Keraia
2 Samuel 11

2 Samuel 11:1

David and Bathsheba · 2 Samuel 11:1–13
Read 2 Samuel 11

Translations

Modern
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.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And it came to pass at the return of the year, at the time of the going out of the kings, that David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel, and they destroyed the sons of Ammon and laid siege against Rabbah. And David remained at Jerusalem.
Latin
Factum est autem, vertente anno, eo tempore quo solent reges ad bella procedere, misit David Joab, et servos suos cum eo, et universum Israël, et vastaverunt filios Ammon, et obsederunt Rabba: David autem remansit in Jerusalem.

Original

Hebrew
English
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.

Notes

2 Samuel 11:1

  • In the spring of the year, the land began to dry out after the heavy winter rains. Kings avoided war during the rainy season.

  • David stayed behind either because he was irresponsible in carrying out his royal duties or because he trusted Joab to efficiently handle the Ammonite problem (compare 2 Samuel 10:7). This is the first mention of a leader of Israel staying off the battlefield in a time of war.

2 Samuel 11:1–27

David’s affair with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband Uriah show that David was capable of serious moral failure. These actions deeply damaged David’s life and leadership.

These failures took place during a period when David was enjoying major military success against the Ammonites (2 Samuel 10:1–11:1; 12:26–31).

Events

People

David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Joab: Son of Zeruiah, commander of David's army

Places

Ammon: An ancient nation and its capital city, enemies of Israel Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions

Glossary

Ammon, Ammonites Archaeology and the Bible Bathsheba David Hanun Hittites Joab Kings, Books of First and Second Nathan Psalms, Book of Rabbah of the Ammonites Samuel, Books of First and Second Uriah

Topics

Adultery: David Ammonites: Defeated by the Israelites Armies: Began Their Campaigns in the Spring Armies: March in Ranks: Unusual Winter Campaign Evil for Good: David, to Uriah Friends: False Friends: David Was False to Uriah Joab: Son of David's Sister: Captures Rabbah Rabbah: Also Called Rabbath: Captured by David Siege: Rabbah Sieges: Rabbah Treachery of David to Uriah