King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 11:1 Mean?

2 Samuel 11:1 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and hi... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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. after: Heb. at the return of the year

2 Samuel 11:1 · KJV


Context

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. after: Heb. at the return of the year

2

And it came to pass in an eveningtide , that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.

3

And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David and Bathsheba, emphasizing devastating consequences of sin. David's adultery with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah represent the nadir of his reign. The Hebrew narrative's sparse, matter-of-fact reporting heightens the horror. The phrase "but the thing that David had done displeased the LORD" (v. 27) marks divine displeasure. This chapter demonstrates that even "a man after God's own heart" can fall catastrophically when neglecting spiritual disciplines and succumbing to temptation. Cross-references to Psalm 51 reveal David's repentance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 11 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding devastating consequences of sin provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of devastating consequences of sin?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
וַיְהִי֩1 of 26
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִתְשׁוּבַ֨ת2 of 26

was expired

H8666

a recurrence (of time or place); a reply (as returned)

הַשָּׁנָ֜ה3 of 26

And it came to pass after the year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

לְעֵ֣ת׀4 of 26

at the time

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

צֵ֣את5 of 26

go forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

הַמַּלְאֿכִ֗ים6 of 26

when kings

H4428

a king

וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח7 of 26

sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

וְדָוִ֖ד8 of 26

But David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶת9 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יוֹאָב֩10 of 26

Joab

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

וְאֶת11 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֲבָדָ֨יו12 of 26

and his servants

H5650

a servant

עִמּ֜וֹ13 of 26
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

וְאֶת14 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל15 of 26
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל16 of 26

with him and all Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וַיַּשְׁחִ֙תוּ֙17 of 26

and they destroyed

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

אֶת18 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּנֵ֣י19 of 26

the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַמּ֔וֹן20 of 26

of Ammon

H5983

ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country

וַיָּצֻ֖רוּ21 of 26

and besieged

H6696

to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)

עַל22 of 26
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רַבָּ֑ה23 of 26

Rabbah

H7237

rabbah, the name of two places in palestine, east and west

וְדָוִ֖ד24 of 26

But David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

יוֹשֵׁ֥ב25 of 26

tarried still

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃26 of 26

at Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 11:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 11:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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