1 Chronicles 20:1
New International Version
In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, Joab led out the armed forces. He laid waste the land of the Ammonites and went to Rabbah and besieged it, but David remained in Jerusalem. Joab attacked Rabbah and left it in ruins.

New Living Translation
In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, Joab led the Israelite army in successful attacks against the land of the Ammonites. In the process he laid siege to the city of Rabbah, attacking and destroying it. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem.

English Standard Version
In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, Joab led out the army and ravaged the country of the Ammonites and came and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. And Joab struck down Rabbah and overthrew it.

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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
It happened in the spring of the year, at the time kings go out to battle, that Joab led out the armed forces and ravaged the country of the people of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem. And Joab defeated Rabbah and overthrew it.

New American Standard Bible
Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that Joab led out the army and ravaged the land of the sons of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed in Jerusalem. And Joab struck Rabbah and overthrew it.

NASB 1995
Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that Joab led out the army and ravaged the land of the sons of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem. And Joab struck Rabbah and overthrew it.

NASB 1977
Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that Joab led out the army and ravaged the land of the sons of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem. And Joab struck Rabbah and overthrew it.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that Joab led out the force of the military and brought the land of the sons of Ammon to ruin, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem. And Joab struck Rabbah and tore it down.

Amplified Bible
Then it happened at the end of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, Joab led out the army and ravaged and devastated the land of the Ammonites, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem [with Bathsheba]. Joab struck Rabbah and overthrew it.

Christian Standard Bible
In the spring when kings march out to war, Joab led the army and destroyed the Ammonites’ land. He came to Rabbah and besieged it, but David remained in Jerusalem. Joab attacked Rabbah and demolished it.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In the spring when kings march out to war, Joab led the army and destroyed the Ammonites’ land. He came to Rabbah and besieged it, but David remained in Jerusalem. Joab attacked Rabbah and demolished it.

American Standard Version
And it came to pass, at the time of the return of the year, at the time when kings go out to 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.

Contemporary English Version
The next spring, the time when kings go to war, Joab marched out in command of the Israelite army and destroyed towns all over the country of Ammon. He attacked the capital city of Rabbah and left it in ruins. But David stayed in Jerusalem.

English Revised Version
And it came to pass, at the time of the return of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that 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 overthrew it.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
In the spring, the time when kings go out to battle, Joab led the army [to war]. They destroyed the Ammonites and came to Rabbah to attack it, while David stayed in Jerusalem. Joab defeated Rabbah and tore it down.

Good News Translation
The following spring, at the time of the year when kings usually go to war, Joab led out the army and invaded the land of Ammon; King David, however, stayed in Jerusalem. They besieged the city of Rabbah, attacked it, and destroyed it.

International Standard Version
Later the next spring, at the time that kings go out to fight, Joab led out the army, ravaged the territory of the Ammonites, and then went out and attacked Rabbah, while David remained behind in Jerusalem. Joab besieged Rabbah and conquered it.

Majority 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.

NET Bible
In the spring, at the time when kings normally conduct wars, Joab led the army into battle and devastated the land of the Ammonites. He went and besieged Rabbah, while David stayed in Jerusalem. Joab defeated Rabbah and tore it down.

New Heart English Bible
It happened, at the time of the return of the year, at the time when kings go out, that Joab led forth the army, and wasted the country of the people of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem. Joab struck Rabbah, and overthrew it.

Webster's Bible Translation
And it came to pass, that after the year had 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.

World English Bible
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.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And it comes to pass, at the time of the turn of the year—at the time of the going out of the messengers—that Joab leads out the force of the host, and destroys the land of the sons of Ammon, and comes in and besieges Rabbah—David is abiding in Jerusalem—and Joab strikes Rabbah, and breaks it down.

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.

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will be at the time of the return of the year, at the time of the going forth of kings, and Joab will lead the power of the army, and he will destroy the land of the sons of Ammon, and he will come and press upon Rabbah: and David dwelt in Jerusalem. And Joab will strike Rabbah and destroy it.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And it came to pass after the course of a year, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab gathered together an army and the strength of the troops, and wasted the land of the children of Ammon: and went and besieged Rabba. But David stayed at Jerusalem, when Joab smote Rabba, and destroyed it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now it happened that, after the course of a year, in the time when kings usually go forth to war, Joab gathered an army with experienced soldiers, and he laid waste to the land of the sons of Ammon. And he continued on and besieged Rabbah. But David was staying in Jerusalem when Joab struck Rabbah and destroyed it.

New American Bible
At the turn of the year, the time when kings go to war, Joab led the army out in force, laid waste the land of the Ammonites, and went on to besiege Rabbah; David himself remained in Jerusalem. When Joab had attacked Rabbah and destroyed it,

New Revised Standard Version
In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, Joab led out the army, ravaged the country of the Ammonites, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. Joab attacked Rabbah, and overthrew it.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
AND it came to pass that in the next year, at the time when kings go out to battle, Joab mobilized the armed forces and came and encamped against the land of the children of Ammon and took some of the towns, and came and besieged Rabbath their capital city. But David remained at Jerusalem. And Joab captured Rabbath and destroyed it.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And it was the next year at the time of the going forth of Kings, and Yuab gathered the armies and he came and he encamped against the land of the sons of Amon, and he seized on it and he encamped against Rabbath their great city, and David was dwelling in Jerusalem, and Yuab seized Rabbath the city of the children of Amon, and he destroyed it.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And it came to pass, at the time of the return of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that 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 overthrew it.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it came to pass at the return of the year, at the time of the going forth of kings to war, that Joab gathered the whole force of the army, and they ravaged the land of the children of Ammon; and he came and besieged Rabba. But David abode in Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabba and destroyed it.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Capture of Rabbah
1 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. 2Then David took the crown from the head of their king. It was found to weigh a talent of gold and was set with precious stones, and it was placed on David’s head. And David took a great amount of plunder from the city.…

Cross References
2 Samuel 11:1
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.

2 Samuel 12:26-31
Meanwhile, Joab fought against Rabbah of the Ammonites and captured the royal fortress. / Then Joab sent messengers to David to say, “I have fought against Rabbah and have captured the water supply of the city. / Now, therefore, assemble the rest of the troops, lay siege to the city, and capture it. Otherwise I will capture the city, and it will be named after me.” ...

2 Samuel 21:15-22
Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines. But David became exhausted. / Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David. / But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.” ...

1 Chronicles 11:4-9
Then David and all the Israelites marched to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus), where the Jebusites inhabited the land. / The people of Jebus said to David, “You will never get in here.” Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David). / Now David had said, “Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became the chief. ...

1 Chronicles 18:1-2
Some time later, David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Gath and its villages from the hand of the Philistines. / David also defeated the Moabites, and they became subject to David and brought him tribute.

1 Chronicles 19:1-19
Some time later, Nahash king of the Ammonites died and was succeeded by his son. / And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent messengers to console Hanun concerning his father. But when David’s servants arrived in the land of the Ammonites to console him, / the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun, “Just because David has sent you comforters, do you really believe he is showing respect for your father? Have not his servants come to you to explore the land, spy it out, and overthrow it?” ...

1 Chronicles 21:1-5
Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. / So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, “Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan and bring me a report, so that I may know their number.” / But Joab replied, “May the LORD multiply His troops a hundred times over. My lord the king, are they not all servants of my lord? Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?” ...

1 Kings 20:22-30
Afterward, the prophet approached the king of Israel and said, “Go and strengthen your position, and take note what you must do, for in the spring the king of Aram will come up against you.” / Meanwhile, the servants of the king of Aram said to him, “Their gods are gods of the hills. That is why they prevailed over us. Instead, we should fight them on the plains; surely then we will prevail. / So do this: Dismiss all the kings from their positions and replace them with other officers. ...

2 Kings 12:17-18
At that time Hazael king of Aram marched up and fought against Gath and captured it. Then he decided to attack Jerusalem. / So King Joash of Judah took all the sacred objects dedicated by his fathers—Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, and Ahaziah, the kings of Judah—along with his own consecrated items and all the gold found in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and he sent them to Hazael king of Aram. So Hazael withdrew from Jerusalem.

2 Kings 14:7
Amaziah struck down 10,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. He took Sela in battle and called it Joktheel, which is its name to this very day.

2 Kings 18:8
He defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza and its borders, from watchtower to fortified city.

Psalm 60:1
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” A Miktam of David for instruction. When he fought Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah, and Joab returned and struck down 12,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. You have rejected us, O God; You have broken us; You have been angry; restore us!

Psalm 108:10
Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom?

Matthew 22:7
The king was enraged, and he sent his troops to destroy those murderers and burn their city.

Luke 14:31
Or what king on his way to war with another king will not first sit down and consider whether he can engage with ten thousand men the one coming against him with twenty thousand?


Treasury of Scripture

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.

A.

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.

1 Kings 20:22,26
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 Kings 13:20
And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year.

wasted

Isaiah 6:11
Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate,

Isaiah 54:16
Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.

Rabbah

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.

Amos 1:14
But I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah, and it shall devour the palaces thereof, with shouting in the day of battle, with a tempest in the day of the whirlwind:

Joab smote

2 Samuel 11:16-25
And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he assigned Uriah unto a place where he knew that valiant men were

2 Samuel 12:26-31
And Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city…

Jump to Previous
Ammon Army Battle Besieged Children Country David Forth It Jerusalem Joab Kings Led Overthrew Power Rabbah Smote Struck Tarried Time Wasted
Jump to Next
Ammon Army Battle Besieged Children Country David Forth It Jerusalem Joab Kings Led Overthrew Power Rabbah Smote Struck Tarried Time Wasted
1 Chronicles 20
1. Rabbah is besieged by Joab, spoiled by David, and the people thereof tortured
4. Three giants are slain in overthrows of the Philistines.














In the spring
The phrase "in the spring" refers to the time of year when military campaigns were traditionally undertaken in the ancient Near East. The Hebrew word for "spring" is "teshuvah," which can also mean "return" or "turning." This time was chosen due to favorable weather conditions and the availability of food supplies after the winter. Spiritually, spring symbolizes renewal and new beginnings, reminding believers of the resurrection and the new life found in Christ.

at the time when kings go out to war
This phrase highlights the customary practice of kings leading their armies into battle during this season. The Hebrew word for "kings" is "melech," which signifies authority and leadership. This context underscores the responsibility of leaders to protect and expand their territories. For Christians, it serves as a reminder of the spiritual battles we face and the need for godly leadership in confronting challenges.

Joab led out the army
Joab, whose name means "Yahweh is father," was a prominent military commander under King David. His leadership in this campaign reflects his strategic prowess and loyalty to the king. The act of leading the army signifies taking initiative and responsibility. In a spiritual sense, it calls believers to be proactive in their faith, leading others by example and standing firm in the face of adversity.

and ravaged the land of the Ammonites
The term "ravaged" indicates a thorough and destructive military campaign. The Ammonites were descendants of Lot and often in conflict with Israel. This action represents the judgment and consequences of opposing God's people. Historically, it reflects the ongoing territorial disputes in the region. Spiritually, it serves as a warning against sin and rebellion, emphasizing the need for repentance and alignment with God's will.

He went to Rabbah and besieged it
Rabbah was the capital city of the Ammonites, located in modern-day Jordan. The act of besieging a city involved surrounding it to cut off supplies and force surrender. This strategic move demonstrates the importance of perseverance and determination in achieving victory. For believers, it symbolizes the need to persist in prayer and faith, trusting God to overcome obstacles and bring about His purposes.

but David remained in Jerusalem
This phrase marks a significant turning point, as David's decision to stay behind contrasts with the customary role of kings leading their armies. The Hebrew word for "remained" is "yashab," meaning to sit or dwell. This decision ultimately led to David's moral failure with Bathsheba, highlighting the dangers of complacency and neglecting one's duties. It serves as a cautionary tale for Christians to remain vigilant and engaged in their spiritual responsibilities.

Joab attacked Rabbah and demolished it
Joab's successful attack and demolition of Rabbah demonstrate the fulfillment of military objectives. The Hebrew word for "demolished" is "haras," meaning to tear down or destroy. This victory underscores the importance of completing the tasks God sets before us. Spiritually, it represents the triumph of righteousness over evil and the ultimate victory believers have in Christ, who empowers us to overcome the strongholds of sin and darkness.

(1) After the year was expired.--Heb., at the time of the return of the year: i.e., in spring. (See 1Kings 20:22; 1Kings 20:26.)

At the time that kings go out.--See 1Kings 20:16. Military operations were commonly suspended during winter. The Assyrian kings have chronicled their habit of making yearly expeditions of conquest and plunder. It was exceptional for the king to "remain in the country."

Joab led forth the power of the army.--Samuel gives details: "David sent Joab and his servants (? the contingents of tributaries, 1Chronicles 19:19), and all Israel" (i.e., the entire national array).

Wasted the country.--An explanation of Samuel: "wasted the sons of Ammon." . . .

Verse 1. - The fifteenth verse of the previous chapter stated that the discomfited Ammonites "fled... and entered into the city," i.e. into Rabbah. Hither we now learn that, by the command of David (2 Samuel 11:1), Joab, at the "return of the year," i.e. probably at the return of spring (Exodus 23:16; Exodus 34:22), brings the power of the army, and, after ravaging the country surrounding it, sits down to besiege Rabbah itself. The series of feasts, beginning in spring and ending in autumn, regulated the year. The sacred year began with the new moon that became full next after the spring equinox; but the civil year at the seventh new moon. This one verse illustrates in four several instances at fewest the advantage of having two versions of the same events, even though in this case in comparatively immaterial respects.

1. We here read that Joab wasted the country of the children of Ammon... and besieged Rabbah, in place of the less consistent reading of 2 Samuel 11:1, "destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah."

2. We have here in the Hebrew the right word for "kings" (חַמְּלָכִים), instead of the word for "angels" (חמְלָאכִים), as in the parallel place.

3. While we read here that Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it, the parallel place, now shifted to 2 Samuel 12:27-29, tells of Joab's generosity (if it were this, and not fear or possibly somewhat tardy obedience to strict commands given on his commission), in his message to David, to repair to the spot immediately and share the glory of the reduction of the city, or be its nominal captor. . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
In the spring,
לְעֵת֩ (lə·‘êṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 6256: Time, now, when

at the time when
לְעֵ֣ת ׀ (lə·‘êṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6256: Time, now, when

kings
הַמְּלָכִ֗ים (ham·mə·lā·ḵîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4428: A king

march out to war,
צֵ֣את (ṣêṯ)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

Joab
יוֹאָב֩ (yō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites

led out
וַיִּנְהַ֣ג (way·yin·haḡ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5090: To drive forth, lead, carry away, to proceed, to sigh

the army
חֵ֨יל (ḥêl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2426: An army, an intrenchment

and laid waste
וַיַּשְׁחֵ֣ת ׀ (way·yaš·ḥêṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7843: Perhaps to go to ruin

to the land
אֶ֣רֶץ (’e·reṣ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of the Ammonites.
בְּנֵֽי־ (bə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

He came
וַיָּבֹא֙ (way·yā·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to Rabbah
רַבָּ֔ה (rab·bāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7237: Rabbah -- two places in Israel

and besieged it,
וַיָּ֣צַר (way·yā·ṣar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6696: To confine, bind, besiege

but David
וְדָוִ֖יד (wə·ḏā·wîḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

remained
יֹשֵׁ֣ב (yō·šêḇ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

in Jerusalem.
בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם (bî·rū·šā·lim)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

Joab
יוֹאָ֛ב (yō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites

attacked
וַיַּ֥ךְ (way·yaḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

Rabbah
רַבָּ֖ה (rab·bāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7237: Rabbah -- two places in Israel

and demolished it.
וַיֶּֽהֶרְסֶֽהָ׃ (way·ye·her·se·hā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 2040: To pull down, in pieces, break, & destroy


Links
1 Chronicles 20:1 NIV
1 Chronicles 20:1 NLT
1 Chronicles 20:1 ESV
1 Chronicles 20:1 NASB
1 Chronicles 20:1 KJV

1 Chronicles 20:1 BibleApps.com
1 Chronicles 20:1 Biblia Paralela
1 Chronicles 20:1 Chinese Bible
1 Chronicles 20:1 French Bible
1 Chronicles 20:1 Catholic Bible

OT History: 1 Chronicles 20:1 It happened at the time (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 19:19
Top of Page
Top of Page