1 Chronicles 20:1

Translation
King James Version
¶ 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.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And it came to pass, that after H6256 the year H8141 was expired H8666, at the time H6256 that kings H4428 go out H3318 to battle, Joab H3097 led forth H5090 the power H2428 of the army H6635, and wasted H7843 the country H776 of the children H1121 of Ammon H5983, and came H935 and besieged H6696 Rabbah H7237. But David H1732 tarried H3427 at Jerusalem H3389. And Joab H3097 smote H5221 Rabbah H7237, and destroyed H2040 it.
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Complete Jewish Bible
In the spring, at the time when kings go out to war, Yo'av led the army out in force and laid waste to the country of the people of 'Amon; then he came and laid siege to Rabbah. But David stayed in Yerushalayim, while Yo'av attacked Rabbah and destroyed it.
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Berean Standard Bible
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.
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American Standard Version
And it came to pass, at the time of the return of the year, at the time when kings go outto 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.
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World English Bible Messianic
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.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And when the yere was expired, in the time that Kings goe out a warfare, Ioab caryed out the strength of the armie, and destroyed the countrey of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah (but Dauid taryed at Ierusalem) and Ioab smote Rabbah and destroyed it.
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Young's Literal Translation
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.
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See also
2 Samuel 11:1Deuteronomy 3:11Amos 1:142 Samuel 12:262 Samuel 12:312 Kings 13:20Isaiah 54:16
See on the biblical-era map
The Conquest of Rabbah
The Conquest of Rabbah View full PDF
Wars with the Philistines
Wars with the Philistines View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 10,928 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 20:1 recounts a significant military campaign led by Joab, King David's commander, against the Ammonite capital, Rabbah, which culminated in its successful siege and destruction. This pivotal verse highlights Joab's effective military leadership and Israel's continued expansion and dominance in the region, while notably, and somewhat subtly, drawing attention to King David's unusual absence from the battlefield, as he remained in Jerusalem during a customary season for royal military engagement.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed within the Chronicler's narrative, immediately following a series of accounts detailing David's extensive military victories and the consolidation of his kingdom (chapters 18-19). It serves as the concluding act of the Ammonite-Syrian war, which began due to the Ammonites' egregious insult to David's envoys. The preceding chapter, 1 Chronicles 19, describes the initial phases of this conflict, including Joab's strategic prowess in defeating the combined Ammonite and Aramean forces. Chapter 20, though remarkably concise, brings this major conflict to a decisive close with the capture of Rabbah. The Chronicler's overarching purpose throughout these chapters is to portray David as a divinely favored and successful king, emphasizing the growth and security of his kingdom, and crucially, setting the theological stage for the future building of the temple. The deliberate omission of David's personal moral failings, such as the Bathsheba incident detailed in 2 Samuel 11, is a characteristic feature of the Chronicler's theological agenda, which often streamlines narratives to underscore the positive aspects of David's reign, the lineage of Judah, and the establishment of true worship.

  • Historical & Cultural Context: The opening phrase, "after the year was expired, at the time that kings go out [to battle]," refers to the well-established custom of military campaigns in the ancient Near East. This period, typically occurring in the spring, was chosen for practical reasons: winter rains had subsided, making roads and rivers more passable; the weather was conducive for troop movement and prolonged outdoor operations; and agricultural demands were less pressing, allowing for the mobilization and sustenance of large armies. Kings were generally expected to lead their armies personally, making David's decision to "tarry at Jerusalem" a significant deviation from royal protocol. Rabbah, the capital of Ammon (modern Amman, Jordan), held immense strategic importance due to its location on the King's Highway, a vital ancient trade route. Its capture represented a substantial expansion of Israelite dominion and control over a key geopolitical area. The "wasting of the country" before the siege was a common and brutal military tactic, designed to deplete the enemy's resources, destroy their infrastructure, and break their will to resist, thereby facilitating the final conquest.

  • Key Themes: This verse contributes to several profound themes woven throughout the book of Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Military Leadership and Prowess, with Joab's effective command showcasing the formidable strength and organization of David's army. This success is implicitly presented as a reflection of God's blessing on Israel's military endeavors, securing the kingdom's borders and expanding its influence, a theme consistently found in passages like 1 Chronicles 18. Secondly, it subtly introduces the theme of King's Responsibility and Presence. While the Chronicler refrains from explicit condemnation, the stark contrast between Joab's active leadership and David's decision to remain in Jerusalem serves as a narrative marker. This absence, particularly when viewed in light of the parallel account in 2 Samuel 11:1, becomes a critical turning point in David's life, subtly hinting at the dangers of complacency and the neglect of one's divinely appointed duties. Lastly, the conquest of Rabbah reinforces the overarching theme of Conquest and Dominion, illustrating the continued expansion and consolidation of David's kingdom, thereby fulfilling God's promises regarding Israel's inheritance and secure borders.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • expired (Hebrew, tᵉshûwbâh', H8666): This word denotes "a recurrence (of time or place)" or "return." In the phrase "after the year was expired," it refers to the annual cycle's return, specifically the spring season. This idiom marks the customary time when weather conditions became favorable for military campaigns, establishing the expected period for kings to lead their armies into battle, a custom David notably deviates from.
  • power (Hebrew, chayil', H2428): This term signifies "a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength." When Joab "led forth the power of the army," it indicates that he mobilized the full military might and resources of Israel. This word emphasizes the formidable strength, valor, and organized force that Joab commanded, highlighting the effectiveness of David's military apparatus.
  • tarried (Hebrew, yâshab', H3427): This verb primarily means "to sit down," but by implication, "to dwell," or "to remain." In this context, David's decision to "tarry" in Jerusalem underscores his choice to stay put, to remain inactive in the capital, rather than joining his army in the field. This word subtly highlights his departure from the expected active role of a warrior king, particularly when juxtaposed with Joab's decisive leadership.

Verse Breakdown

  • "¶ And it came to pass, that after the year was expired, at the time that kings go out [to battle],": This opening clause establishes the precise temporal and customary setting for the events that follow. "After the year was expired" refers to the arrival of spring, the traditional and most suitable season for military campaigns in the ancient Near East. The subsequent phrase, "at the time that kings go out [to battle]," explicitly underscores this established custom, setting a clear expectation for the king's personal involvement and leadership in warfare. This sets up a subtle but significant contrast with David's subsequent actions.
  • "Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah.": This segment details the decisive and comprehensive actions taken by Joab, King David's chief military commander. Joab takes the initiative, mobilizing the full strength and resources of the Israelite army. The phrase "wasted the country" describes the standard, destructive tactics employed to cripple the Ammonites' resources and break their will to resist. The ultimate objective, the siege of Rabbah, the Ammonite capital, signifies a well-planned and strategic military operation aimed at total conquest.
  • "But David tarried at Jerusalem.": This brief, yet profoundly significant, clause presents a stark contrast to Joab's active and aggressive leadership. David, the king, remains in the capital city of Jerusalem, deliberately choosing not to fulfill the expected role of leading his troops into battle. The Chronicler presents this fact without direct commentary or judgment, allowing the reader to perceive the deviation from the norm. For those familiar with the broader biblical narrative, this absence is the critical point of narrative divergence from the parallel account in 2 Samuel, which elaborates on the dire consequences of David's decision.
  • "And Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it.": This final clause reports the successful and conclusive outcome of the campaign. Joab, operating without David's direct participation, achieves a complete and decisive victory, conquering and utterly destroying the Ammonite capital. This highlights Joab's exceptional military competence and the overwhelming strength of the Israelite army, securing a significant triumph for David's kingdom and consolidating Israel's regional dominance.

Literary Devices

The Chronicler employs several key literary devices within this concise verse to convey its profound meaning. The most prominent is Juxtaposition, where the active, diligent, and ultimately successful leadership of Joab is placed in direct and pointed contrast with David's passive "tarrying at Jerusalem." This creates a subtle yet powerful narrative tension, especially for readers familiar with the broader biblical narrative of David's life. There is also a significant element of Narrative Economy or Selective Reporting, as the Chronicler deliberately chooses to present only the military outcome of the campaign, omitting the scandalous and morally compromising details of David's sin with Bathsheba and Uriah that occurred during this very same period, as extensively detailed in the parallel account of 2 Samuel 11. This selective reporting serves the Chronicler's theological purpose of highlighting David's positive contributions, his role in preparing for the temple, and the divine blessing on his reign, rather than dwelling on his personal moral failures. Finally, the phrase "at the time that kings go out [to battle]" functions as a subtle form of Foreshadowing, hinting at the profound significance and potential negative repercussions of David's deviation from this customary and expected practice, even if the direct consequences are not explicitly elaborated upon within this particular chapter of Chronicles.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

1 Chronicles 20:1, despite its brevity and the Chronicler's selective focus, offers profound theological insights into human responsibility, divine sovereignty, and the nature of biblical history. While the Chronicler's primary emphasis is on God's unwavering faithfulness to David and the ultimate success of his divinely ordained kingdom, David's absence from the battlefield subtly underscores the principle that even divinely appointed leaders remain accountable for their choices and actions. His decision to "tarry" was not merely a logistical choice but a moral one that, as revealed in the broader biblical narrative, opened the door to significant personal sin and national consequences. This highlights that God's overarching plan often unfolds through human agency, and human failures, even when omitted from one particular narrative, remain an integral part of the broader divine record and carry real-world implications. The decisive victory at Rabbah, achieved despite David's personal failure, ultimately testifies to God's overarching purpose for Israel and His steadfast commitment to establishing David's kingdom and ensuring its security.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

1 Chronicles 20:1 serves as a subtle yet potent reminder for believers today about the profound importance of diligence, presence, and accountability, particularly for those in positions of leadership or responsibility. David's decision to remain in Jerusalem, while seemingly innocuous in this specific account, was a significant departure from his expected duty as king and commander-in-chief. This seemingly small act of complacency ultimately created a vacuum that led to profound moral failure and significant national distress, as revealed elsewhere in Scripture. For us, this narrative highlights that complacency, procrastination, or the neglect of our God-given responsibilities—whether in our families, workplaces, churches, or personal spiritual lives—can open doors to temptation, vulnerability, and negative consequences. Our spiritual battles, much like physical ones, require our active participation, vigilance, and unwavering commitment. We cannot afford to "tarry" when the Lord calls us to action, to prayer, to service, or to stand firm against spiritual adversaries. This verse encourages us to be acutely mindful of our duties and to proactively engage with the challenges and opportunities God places before us, recognizing that our consistent presence, diligence, and faithfulness are vital for our flourishing, the well-being of those we influence, and ultimately, for honoring God.

Questions for Reflection

  • Where might I be "tarrying" in my own life, neglecting responsibilities or opportunities for growth and service that God has placed before me?
  • How does David's absence, even without explicit condemnation in this account, highlight the enduring importance of presence and diligence in all leadership roles, spiritual and otherwise?
  • What specific spiritual "battles" am I called to engage in today, and how can I ensure I am actively participating rather than remaining complacent or disengaged?

FAQ

Why does 1 Chronicles 20:1 omit the story of David and Bathsheba, which occurred at the same time according to 2 Samuel 11?

Answer: The Chronicler's primary purpose in writing 1 Chronicles was not to provide a comprehensive biography of David, but rather to present a theological history of Israel, focusing on the legitimacy and divine appointment of the Davidic dynasty, the centrality of the temple, and the crucial role of the Levites and priests in Israel's worship. The Chronicler often streamlined or omitted details that did not directly serve this theological agenda, particularly those that might cast David in a negative light or distract from the central themes of God's covenant faithfulness and the preparations for the temple. By focusing solely on Joab's military success and simply noting David's absence, the Chronicler maintains a positive portrayal of David's reign as a whole, emphasizing his role as the founder of the kingdom and the one who prepared for the temple, rather than dwelling on his personal moral failures. This omission is a deliberate narrative choice, not an oversight, reflecting the Chronicler's specific theological and historical aims. For the full, unvarnished account, readers are directed to 2 Samuel 11.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While 1 Chronicles 20:1 subtly reveals a moment of human failure and absence in King David, it ultimately points us to the perfect, ever-present, and fully engaged King, Jesus Christ. David "tarried at Jerusalem" when kings were expected to lead their armies, a decision that led to profound personal sin and national consequences. In stark contrast, Christ never "tarried" from His divine mission. He did not delegate the ultimate battle against sin, death, and the powers of darkness but personally "led forth the power" of His divine nature, humbling Himself to become human and engaging the enemy head-on. The true conquest of Rabbah, representing the triumph over spiritual strongholds, is found in Christ's decisive victory on the cross. He did not remain in a place of comfort or safety but willingly went to the spiritual battlefield, enduring the cross and conquering death, hell, and the grave (see Colossians 2:15). Unlike David, who failed to be present and vigilant, Jesus is the ever-present Shepherd, High Priest, and King, who is "touched with the feeling of our infirmities" because He was "in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). His active obedience, perfect life, and ultimate atoning sacrifice fulfill the ideal of a King who perfectly leads and conquers, not through human armies, but through His own redemptive work, securing an eternal victory and an everlasting kingdom for His people (as celebrated in Revelation 5:9-10).

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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 20 verses 1–3

How the army of the Ammonites and their allies was routed in the field we read in the foregoing chapters. Here we have the destruction of Rabbah, the metropolis of their kingdom (Ch1 20:1), the putting of their king's crown upon David's head (Ch1 20:2), and the great severity that was used towards the people, Ch1 20:3. Of this we had a more full account in 2 Sa. 11, 12, and cannot but remember it by this sad token, that while Joab was besieging Rabbah David fell into that great sin in the matter of Uriah. But it is observable that, though the rest of the story is repeated, that is not: a hint only is given of it, in those words which lie here in a parenthesis - But David tarried at Jerusalem. If he had been abroad with his army, he would have been out of the way of that temptation; but, indulging his ease, he fell into uncleanness. Now, as the relating of the sin David fell into is an instance of the impartiality and fidelity of the sacred writers, so the avoiding of the repetition of it here, when there was a fair occasion given to speak of it again, is designed to teach us that, though there may be a just occasion to speak of the faults and miscarriages of others, yet we should not take delight in the repetition of them. That should always be looked upon as an unpleasing subject which, though sometimes one cannot help falling upon, yet one would not choose to dwell upon, any more than we should love to rake in a dunghill. The persons, or actions, we can say no good of, we had best say nothing of.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–3. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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