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.
When spring came around, the time when kings usually go out to war, Joab led the army and devastated the land of the Ammonites. He came and surrounded their capital city, Rabbah. But David stayed behind in Jerusalem. Joab attacked Rabbah and completely destroyed it.
This verse describes how David's army, led by Joab, successfully conquered the Ammonite capital while David remained in Jerusalem instead of leading the battle himself.
📚 Historical Context
In the ancient Near East, military campaigns were typically launched in the spring after the rainy season, when roads were passable and provisions were available, as this was a standard practice for kings and armies. This verse describes an event during King David's reign, where his commander Joab led the Israelite forces against the Ammonites, besieging their capital city of Rabbah, while David remained in Jerusalem. The account highlights the ongoing conflicts between Israel and neighboring nations, reflecting the broader biblical narrative of God's people defending their territory.
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