2 Samuel 11:1

¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context of 2 Samuel 11:1

This verse marks a pivotal and tragic turning point in the life of King David. Historically, it was customary for kings in the ancient Near East to lead their armies into battle during the spring, after the winter rains had subsided. This period, often referred to as "the turn of the year," was prime time for military campaigns. At this specific juncture, the Ammonites, who had previously insulted David's messengers, were the target of Israel's military might. David sent his general, Joab, and the full army of Israel to besiege Rabbah, the Ammonite capital.

The crucial detail, however, is that David tarried still at Jerusalem. This deviation from his kingly duty and established custom set the stage for the moral failures that follow. David, who had previously been a man of war and a leader on the battlefield (as seen in his youth against Goliath), chose to remain in the comfort of his palace, an act of idleness that opened the door to temptation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Absence from Duty: David's failure to go forth to battle, a traditional role for a king, highlights the dangers of neglecting one's responsibilities. This idleness created an opportunity for sin.
  • The Peril of Idleness: When David was not where he was supposed to be, fulfilling his active role as king and commander, he became vulnerable. This verse serves as a stark warning about the spiritual dangers of complacency and unoccupied time.
  • Beginning of David's Moral Decline: This verse foreshadows the dark events of David's adultery with Bathsheba and his murder of Uriah. It marks the start of a period that brought significant judgment and sorrow upon his household, demonstrating that even a "man after God's own heart" can fall when vigilance is lost.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth [to battle]" emphasizes the expected norm. David's action, or rather inaction, is highlighted by the contrast with what was customary. The KJV uses "tarried," which means to delay or remain behind. This simple word powerfully conveys David's choice to stay home, a choice that would have profound and devastating consequences on the unfolding narrative of his sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent judgment from God.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Stay Engaged in Your Calling: Just as David had a duty to lead his army, we all have responsibilities in our lives, whether spiritual, familial, or professional. Neglecting these duties can leave us exposed to temptation.
  • Beware of Idleness: Unoccupied time, especially when it stems from a neglect of responsibility, can be a breeding ground for sin. It's crucial to be vigilant and purposeful with our time and energy.
  • Small Deviations Lead to Great Falls: David's initial decision to "tarry" seemed minor, but it was the first step on a path that led to adultery, deceit, and murder. This illustrates how seemingly small compromises or neglects can lead to significant moral failures and severe consequences.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 20:1 (11 votes)

    ¶ 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 (7 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 3:11 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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