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They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem. <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/11.htm">New Living Translation</a> In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem. <a href="/esv/2_samuel/11.htm">English Standard Version</a> In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</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="/kjv/2_samuel/11.htm">King James Bible</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="/nkjv/2_samuel/11.htm">New King James Version</a> It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the people of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel, and they brought destruction on the sons of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed in Jerusalem. <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/11.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel, and they destroyed the sons of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem. <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel, and they destroyed the sons of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem. <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel, and they destroyed the sons of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem. <a href="/amp/2_samuel/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then it happened in the spring, at the time when the kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all [the fighting men of] Israel, and they destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem. <a href="/csb/2_samuel/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> In the spring when kings march out to war, David sent Joab with his officers and all Israel. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah, but David remained in Jerusalem. <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> In the spring when kings march out to war, David sent Joab with his officers and all Israel. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah, but David remained in Jerusalem. <a href="/asv/2_samuel/11.htm">American Standard Version</a> And it came to pass, at the return of the year, at the time when kings go out 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 at Jerusalem. <a href="/cev/2_samuel/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> It was now spring, the time when kings go to war. David sent out the whole Israelite army under the command of Joab and his officers. They destroyed the Ammonite army and surrounded the capital city of Rabbah, but David stayed in Jerusalem. <a href="/erv/2_samuel/11.htm">English Revised Version</a> And it came to pass, at the return of the year, at the time when kings go out 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 at Jerusalem. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> In the spring, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, his mercenaries, and Israel's army [to war]. They destroyed the Ammonites and attacked Rabbah, while David stayed in Jerusalem. <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/11.htm">Good News Translation</a> The following spring, at the time of the year when kings usually go to war, David sent out Joab with his officers and the Israelite army; they defeated the Ammonites and besieged the city of Rabbah. But David himself stayed in Jerusalem. <a href="/isv/2_samuel/11.htm">International Standard Version</a> One spring day, during the time of year when kings go off to war, David sent out Joab, along with his personal staff and all of Israel's army. They utterly destroyed the Ammonites and then attacked Rabbah while David remained in Jerusalem. <a href="/msb/2_samuel/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</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="/net/2_samuel/11.htm">NET Bible</a> In the spring of the year, at the time when kings normally conduct wars, David sent out Joab with his officers and the entire Israelite army. They defeated the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed behind in Jerusalem. <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> It happened, at the return of the year, at the time when kings go out, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the people of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem. <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And it came to pass, after the year had 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 destroyed Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. <a href="/web/2_samuel/11.htm">World English Bible</a> At the return of the year, at the time when kings go out, David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And it comes to pass, at the revolution of the year—at the time of the going out of the messengers—that David sends Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel, and they destroy the sons of Ammon, and lay siege against Rabbah, but David is dwelling in Jerusalem. <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And it cometh to pass, at the revolution of the year -- at the time of the going out of the messengers -- that David sendeth Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel, and they destroy the Bene-Ammon, and lay siege against Rabbah. And David is dwelling in Jerusalem, <a href="/slt/2_samuel/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And it will be at the return of the year, at the time of the going forth of kings, and David will send Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they will destroy the sons of Ammon, and they will watch closely against Rabbah And David will dwell in Jerusalem.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And it came to pass at the return of the year, at the time when kings go forth to war, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel, and they spoiled the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabba: but David remained in Jerusalem. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now it happened that, at the turn of the year, in the time when kings usually go forth to war, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all of Israel, and they laid waste to the sons of Ammon, and they besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem. <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/11.htm">New American Bible</a> At the turn of the year, the time when kings go to war, David sent out Joab along with his officers and all Israel, and they laid waste the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. David himself remained in Jerusalem. <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab with his officers and all Israel with him; they ravaged the Ammonites, and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> AFTER the year expired, at the time when the king leaves the palace, David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel; and they besieged Rabbath. But David remained in Jerusalem. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And at the turning of the year at the time of the going forth of Kings, David sent Yuab and his Servants with him and all Israel and they camped by Rabbath and David was dwelling in Jerusalem<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And it came to pass, at the return of the year, at the time when kings go out 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 at Jerusalem. <a href="/sep/2_samuel/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And it came to pass when the time o the year for kings going out to battle had come round, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbath: but David remained at Jerusalem. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/11-1.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/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=2542" 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/2_samuel/11.htm">David and Bathsheba</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/8666.htm" title="8666: liṯ·šū·ḇaṯ (Prep-l:: N-fsc) -- A return, answer. Or tshubah; from shuwb; a recurrence; a reply.">In 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/4397.htm" title="4397: ham·mal·ḵīm (Art:: N-mp) -- A messenger. From an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. An angel.">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/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David</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/7971.htm" title="7971: way·yiš·laḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">sent out</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: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">his servants</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·mōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix."></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">the whole army</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7843.htm" title="7843: way·yaš·ḥi·ṯū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- Perhaps to go to ruin. A primitive root; to decay, i.e. ruin.">They destroyed</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.).">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/6696.htm" title="6696: way·yā·ṣu·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To confine, bind, besiege. A primitive root; to cramp, i.e. Confine.">and besieged</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></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/1732.htm" title="1732: wə·ḏā·wiḏ (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·wō·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> 2One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman.…<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="/1_chronicles/20-1.htm">1 Chronicles 20:1</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="/1_kings/20-22.htm">1 Kings 20:22</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.” <a href="/1_kings/20-26.htm">1 Kings 20:26</a> In the spring, Ben-hadad mobilized the Arameans and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel. <a href="/1_kings/15-6.htm">1 Kings 15:6</a> And there was war between the houses of Rehoboam and Jeroboam all the days of Abijam’s life. <a href="/1_kings/15-16.htm">1 Kings 15:16</a> Now there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel throughout their days. <a href="/1_kings/15-32.htm">1 Kings 15:32</a> And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel throughout their days. <a href="/1_kings/16-15.htm">1 Kings 16:15-16</a> In the twenty-seventh year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Zimri reigned in Tirzah for seven days. Now the troops were encamped against Gibbethon of the Philistines, / and the people in the camp heard that Zimri had conspired against the king and struck him down. So there in the camp that very day, all Israel proclaimed Omri, the commander of the army, king over Israel. <a href="/1_kings/16-21.htm">1 Kings 16:21-22</a> At that time the people of Israel were divided: Half of the people supported Tibni son of Ginath as king, and half supported Omri. / But the followers of Omri proved stronger than those of Tibni son of Ginath. So Tibni died and Omri became king. <a href="/1_kings/22-1.htm">1 Kings 22:1</a> Then three years passed without war between Aram and Israel. <a href="/1_kings/22-29.htm">1 Kings 22:29</a> So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead. <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/19-19.htm">1 Chronicles 19:19</a> When Hadadezer’s subjects saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they made peace with David and became subject to him. So the Arameans were unwilling to help the Ammonites anymore. <a href="/1_chronicles/20-2.htm">1 Chronicles 20:2-3</a> Then 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. / David brought out the people who were there and put them to work with saws, iron picks, and axes. And he did the same to all the Ammonite cities. Then David and all his troops returned to Jerusalem. <a href="/matthew/24-6.htm">Matthew 24:6</a> You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. <a href="/mark/13-7.htm">Mark 13:7</a> When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.<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_chronicles/36-10.htm">2 Chronicles 36:10</a> And when the year was expired, king Nebuchadnezzar sent, and brought him to Babylon, with the goodly vessels of the house of the LORD, and made Zedekiah his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem.<a href="/ecclesiastes/3-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:8</a> A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.David sent<a href="/1_chronicles/20-1.htm">1 Chronicles 20:1</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="/zechariah/14-3.htm">Zechariah 14:3</a> Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.Rabbah<a href="/2_samuel/12-26.htm">2 Samuel 12:26</a> And Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city.<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="/1_chronicles/20-1.htm">1 Chronicles 20:1</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.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/10-19.htm">Ammon</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-17.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-1.htm">Besieged</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-19.htm">Children</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-18.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-3.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-26.htm">Expired</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-16.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-19.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-14.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-14.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-19.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/joshua/15-60.htm">Rabbah</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-19.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-2.htm">Tarried</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-1.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/12-9.htm">Ammon</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-15.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-15.htm">Besieged</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-3.htm">Children</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-2.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-16.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/17-11.htm">Expired</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-30.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-11.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-12.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-6.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-28.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-26.htm">Rabbah</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-9.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-17.htm">Tarried</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-27.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 11</div>1. <a href="/2_samuel/11-1.htm">While Joab besieges Rabbah, David commits adultery with Bathsheba</a> 6. <a href="/2_samuel/11-6.htm">Uriah, sent for by David to cover the adultery, would not go home.</a> 14. <a href="/2_samuel/11-14.htm">He carries to Joab the letter of his death</a> 18. <a href="/2_samuel/11-18.htm">Joab sends the news thereof to David</a> 26. <a href="/2_samuel/11-26.htm">David takes Bathsheba as his wife</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/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>In the spring, at the time when kings march out to war This phrase sets the scene in the ancient Near East, where military campaigns were typically conducted in the spring. The rainy season had ended, making travel and warfare more feasible. This was a common practice among ancient kingdoms, as seen in other biblical accounts (<a href="/1_kings/20-22.htm">1 Kings 20:22, 26</a>). The timing underscores the expectation that kings would lead their armies, highlighting the unusual nature of David's decision to stay behind.David sent out Joab and his servants with the whole army of Israel David, the king of Israel, delegates the military leadership to Joab, his trusted commander. Joab is a prominent figure in David's reign, known for his military prowess and sometimes ruthless tactics (<a href="/2_samuel/3-27.htm">2 Samuel 3:27, 20</a>:10). The mention of "the whole army of Israel" indicates a significant military campaign, emphasizing the seriousness of the conflict with the Ammonites.They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah The Ammonites were a neighboring nation often in conflict with Israel (<a href="/judges/11-4.htm">Judges 11:4-33</a>). The destruction of the Ammonites signifies a decisive victory for Israel. Rabbah, the capital of Ammon, is located in modern-day Amman, Jordan. Archaeological evidence supports its significance as a fortified city. The siege of Rabbah indicates a prolonged military engagement, which is further detailed in <a href="/2_samuel/12-26.htm">2 Samuel 12:26-31</a>.but David remained in Jerusalem This phrase is pivotal, marking a departure from the expected role of a king. David's decision to stay in Jerusalem sets the stage for the events that follow, including his sin with Bathsheba (<a href="/2_samuel/11-2.htm">2 Samuel 11:2-5</a>). This deviation from duty can be seen as a moral and spiritual lapse, leading to personal and national consequences. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of the human propensity to sin and the need for divine grace, foreshadowing the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the role of the perfect king.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The King of Israel, who chose to stay in Jerusalem instead of leading his army into battle. 2. <a href="/topical/j/joab.htm">Joab</a> The commander of David's army, tasked with leading the military campaign against the Ammonites. 3. <a href="/topical/s/servants_of_david.htm">Servants of David</a> The soldiers and officials who accompanied Joab to battle. 4. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The nation under David's rule, engaged in warfare against the Ammonites. 5. <a href="/topical/a/ammonites.htm">Ammonites</a> The enemy nation that Israel was fighting against during this campaign. 6. <a href="/topical/r/rabbah.htm">Rabbah</a> The capital city of the Ammonites, which was besieged by Joab and the Israelite army. 7. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where David remained, setting the stage for the events that follow in the chapter.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_duty.htm">The Importance of Duty</a> David's decision to remain in Jerusalem instead of leading his troops serves as a cautionary tale about neglecting one's responsibilities. Leaders are called to be present and active in their roles. <a href="/topical/v/vulnerability_in_idleness.htm">Vulnerability in Idleness</a> David's idleness in Jerusalem set the stage for his subsequent moral failure. This highlights the danger of spiritual complacency and the need to remain vigilant in our walk with God. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_sin.htm">The Consequences of Sin</a> The events that follow David's decision to stay in Jerusalem illustrate how one poor choice can lead to a cascade of sin and its consequences. It serves as a reminder of the importance of making godly decisions. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_accountability.htm">The Role of Accountability</a> David's absence from the battlefield removed him from the accountability of his men. This underscores the importance of surrounding ourselves with godly counsel and accountability partners.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 11</a> <a href="/q/did_david_rape_bathsheba.htm">Did David commit rape against Bathsheba?</a> <a href="/q/does_2_sam_11_1_match_spring_war_evidence.htm">How does 2 Samuel 11:1 align with historical or archaeological evidence that kings only went to war in the spring? </a> <a href="/q/is_david's_quick_forgiveness_realistic.htm">In 2 Samuel 12:13, David’s quick confession leads to forgiveness, but is the swift absolution realistic given the gravity of adultery and murder? </a> <a href="/q/why_did_david_want_married_bathsheba.htm">Why did David desire Bathsheba despite her being married?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>XI.(1) After the year was expired.--Literally, as in margin, at the return of the year. This refers back to <a href="/2_samuel/10-14.htm" title="And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, then fled they also before Abishai, and entered into the city. So Joab returned from the children of Ammon, and came to Jerusalem.">2Samuel 10:14</a>. Joab had spent the winter or rainy season at Jerusalem; now he returns to Ammon. David had evidently hurried his campaign against Hadarezer to prevent the junction of his foes, and Joab had probably been sent at first with only a small force to hold the Ammonites in check. With the speedy and successful close of David's own operations, he returned to Jerusalem, while the bulk of the army was sent to join Joab. By the curious insertion of a letter the Hebrew text reads "when angels (or messengers) go forth." It is corrected in the margin.Destroyed the children.--<a href="/1_chronicles/20-1.htm" title="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.">1Chronicles 20:1</a>, explains "wasted the country of the children." After the custom of ancient warfare, while the army was besieging Rabbah, foraging parties were sent out to lay waste the country and cut off any stragglers. Comp. <a href="/context/1_samuel/13-17.htm" title="And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned to the way that leads to Ophrah, to the land of Shual:">1Samuel 13:17-18</a>.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - After the year was expired; Hebrew and Revised Version, at the return of the year; that is, as Josephus paraphrases it, "the next spring." It seems quite certain that the war with Hadarezer did not take place in the same year as the defeat of the Syrians at Medeba. For the gathering of his mercenaries by Nahash would occupy a long time, and it was done so leisurely, that not only did news of it reach Jerusalem, but David was able to collect his forces, and instead of awaiting the invasion, could deliver his attack on the enemy's ground. The battle at Medeba took place in the autumn, and, as it was impossible to keep the field with winter so near, Joab marched back to Jerusalem, intending in the spring to return to the siege of Rabbah. But David quickly had information that a more serious war was impending, and, instead of sending Joab, he now gathers "all Israel," and, after gaining a victory, it is plain that he marched into the Syrian territories, and compelled by his presence the allies of Hadarezer to transfer their allegiance to him. Simultaneously with this war he had to meet the attack of the Edomites, for which purpose he detached Abishai with a portion of his army; and it was necessary also to post garrisons in their country, and in Atom of Damascus. It was while he was thus occupied in the Aramean states that he gathered the "much brass" spoken of in <a href="/2_samuel/8-8.htm">2 Samuel 8:8</a>. The Ammonites would necessarily be left to themselves while these great events were going on, but now, after a respite of a year and a half, David sent Joab, and his servants, that is, his officers - the word "servant" in Oriental courts being constantly used to designate those, high in rank near the king's person - and all Israel; that is, an army gathered from all the tribes. In accordance with the cruel customs of ancient warfare, they began by laying the whole country waste, and putting all whom they found to the sword, and thus destroyed the children of Ammon before laying siege to the capital, into which all the people by these harsh measures had been forced to go for refuge. In the Hebrew there is a curious spelling, the word "kings" being written melakim, with an aleph to represent the long a. It is a mistake to suppose that a different word, malakim, "angels" or "ambassadors," is meant, as it is nothing more than an archaic method of spelling, instances of which have been made rare by the extreme fastidiousness of Hebrew scribes. There is, however, another example not far off, where the Hebrew word for "poor" is also written with an inserted aleph. <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/11-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>In the spring, לִתְשׁוּבַ֨ת (liṯ·šū·ḇaṯ) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8666.htm">Strong's 8666: </a> A recurrence, a reply 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 הַמַּלְאֿכִ֗ים‪‬ (ham·malḵîm) 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 David דָּוִ֡ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse sent וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח (way·yiš·laḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out 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 with וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-) Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case his servants עֲבָדָ֨יו (‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant and וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-) Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case the whole [army] כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every of Israel. יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc They destroyed וַיַּשְׁחִ֙תוּ֙ (way·yaš·ḥi·ṯū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7843.htm">Strong's 7843: </a> Perhaps to go to ruin the Ammonites בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son and besieged וַיָּצֻ֖רוּ (way·yā·ṣu·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6696.htm">Strong's 6696: </a> To confine, bind, besiege Rabbah, רַבָּ֑ה (rab·bāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7237.htm">Strong's 7237: </a> Rabbah -- two places in Israel but David וְדָוִ֖ד (wə·ḏā·wiḏ) 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 יוֹשֵׁ֥ב (yō·wō·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. בִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם׃ (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 <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/11-1.htm">2 Samuel 11:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/11-1.htm">2 Samuel 11:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/11-1.htm">2 Samuel 11:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/11-1.htm">2 Samuel 11:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/11-1.htm">2 Samuel 11:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/11-1.htm">2 Samuel 11:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/11-1.htm">2 Samuel 11:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/11-1.htm">2 Samuel 11:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/11-1.htm">2 Samuel 11:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/11-1.htm">2 Samuel 11:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-1.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 11:1 It happened at the return (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/10-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 10:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 10:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/11-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 11:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 11:2" /></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>