2 Samuel 11:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, after the year {H8141} was expired {H8666}, at the time {H6256} when kings {H4428}{H4397} go forth {H3318} to battle, that David {H1732} sent {H7971} Joab {H3097}, and his servants {H5650} with him, and all Israel {H3478}; and they destroyed {H7843} the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983}, and besieged {H6696} Rabbah {H7237}. But David {H1732} tarried still {H3427} at Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In the spring, at the time when kings go out to war, David sent out Yo'av, his servants who were with him and all Isra'el. They ravaged the people of 'Amon and laid siege to Rabbah. But David stayed in Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, at the return of the year, at the time when kings go outto 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 11:1 serves as a stark and pivotal turning point in the narrative of King David's reign, marking the beginning of his moral decline. It describes the customary time for kings to lead their armies into battle, specifically against the Ammonites, yet strikingly notes David's conspicuous absence from the field. While his general Joab and the entire Israelite army fulfill their duty by besieging Rabbah, David remains in Jerusalem, an act of idleness that immediately precedes and sets the stage for his catastrophic sins of adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as a critical hinge between the triumphs of David's early reign and the subsequent period of turmoil and judgment that plagues his household. Chapters 8-10 detail David's military victories and the consolidation of his kingdom, culminating in the Ammonite conflict initiated by their insult to David's messengers ([2 Samuel 10:1-5](/2_samuel/10-1 "2 Samuel 10:1-5 - David's Kindness and Ammonite Insult")). The narrative flow explicitly highlights David's delegating of the war effort to Joab, immediately followed by the infamous account of David's encounter with Bathsheba in [2 Samuel 11:2-5](/2_samuel/11-2 "2 Samuel 11:2-5 - David and Bathsheba"). Thus, David's decision to "tarry" in Jerusalem is not merely an incidental detail but the direct narrative precursor to his moral downfall, signaling a shift from a king actively engaged in righteous leadership to one susceptible to temptation through idleness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth [to battle]" refers to the spring season, typically after the winter rains had subsided, making the ground suitable for military campaigns. This was the established custom for monarchs in the ancient Near East, who were expected to personally lead their armies. David, as the king of Israel, would have been expected to fulfill this role, particularly in a significant campaign like the siege of Rabbah, the capital of Ammon. The Ammonites were historical adversaries of Israel, and the current conflict stemmed from their egregious insult to David's envoys, a grave offense in ancient diplomatic relations. David's choice to remain in Jerusalem, therefore, was not merely a personal preference but a deviation from his kingly duty and the prevailing cultural expectation for a warrior-king.

* **Key Themes:** The verse introduces several profound themes that resonate throughout the rest of David's story and beyond. Firstly, it underscores the **peril of idleness and neglected duty**. David's absence from his expected role as military leader creates a void, an opportunity for temptation to take root, illustrating that even great leaders are vulnerable when they step outside their God-given responsibilities. Secondly, it highlights the **beginning of David's moral decline**, serving as the catalyst for the subsequent sins of adultery and murder. This marks a significant turning point from the "man after God's own heart" to one who falls grievously, demonstrating that even the most devout can stumble. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **consequences for sin**, foreshadowing the severe judgment and familial strife that would plague David's house as prophesied by Nathan in [2 Samuel 12:10-12](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10-12 - Nathan's Prophecy of Judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Expired (Hebrew, _tešûḇat haššānâ'_):** Literally "the return of the year." This phrase denotes the cyclical nature of time, specifically the annual return of spring, which was the customary and expected season for military campaigns. It emphasizes that David's inaction was not due to an unusual circumstance but a deliberate choice to deviate from a well-established norm.
* **Tarried (Hebrew, _wayyešeb'_):** This verb means "and he sat" or "and he remained." It is a simple yet profoundly significant word in this context, conveying David's passive choice to stay in Jerusalem rather than actively "going forth" to battle. The contrast with the active "go forth" of other kings underscores David's unique and fateful decision to be absent from his post, setting the stage for his vulnerability.
* **Go forth (Hebrew, _yeṣeʾû'_):** This verb means "to go out" or "to go forth," specifically in the context of military action. It describes the active, expected duty of kings during this season. By contrasting David's "tarrying" with the active "going forth" of other kings, the text highlights David's dereliction of duty, which opens the door to the subsequent narrative of his sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth [to battle]":** This opening clause establishes the precise historical and cultural context. It sets the scene by indicating the specific season—spring—which was universally recognized as the prime time for military campaigns. The phrase "when kings go forth to battle" underscores the expected behavior of monarchs, immediately creating a dramatic contrast with David's subsequent action (or inaction). This is the norm against which David's deviation will be measured.
* **"that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah.":** This part describes the military action that *did* take place. David, despite his absence, still orchestrates the war effort by dispatching his loyal general, Joab, along with the full might of Israel's army. The army successfully engages the Ammonites and lays siege to their capital, Rabbah, indicating that the military campaign was proceeding effectively under Joab's leadership. This highlights David's delegation of a duty that was traditionally his own.
* **"But David tarried still at Jerusalem.":** This final, short, and stark clause is the most crucial part of the verse. The conjunction "But" signals a sharp contrast to the preceding actions and the expected norm. David's choice to "tarry" (remain) in Jerusalem, away from the battlefield, is presented as a deliberate and significant deviation. This seemingly minor act of idleness is the critical pivot point, creating the circumstances under which David becomes vulnerable to temptation, directly leading to the unfolding tragedy of his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is the most prominent, highlighted by David's inaction ("tarried still at Jerusalem") against the expected action of "kings go forth [to battle]" and the active engagement of Joab and the army. This stark opposition immediately signals David's deviation from his kingly duty. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as David's idleness and absence from his post implicitly warn the reader that something negative is about to occur; it sets the stage for the moral failures that immediately follow. There is also a subtle **Irony** at play: David, renowned as a mighty warrior and courageous leader who famously defeated Goliath ([1 Samuel 17:45](/1_samuel/17-45 "1 Samuel 17:45 - David's Victory Over Goliath")), is now depicted as remaining in the comfort of his palace while his army fights. This verse functions as a clear **Turning Point** in David's narrative, marking the end of a period of unblemished success and the beginning of a dark chapter filled with sin and its devastating consequences.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This foundational verse underscores the profound spiritual danger of idleness and the neglect of one's God-given responsibilities. David, a man after God's own heart, demonstrates that even the most spiritually mature individuals are susceptible to temptation when they step outside their sphere of duty and allow complacency to set in. His decision to "tarry" was not inherently sinful, but it created the fertile ground for sin to germinate, illustrating that vulnerability often arises not in moments of intense struggle but in periods of ease and unfulfilled purpose. This serves as a timeless warning that spiritual vigilance is paramount, regardless of one's past faithfulness or position.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")
* [1 Corinthians 10:12](/1_corinthians/10-12 "1 Corinthians 10:12 - Stand Firm")
* [Matthew 26:41](/matthew/26-41 "Matthew 26:41 - Watch and Pray")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's decision to "tarry" in Jerusalem, a seemingly small deviation from his kingly duty, serves as a powerful cautionary tale for believers today. It highlights that neglecting our responsibilities, whether in our spiritual walk, family life, or professional calling, can create a dangerous void that makes us susceptible to temptation. Just as David was meant to be on the battlefield, we are called to be actively engaged in the "good fight of faith," vigilant against the schemes of the enemy, and diligent in fulfilling the purposes God has for us. Idleness, whether physical or spiritual, can lead to complacency, which in turn can open the door to compromises that seem minor at first but can escalate into significant moral failures. This verse compels us to honestly examine where we might be "tarrying" instead of "going forth" in our lives, urging us to remain purposeful, watchful, and committed to our God-given duties to safeguard our hearts and minds.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "battles" or responsibilities in my life—spiritual, familial, professional—that God expects me to "go forth" and engage in?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to "tarry" or become complacent, rather than actively fulfilling my duties?**
* **How does idleness (of mind, body, or spirit) create opportunities for temptation or sin in my own experience?**
* **Can I identify any "small deviations" or neglects in my life that, if left unchecked, could lead to more significant moral or spiritual failures?**

### FAQ

**Why is David's absence from battle so significant?**

Answer: David's absence is significant because it represents a deviation from his expected role as king and military leader during a customary time for war. In the ancient Near East, kings were expected to personally lead their armies into battle. By delegating this crucial duty and remaining in Jerusalem, David placed himself in a position of idleness and vulnerability. This idleness directly precedes and enables his subsequent sins of adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah, making his decision to "tarry" the critical catalyst for his moral downfall. It underscores the spiritual danger of neglecting one's responsibilities and becoming complacent.

**Was this the absolute beginning of David's moral decline, or were there earlier signs?**

Answer: While 2 Samuel 11:1 is widely considered the *catalyst* and *turning point* for David's public and catastrophic moral decline, it's possible that seeds of pride, complacency, or an overreliance on his power had been subtly growing before this point. The text doesn't explicitly state earlier moral failures, but the immediate and severe nature of his subsequent sins suggests a heart that had become less vigilant. This verse, however, is undeniably the narrative hinge where David's actions directly lead to his most grievous transgressions, marking a clear shift from his earlier character.

**What does "after the year was expired" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "after the year was expired" (KJV) or "at the turn of the year" (ESV, NIV) refers to the spring season. This was the traditional time for military campaigns in the ancient Near East, as the winter rains would have subsided, making travel and warfare more feasible. It emphasizes that David's decision to stay in Jerusalem was not due to an unusual or unfavorable circumstance, but a deliberate choice to deviate from the established custom and expectation for kings to lead their armies during this specific, annual period of warfare.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's failure to "go forth to battle" and his decision to "tarry" in Jerusalem stands in stark contrast to the perfect obedience and unwavering commitment of Jesus Christ, the true King of Israel. Unlike David, who neglected his kingly duty and succumbed to temptation born of idleness, Christ consistently "went forth" to fulfill the will of His Father. From His active ministry of teaching and healing to His resolute journey towards Jerusalem and the cross, Jesus never "tarried" from His divine mission. He is the King who perfectly leads His people in the ultimate battle against sin and death, not by delegating but by personally engaging and conquering. Where David’s idleness led to sin and judgment, Christ’s active obedience, even to the point of death on a cross, secured salvation and eternal life for His people ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")). He is the High Priest who was "in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our High Priest")), demonstrating perfect vigilance and faithfulness. Jesus embodies the King who always fulfills His calling, whose "food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work" ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food")), providing the ultimate example and the only true hope for those who, like David, fall short.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 20:1

¶ 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.

1 Kings 20:26

And it came to pass at the return of the year, that Benhadad numbered the Syrians, and went up to Aphek, to fight against Israel.

1 Kings 20:22

¶ 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.

2 Chronicles 36:10

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.

Ecclesiastes 3:8

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Deuteronomy 3:11

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.

Ezekiel 21:20

Appoint a way, that the sword may come to Rabbath of the Ammonites, and to Judah in Jerusalem the defenced.