KJV ORIGINAL
Now therefore gather the rest of the people together, and encamp against the city, and take it: lest I take the city, and it be called after my name.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
So now gather the rest of our army together, set up camp around the city, and capture it yourself. Otherwise, if I capture the city, it will be named after me.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Joab is telling King David to come finish conquering the city himself so that David gets the credit and honor for the victory.
📚 Historical Context
This is Joab speaking to King David during the siege of Rabbah, the capital city of the Ammonites. Joab had been leading the military campaign and had successfully weakened the city's defenses, but he wanted David to personally deliver the final blow. In ancient times, conquering cities were often renamed after the victorious king, which brought lasting honor and recognition.
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