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." Now, therefore, assemble the rest of the troopsThis phrase is a directive from Joab, the commander of David's army, to King David. It reflects the military strategy and urgency in ancient warfare. The context is the siege of Rabbah, the Ammonite capital. Joab's call to assemble the rest of the troops indicates that a significant portion of the army was already engaged, highlighting the scale of the conflict. This reflects the importance of unity and collective effort in achieving victory, a theme echoed in Ecclesiastes 4:12, which speaks to the strength found in numbers. Lay siege to the city
Laying siege was a common military tactic in the ancient Near East, involving surrounding a city to cut off supplies and force surrender. This tactic is seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in the siege of Jericho (Joshua 6). The city in question, Rabbah, was strategically significant, located east of the Jordan River in present-day Amman, Jordan. Archaeological evidence suggests that Rabbah was a fortified city, making siege warfare a necessary approach. And capture it
The goal of the siege was to capture the city, a common objective in biblical warfare narratives. Capturing a city often involved not only military conquest but also the subjugation of its people and resources. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's people claiming the land promised to them, as seen in the conquest narratives of Joshua. The capture of Rabbah would have significant political and economic implications, consolidating Israel's power in the region. Otherwise I will capture the city
Joab's statement here is both a warning and a challenge to David. It underscores the importance of leadership and the potential for personal glory in military victories. Joab's willingness to capture the city himself if David does not act highlights the competitive nature of leadership roles and the desire for recognition. This can be contrasted with the humility and servant leadership exemplified by Jesus Christ, who taught that the greatest in the kingdom of heaven is the servant of all (Matthew 23:11). And it will be named after me
Naming a city after oneself was a way to immortalize one's achievements and assert dominance. This practice is seen in other ancient cultures and is reflected in biblical accounts, such as the renaming of cities by conquerors. Joab's statement implies a desire for legacy and honor, which contrasts with biblical teachings on humility and the fleeting nature of earthly glory (James 4:14). This phrase also serves as a reminder of the human tendency toward pride, a recurring theme in Scripture that is addressed through the call to seek God's glory above personal ambition. Persons / Places / Events 1. JoabThe commander of King David's army, who is leading the siege against the Ammonite city of Rabbah. 2. DavidThe King of Israel, who is being urged by Joab to come and lead the final assault on Rabbah to claim the victory for himself. 3. RabbahThe capital city of the Ammonites, which is under siege by the Israelites. 4. AmmonitesA neighboring nation of Israel, often in conflict with them, and currently being besieged by David's forces. 5. Siege of RabbahA military campaign led by Joab, with the final victory intended for King David. Teaching Points Leadership and ResponsibilityDavid is reminded of his role as king and leader. Leaders must take responsibility for their actions and roles, especially in times of conflict. The Importance of RepentanceThe context of this verse follows David's repentance after his sin with Bathsheba. True repentance involves not only seeking forgiveness but also taking corrective action. Claiming God-Given VictoriesJoab's message to David underscores the importance of claiming victories that God has set before us. We must step into the roles God has prepared for us. The Consequences of InactionDavid's initial inaction led to personal and national consequences. Believers are called to be proactive in their faith and duties. Community and SupportJoab's support of David highlights the importance of community and accountability in achieving God's purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Joab's message to David in 2 Samuel 12:28 reflect the importance of leadership and responsibility in our own lives? 2. In what ways can we see the consequences of David's earlier inaction (2 Samuel 11:1) affecting the events in 2 Samuel 12:28? 3. How does David's response to Joab's message demonstrate the principles of repentance and restoration? 4. What lessons can we learn from Joab's role in supporting David, and how can we apply these lessons to our relationships within the church community? 5. How can the themes of this passage be connected to the teachings in Proverbs 16:18 about pride and humility? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Chronicles 20:1-3This passage provides a parallel account of the siege of Rabbah, emphasizing the same events and outcomes. 2 Samuel 11:1This verse sets the stage for the siege, noting that it was the time when kings go out to battle, yet David remained in Jerusalem, leading to his sin with Bathsheba. Psalm 51David's psalm of repentance, which is connected to the events surrounding the siege of Rabbah and his sin with Bathsheba. Proverbs 16:18This verse speaks to the theme of pride and its consequences, relevant to David's need to reclaim his leadership role. People Ammonites, Bathsheba, David, Jedidiah, Joab, Milcom, Nathan, Saul, Solomon, Uriah, UrijahPlaces Jerusalem, RabbahTopics Besiege, Camp, Capture, Collect, Encamp, Gather, Lest, Myself, Named, Otherwise, Position, Rest, Town, TroopsDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 12:26 5254 citadel Library David and Nathan
'And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin.'--2 SAMUEL xii. 13. We ought to be very thankful that Scripture never conceals the faults of its noblest men. High among the highest of them stands the poet- king. Whoever, for nearly three thousand years, has wished to express the emotions of trust in God, longing after purity, aspiration, and rapture of devotion, has found that his words have been before him. And this man …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThou Art the Man
'And David said to Nathan, As the Lord liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die; because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man.'--2 SAMUEL xii. 5-7. Nathan's apologue, so tenderly beautiful, takes the poet-king on the most susceptible side of his character. All his history shows him as a man of wonderfully sweet, chivalrous, generous, swiftly compassionate nature. And so, when he hears the story of a mean, heartless selfishness, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Letter vi. In My Last Two Letters I have Given the State of the Argument as It...
My dear friend, In my last two Letters I have given the state of the argument as it would stand between a Christian, thinking as I do, and a serious well-disposed Deist. I will now endeavour to state the argument, as between the former and the advocates for the popular belief,--such of them, I mean, as are competent to deliver a dispassionate judgment in the cause. And again, more particularly, I mean the learned and reflecting part of them, who are influenced to the retention of the prevailing …
Samuel Taylor Coleridge—Confessions of an Inquiring Spirit etc The Blessings of Noah Upon Shem and Japheth. (Gen. Ix. 18-27. )
Ver. 20. "And Noah began and became an husbandman, and planted vineyards."--This does not imply that Noah was the first who began to till the ground, and, more especially, to cultivate the vine; for Cain, too, was a tiller of the ground, Gen. iv. 2. The sense rather is, that Noah, after the flood, again took up this calling. Moreover, the remark has not an independent import; it serves only to prepare the way for the communication of the subsequent account of Noah's drunkenness. By this remark, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Cleansing.
As there are conditions requiring to be complied with in order to the obtaining of salvation, before one can be justified, e. g., conviction of sin, repentance, faith; so there are conditions for full salvation, for being "filled with the Holy Ghost." Conviction of our need is one, conviction of the existence of the blessing is another; but these have been already dealt with. "Cleansing" is another; before one can be filled with the Holy Ghost, one's heart must be "cleansed." "Giving them the Holy …
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life That the Ruler Should not Set his Heart on Pleasing Men, and yet Should Give Heed to what Ought to Please Them.
Meanwhile it is also necessary for the ruler to keep wary watch, lest the lust of pleasing men assail him; lest, when he studiously penetrates the things that are within, and providently supplies the things that are without, he seek to be beloved of those that are under him more than truth; lest, while, supported by his good deeds, he seems not to belong to the world, self-love estrange him from his Maker. For he is the Redeemer's enemy who through the good works which he does covets being loved …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Unchangeableness of God
The next attribute is God's unchangeableness. I am Jehovah, I change not.' Mal 3:3. I. God is unchangeable in his nature. II. In his decree. I. Unchangeable in his nature. 1. There is no eclipse of his brightness. 2. No period put to his being. [1] No eclipse of his brightness. His essence shines with a fixed lustre. With whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.' James 1:17. Thou art the same.' Psa 102:27. All created things are full of vicissitudes. Princes and emperors are subject to …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity How the Poor and the Rich Should be Admonished.
(Admonition 3.) Differently to be admonished are the poor and the rich: for to the former we ought to offer the solace of comfort against tribulation, but in the latter to induce fear as against elation. For to the poor one it is said by the Lord through the prophet, Fear not, for thou shalt not be confounded (Isai. liv. 4). And not long after, soothing her, He says, O thou poor little one, tossed with tempest (Ibid. 11). And again He comforts her, saying, I have chosen thee in the furnace of …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
BY JOHN BUNYAN PREFATORY REMARKS BY THE EDITOR This important treatise was prepared for the press, and left by the author, at his decease, to the care of his surviving friend for publication. It first appeared in a collection of his works in folio, 1692; and although a subject of universal interest; most admirably elucidated; no edition has been published in a separate form. Antichrist has agitated the Christian world from the earliest ages; and his craft has been to mislead the thoughtless, by …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Thirdly, for Thy Actions.
1. Do no evil, though thou mightest; for God will not suffer the least sin, without bitter repentance, to escape unpunished. Leave not undone any good that thou canst. But do nothing without a calling, nor anything in thy calling, till thou hast first taken counsel at God's word (1 Sam. xxx. 8) of its lawfulness, and pray for his blessings upon thy endeavour; and then do it in the name of God, with cheerfulness of heart, committing the success to him, in whose power it is to bless with his grace …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Preparatory Service; Sometimes Called the Confessional Service.
In our examination of the nature and meaning of the Lord's Supper, we have found that it is indeed a most important and holy Sacrament. It is in fact the most sacred of all the ordinances of the Church on earth. There is nothing beyond it--nothing so heavenly, on this side heaven, as this Feast. Nowhere else does the believer approach so near to heaven as when he stands or kneels, as a communicant at this altar, the Holy of Holies in the Church of Christ. What a solemn act! To approach this altar, …
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church The Right Understanding of the Law
Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Before I come to the commandments, I shall answer questions, and lay down rules respecting the moral law. What is the difference between the moral laud and the gospel? (1) The law requires that we worship God as our Creator; the gospel, that we worship him in and through Christ. God in Christ is propitious; out of him we may see God's power, justice, and holiness: in him we see his mercy displayed. (2) The moral law requires obedience, but gives …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Sixth Commandment
Thou shalt not kill.' Exod 20: 13. In this commandment is a sin forbidden, which is murder, Thou shalt not kill,' and a duty implied, which is, to preserve our own life, and the life of others. The sin forbidden is murder: Thou shalt not kill.' Here two things are to be understood, the not injuring another, nor ourselves. I. The not injuring another. [1] We must not injure another in his name. A good name is a precious balsam.' It is a great cruelty to murder a man in his name. We injure others in …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Eighth Commandment
Thou shalt not steal.' Exod 20: 15. AS the holiness of God sets him against uncleanness, in the command Thou shalt not commit adultery;' so the justice of God sets him against rapine and robbery, in the command, Thou shalt not steal.' The thing forbidden in this commandment, is meddling with another man's property. The civil lawyers define furtum, stealth or theft to be the laying hands unjustly on that which is another's;' the invading another's right. I. The causes of theft. [1] The internal causes …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 12:28 NIV2 Samuel 12:28 NLT2 Samuel 12:28 ESV2 Samuel 12:28 NASB2 Samuel 12:28 KJV
2 Samuel 12:28 Commentaries
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