm" title="5983: ‘am·mō·wn (N-proper-ms) -- A people living E. of the Jordan. From am; tribal, i.e. Inbred; Ammon, a son of Lot; also his posterity and their country."></a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">He came</a> <a href="/hebrew/7237.htm" title="7237: rab·bāh (N-proper-fs) -- Two places in Isr. Feminine of rab; great; Rabbah, the name of two places in Palestine, East and West.">to Rabbah</a> <a href="/hebrew/6696.htm" title="6696: way·yā·ṣar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To confine, bind, besiege. A primitive root; to cramp, i.e. Confine.">and besieged it,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: wə·ḏā·wîḏ (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">but David</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: yō·šêḇ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">remained</a> <a href="/hebrew/3389.htm" title="3389: bî·rū·šā·lim (Prep-b:: N-proper-fs) -- Probably foundation of peace, capital city of all Isr. ">in Jerusalem.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3097.htm" title="3097: yō·w·’āḇ (N-proper-ms) -- The LORD is father, three Isr. From Yhovah and 'ab; Jehovah-fathered; Joab, the name of three Israelites.">And Joab</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: way·yaḵ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">attacked</a> <a href="/hebrew/7237.htm" title="7237: rab·bāh (N-proper-fs) -- Two places in Isr. Feminine of rab; great; Rabbah, the name of two places in Palestine, East and West.">Rabbah</a> <a href="/hebrew/2040.htm" title="2040: way·ye·her·se·hā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 3fs) -- To throw down, break or tear down. A primitive root; to pull down or in pieces, break, &? Destroy.">and demolished it.</a> 2Then David took the crown from the head of their king. It was found to weigh a talent of gold and was set with precious stones, and it was placed on David’s head. And David took a great amount of plunder from the city.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_samuel/11-1.htm">2 Samuel 11:1</a> In the spring, at the time when kings march out to war, David sent out Joab and his servants with the whole army of Israel. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah, but David remained in Jerusalem. <a href="/2_samuel/12-26.htm">2 Samuel 12:26-31</a> Meanwhile, Joab fought against Rabbah of the Ammonites and captured the royal fortress. / Then Joab sent messengers to David to say, “I have fought against Rabbah and have captured the water supply of the city. / Now, therefore, assemble the rest of the troops, lay siege to the city, and capture it. Otherwise I will capture the city, and it will be named after me.” ... <a href="/2_samuel/21-15.htm">2 Samuel 21:15-22</a> Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines. But David became exhausted. / Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David. / But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.” ... <a href="/1_chronicles/11-4.htm">1 Chronicles 11:4-9</a> Then David and all the Israelites marched to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus), where the Jebusites inhabited the land. / The people of Jebus said to David, “You will never get in here.” Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David). / Now David had said, “Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became the chief. ... <a href="/1_chronicles/18-1.htm">1 Chronicles 18:1-2</a> Some time later, David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Gath and its villages from the hand of the Philistines. / David also defeated the Moabites, and they became subject to David and brought him tribute. <a href="/1_chronicles/19-1.htm">1 Chronicles 19:1-19</a> Some time later, Nahash king of the Ammonites died and was succeeded by his son. / And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent messengers to console Hanun concerning his father. But when David’s servants arrived in the land of the Ammonites to console him, / the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun, “Just because David has sent you comforters, do you really believe he is showing respect for your father? Have not his servants come to you to explore the land, spy it out, and overthrow it?” ... <a href="/1_chronicles/21-1.htm">1 Chronicles 21:1-5</a> Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. / So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, “Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan and bring me a report, so that I may know their number.” / But Joab replied, “May the LORD multiply His troops a hundred times over. My lord the king, are they not all servants of my lord? Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?” ... <a href="/1_kings/20-22.htm">1 Kings 20:22-30</a> Afterward, the prophet approached the king of Israel and said, “Go and strengthen your position, and take note what you must do, for in the spring the king of Aram will come up against you.” / Meanwhile, the servants of the king of Aram said to him, “Their gods are gods of the hills. That is why they prevailed over us. Instead, we should fight them on the plains; surely then we will prevail. / So do this: Dismiss all the kings from their positions and replace them with other officers. ... <a href="/2_kings/12-17.htm">2 Kings 12:17-18</a> At that time Hazael king of Aram marched up and fought against Gath and captured it. Then he decided to attack Jerusalem. / So King Joash of Judah took all the sacred objects dedicated by his fathers—Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, and Ahaziah, the kings of Judah—along with his own consecrated items and all the gold found in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and he sent them to Hazael king of Aram. So Hazael withdrew from Jerusalem. <a href="/2_kings/14-7.htm">2 Kings 14:7</a> Amaziah struck down 10,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. He took Sela in battle and called it Joktheel, which is its name to this very day. <a href="/2_kings/18-8.htm">2 Kings 18:8</a> He defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza and its borders, from watchtower to fortified city. <a href="/psalms/60-1.htm">Psalm 60:1</a> For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” A Miktam of David for instruction. When he fought Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah, and Joab returned and struck down 12,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. You have rejected us, O God; You have broken us; You have been angry; restore us! <a href="/psalms/108-10.htm">Psalm 108:10</a> Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? <a href="/matthew/22-7.htm">Matthew 22:7</a> The king was enraged, and he sent his troops to destroy those murderers and burn their city. <a href="/luke/14-31.htm">Luke 14:31</a> Or what king on his way to war with another king will not first sit down and consider whether he can engage with ten thousand men the one coming against him with twenty thousand?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And it came to pass, that after the year was expired, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it.A.<a href="/2_samuel/11-1.htm">2 Samuel 11:1</a> And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.<a href="/1_kings/20-22.htm">1 Kings 20:22,26</a> And the prophet came to the king of Israel, and said unto him, Go, strengthen thyself, and mark, and see what thou doest: for at the return of the year the king of Syria will come up against thee… <a href="/2_kings/13-20.htm">2 Kings 13:20</a> And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year.wasted<a href="/isaiah/6-11.htm">Isaiah 6:11</a> Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate,<a href="/isaiah/54-16.htm">Isaiah 54:16</a> Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.Rabbah<a href="/deuteronomy/3-11.htm">Deuteronomy 3:11</a> For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.<a href="/amos/1-14.htm">Amos 1:14</a> But I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah, and it shall devour the palaces thereof, with shouting in the day of battle, with a tempest in the day of the whirlwind:Joab smote<a href="/2_samuel/11-16.htm">2 Samuel 11:16-25</a> And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he assigned Uriah unto a place where he knew that valiant men were… <a href="/2_samuel/12-26.htm">2 Samuel 12:26-31</a> And Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_chronicles/19-19.htm">Ammon</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/19-18.htm">Army</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/19-17.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/2_kings/25-2.htm">Besieged</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/19-19.htm">Children</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/19-9.htm">Country</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/19-19.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/19-16.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/2_kings/25-1.htm">It</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/19-15.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/19-15.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/19-9.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/17-5.htm">Led</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-23.htm">Overthrew</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/18-3.htm">Power</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-27.htm">Rabbah</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/18-12.htm">Smote</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/18-12.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-18.htm">Tarried</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/19-1.htm">Time</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-16.htm">Wasted</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_chronicles/20-3.htm">Ammon</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-2.htm">Army</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/20-5.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-1.htm">Besieged</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/20-3.htm">Children</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/27-25.htm">Country</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/20-2.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/20-2.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/job/38-13.htm">It</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/20-3.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-2.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/1-12.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/20-27.htm">Led</a> <a href="/psalms/136-15.htm">Overthrew</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/25-5.htm">Power</a> <a href="/jeremiah/49-2.htm">Rabbah</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/20-4.htm">Smote</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-7.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/psalms/68-12.htm">Tarried</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/20-4.htm">Time</a> <a href="/job/5-15.htm">Wasted</a><div class="vheading2">1 Chronicles 20</div>1. <a href="/1_chronicles/20-1.htm">Rabbah is besieged by Joab, spoiled by David, and the people thereof tortured</a> 4. <a href="/1_chronicles/20-4.htm">Three giants are slain in overthrows of the Philistines.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/1_chronicles/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_chronicles/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_chronicles/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>In the spring, at the time when kings march out to war This phrase sets the historical and cultural context. In the ancient Near East, spring was the typical season for military campaigns due to favorable weather and the availability of food supplies. This practice is seen throughout the Old Testament, as kings would often engage in battles after the winter months. The timing also reflects the agricultural cycle, as armies could be sustained by the new harvest.Joab led out the army and ravaged the land of the Ammonites Joab, the commander of David's army, is a key military leader in Israel's history. The Ammonites were a neighboring nation often in conflict with Israel. This phrase indicates a continuation of hostilities that began in <a href="/2_samuel/10.htm">2 Samuel 10</a>, where the Ammonites had insulted David's envoys. The term "ravaged" suggests a thorough and destructive campaign, typical of ancient warfare, aimed at weakening the enemy's resources and morale.He came to Rabbah and besieged it Rabbah was the capital city of the Ammonites, located in modern-day Amman, Jordan. Archaeological evidence supports its significance as a fortified city. A siege was a common military tactic used to cut off supplies and force a city's surrender. This action is part of the broader narrative of Israel's expansion and consolidation of power under David's reign.but David remained in Jerusalem This phrase highlights a significant deviation from the norm, as kings typically led their armies into battle. David's decision to stay in Jerusalem is pivotal, as it sets the stage for the events in <a href="/2_samuel/11.htm">2 Samuel 11</a>, where David's absence from the battlefield leads to his sin with Bathsheba. This moment foreshadows the personal and national consequences of David's actions.And Joab attacked Rabbah and demolished it Joab's successful attack on Rabbah demonstrates his military prowess and loyalty to David. The demolition of the city signifies a decisive victory for Israel, fulfilling God's promise of giving the land to His people. This victory also serves as a type of Christ's ultimate triumph over His enemies, symbolizing the complete and final victory over sin and death.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/joab.htm">Joab</a> The commander of King David's army, known for his military prowess and loyalty to David, though sometimes acting independently. 2. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The King of Israel, who, in this instance, stayed behind in Jerusalem instead of leading his troops into battle. 3. <a href="/topical/a/ammonites.htm">Ammonites</a> A neighboring nation often in conflict with Israel, descendants of Lot, and frequently mentioned as adversaries in the Old Testament. 4. <a href="/topical/r/rabbah.htm">Rabbah</a> The capital city of the Ammonites, located in present-day Jordan, which was besieged and conquered by Joab. 5. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The capital city of Israel, where David remained during this military campaign.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership.htm">The Role of Leadership</a> David's decision to remain in Jerusalem while his army went to war highlights the importance of leadership presence. Leaders are called to be with their people, especially in times of conflict. <a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_complacency.htm">The Dangers of Complacency</a> David's absence from the battlefield can be seen as a precursor to his moral failure with Bathsheba, reminding us of the dangers of complacency and idleness. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a> Joab's actions, though successful, remind us of the need for obedience to God's commands and the king's directives, as independent actions can lead to unintended consequences. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare.htm">Spiritual Warfare</a> Just as physical battles were fought in the Old Testament, Christians are called to engage in spiritual warfare, relying on God's strength and guidance. <a href="/topical/s/seasons_of_action.htm">Seasons of Action</a> The phrase "at the time when kings go out to war" suggests that there are appropriate times for action and engagement. Discernment is needed to understand the seasons of our lives and act accordingly.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_chronicles_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 20</a> <a href="/q/david's_absence__align_or_contradict.htm">1 Chronicles 20:1: How does David’s apparent absence during the battle align with or contradict other accounts of his military leadership? </a> <a href="/q/why_does_elhanan_kill_goliath's_brother.htm">1 Chronicles 20:5: Why does this text say Elhanan killed Goliath's brother, whereas 2 Samuel 21:19 seems to conflict about who killed Goliath?</a> <a href="/q/why_the_discrepancy_on_jehoshaphat's_actions.htm">In 1 Kings 22:43, why does the text imply Jehoshaphat removed high places when 2 Chronicles 20:33 suggests otherwise?</a> <a href="/q/1_chronicles_20_6__is_the_giant's_anatomy_real.htm">1 Chronicles 20:6: Is the mention of a giant with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot biologically credible or purely symbolic?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_chronicles/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) After the year was expired.--Heb., at the time of the return of the year: i.e., in spring. (See <a href="/1_kings/20-22.htm" title="And the prophet came to the king of Israel, and said to him, Go, strengthen yourself, and mark, and see what you do: for at the return of the year the king of Syria will come up against you.">1Kings 20:22</a>; <a href="/1_kings/20-26.htm" title="And it came to pass at the return of the year, that Benhadad numbered the Syrians, and went up to Aphek, to fight against Israel.">1Kings 20:26</a>.)At the time that kings go out.--See <a href="/1_kings/20-16.htm" title="And they went out at noon. But Benhadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him.">1Kings 20:16</a>. Military operations were commonly suspended during winter. The Assyrian kings have chronicled their habit of making yearly expeditions of conquest and plunder. It was exceptional for the king to "remain in the country."Joab led forth the power of the army.--Samuel gives details: "David sent Joab and his servants (? the contingents of tributaries, <a href="/1_chronicles/19-19.htm" title="And when the servants of Hadarezer saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they made peace with David, and became his servants: neither would the Syrians help the children of Ammon any more.">1Chronicles 19:19</a>), and all Israel" (i.e., the entire national array).Wasted the country.--An explanation of Samuel: "wasted the sons of Ammon." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_chronicles/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - The fifteenth verse of the previous chapter stated that the discomfited Ammonites "fled... and entered into the city," i.e. into Rabbah. Hither we now learn that, by the command of David (<a href="/2_samuel/11-1.htm">2 Samuel 11:1</a>), Joab, at the "return of the year," i.e. probably at the return of spring (<a href="/exodus/23-16.htm">Exodus 23:16</a>; <a href="/exodus/34-22.htm">Exodus 34:22</a>), brings the power of the army, and, after ravaging the country surrounding it, sits down to besiege Rabbah itself. The series of feasts, beginning in spring and ending in autumn, regulated the year. The sacred year began with the new moon that became full next after the spring equinox; but the civil year at the seventh new moon. This one verse illustrates in four several instances at fewest the advantage of having two versions of the same events, even though in this case in comparatively immaterial respects. 1. We here read that Joab wasted the country of the children of Ammon... and besieged Rabbah, in place of the less consistent reading of <a href="/2_samuel/11-1.htm">2 Samuel 11:1</a>, "destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah." 2. We have here in the Hebrew the right word for "kings" (חַמְּלָכִים), instead of the word for "angels" (חמְלָאכִים), as in the parallel place. 3. While we read here that Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it, the parallel place, now shifted to <a href="/2_samuel/12-27.htm">2 Samuel 12:27-29</a>, tells of Joab's generosity (if it were this, and not fear or possibly somewhat tardy obedience to strict commands given on his commission), in his message to David, to repair to the spot immediately and share the glory of the reduction of the city, or be its nominal captor. . . . <a href="/commentaries/1_chronicles/20-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>In the spring, לְעֵת֩ (lə·‘êṯ) Preposition-l | Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6256.htm">Strong's 6256: </a> Time, now, when at the time when לְעֵ֣ת ׀ (lə·‘êṯ) Preposition-l | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6256.htm">Strong's 6256: </a> Time, now, when kings הַמְּלָכִ֗ים (ham·mə·lā·ḵîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king march out to war, צֵ֣את (ṣêṯ) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> To go, bring, out, direct and proxim Joab יוֹאָב֩ (yō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3097.htm">Strong's 3097: </a> Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites led out וַיִּנְהַ֣ג (way·yin·haḡ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5090.htm">Strong's 5090: </a> To drive forth, lead, carry away, to proceed, to sigh the army חֵ֨יל (ḥêl) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2426.htm">Strong's 2426: </a> An army, an intrenchment and laid waste וַיַּשְׁחֵ֣ת ׀ (way·yaš·ḥêṯ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7843.htm">Strong's 7843: </a> Perhaps to go to ruin to the land אֶ֣רֶץ (’e·reṣ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land of the Ammonites. בְּנֵֽי־ (bə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son He came וַיָּבֹא֙ (way·yā·ḇō) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go to Rabbah רַבָּ֔ה (rab·bāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7237.htm">Strong's 7237: </a> Rabbah -- two places in Israel and besieged it, וַיָּ֣צַר (way·yā·ṣar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6696.htm">Strong's 6696: </a> To confine, bind, besiege but David וְדָוִ֖יד (wə·ḏā·wîḏ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse remained יֹשֵׁ֣ב (yō·šêḇ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry in Jerusalem. בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם (bî·rū·šā·lim) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3389.htm">Strong's 3389: </a> Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel Joab יוֹאָ֛ב (yō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3097.htm">Strong's 3097: </a> Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites attacked וַיַּ֥ךְ (way·yaḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> To strike Rabbah רַבָּ֖ה (rab·bāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7237.htm">Strong's 7237: </a> Rabbah -- two places in Israel and demolished it. וַיֶּֽהֶרְסֶֽהָ׃ (way·ye·her·se·hā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2040.htm">Strong's 2040: </a> To pull down, in pieces, break, & destroy <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_chronicles/20-1.htm">1 Chronicles 20:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_chronicles/20-1.htm">1 Chronicles 20:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_chronicles/20-1.htm">1 Chronicles 20:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_chronicles/20-1.htm">1 Chronicles 20:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_chronicles/20-1.htm">1 Chronicles 20:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_chronicles/20-1.htm">1 Chronicles 20:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_chronicles/20-1.htm">1 Chronicles 20:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_chronicles/20-1.htm">1 Chronicles 20:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_chronicles/20-1.htm">1 Chronicles 20:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_chronicles/20-1.htm">1 Chronicles 20:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/20-1.htm">OT History: 1 Chronicles 20:1 It happened at the time (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_chronicles/19-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Chronicles 19:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Chronicles 19:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_chronicles/20-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Chronicles 20:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Chronicles 20:2" /></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>