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2 Samuel 12:26

2 Samuel 12:26 in Multiple Translations

Meanwhile, Joab fought against Rabbah of the Ammonites and captured the royal fortress.

¶ And Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city.

Now Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city.

Now Joab was fighting against Rabbah, in the land of the children of Ammon, and he took the water-town.

At this time Joab had been fighting against the Ammonite town of Rabbah, and had captured the royal fortress.

Then Ioab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and tooke the citie of the kingdome.

And Joab fighteth against Rabbah of the Bene-Ammon, and captureth the royal city,

Now Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city.

And Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city.

And Joab fought against Rabbath of the children of Ammon, and laid close siege to the royal city.

◄Meanwhile/While all that was happening►, Joab’s soldiers attacked Rabbah, the capital city of the Ammon people-group; and they captured the king’s fortress.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 12:26

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Samuel 12:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּלָּ֣חֶם יוֹאָ֔ב בְּ/רַבַּ֖ת בְּנֵ֣י עַמּ֑וֹן וַ/יִּלְכֹּ֖ד אֶת עִ֥יר הַ/מְּלוּכָֽה
וַ/יִּלָּ֣חֶם lâcham H3898 to fight Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יוֹאָ֔ב Yôwʼâb H3097 Joab N-proper
בְּ/רַבַּ֖ת Rabbâh H7237 Rabbah Prep | N-proper
בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 son N-mp
עַמּ֑וֹן ʻAmmôwn H5983 Ammon N-proper
וַ/יִּלְכֹּ֖ד lâkad H3920 to capture Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
עִ֥יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement N-fs
הַ/מְּלוּכָֽה mᵉlûwkâh H4410 kingship Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 12:26

וַ/יִּלָּ֣חֶם lâcham H3898 "to fight" Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.
יוֹאָ֔ב Yôwʼâb H3097 "Joab" N-proper
Joab was a prominent Israelite, his name means Jehovah is father. He was King David's nephew and army general, playing a key role in the Bible, including in the books of Samuel and Kings.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.8.9 § Joab = "Jehovah is father" 1) son of David's sister Zeruiah and general of David's army 2) a Judaite descendant of Kenaz 3) a post exilic family
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: Joab. See also: 1 Samuel 26:6; 2 Samuel 19:2; Psalms 60:2.
בְּ/רַבַּ֖ת Rabbâh H7237 "Rabbah" Prep | N-proper
Rabbah is a place name in the Bible, referring to two cities in Palestine. It means great and is used to describe the capital city of the Ammonites, located east of the Jordan River. The KJV translates it as Rabbah or Rabbath.
Definition: Rabbath = "great" the capital city of the Ammonites located east of the Jordan Another name of am.mon (עַמּוֹן "Ammon" H5983)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Rabbah, Rabbath. See also: Deuteronomy 3:11; 2 Samuel 17:27; Jeremiah 49:2.
בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
עַמּ֑וֹן ʻAmmôwn H5983 "Ammon" N-proper
Ammon refers to a son of Lot and his descendants, who lived in Transjordan. The Ammonites are mentioned in the Bible as a distinct people. They appear in the book of Genesis and are also referenced in the history of the Israelites.
Definition: § Ammon = "tribal" a people dwelling in Transjordan descended from Lot through Ben-ammi
Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: Ammon, Ammonites. See also: Genesis 19:38; 2 Samuel 11:1; Psalms 83:8.
וַ/יִּלְכֹּ֖ד lâkad H3920 "to capture" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.
Definition: 1) to capture, take, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to capture, seize 1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.) 1a3) to take (by lot) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Kings 18:10; Psalms 9:16.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עִ֥יר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
הַ/מְּלוּכָֽה mᵉlûwkâh H4410 "kingship" Art | N-fs
Melukah refers to a kingdom or realm, describing a king's domain or territory. It is related to the concept of royalty and kingship in the Bible.
Definition: kingship, royalty, kingly office
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: kingsom, king's, [idiom] royal. See also: 1 Samuel 10:16; 1 Kings 12:21; Psalms 22:29.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 12:26

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Chronicles 20:1–3 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. Then 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. David brought out the people who were there and put them to work with saws, iron picks, and axes. And he did the same to all the Ammonite cities. Then David and all his troops returned to Jerusalem.
2 Deuteronomy 3:11 (For only Og king of Bashan had remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. His bed of iron, nine cubits long and four cubits wide, is still in Rabbah of the Ammonites.)
3 2 Samuel 11:25 Then David told the messenger, “Say this to Joab: ‘Do not let this matter upset you, for the sword devours one as well as another. Strengthen your attack against the city and demolish it.’ Encourage him with these words.”

2 Samuel 12:26 Summary

In 2 Samuel 12:26, we see that Joab, one of David's top generals, is fighting against the city of Rabbah and captures the royal fortress. This shows that God is still with the Israelites and is helping them win battles, just like He promised in Deuteronomy 20:1-4. It also reminds us that even when we are going through tough times, like David was after the death of his son, God is still working and providing for us, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can have confidence and peace, just like Joab did when he trusted God to give him victory over Rabbah.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Rabbah in 2 Samuel 12:26?

Rabbah was the capital city of the Ammonites, and its capture by Joab signifies a major victory for the Israelites, demonstrating God's continued blessing and protection over them, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:1-4 and 2 Samuel 10:14.

Why does the Bible mention the capture of the royal fortress in 2 Samuel 12:26?

The capture of the royal fortress in Rabbah highlights Joab's military prowess and the strength of the Israelite army, which was a testament to God's favor and protection, as stated in 2 Samuel 8:6 and 1 Chronicles 18:13.

How does the context of 2 Samuel 12:26 relate to the broader story of David's life?

The capture of Rabbah in 2 Samuel 12:26 occurs during a time of personal turmoil for David, who had recently faced the death of his son and was seeking comfort from God, as seen in 2 Samuel 12:24-25 and Psalm 51:1-17.

What can we learn from Joab's actions in 2 Samuel 12:26?

Joab's actions demonstrate his loyalty to David and his trust in God's providence, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:13 and 2 Samuel 10:7-14, and serve as an example for believers to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the capture of Rabbah reveal about God's character and His relationship with the Israelites?
  2. How can I apply the principle of trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in 2 Samuel 12:26, to my own life and circumstances?
  3. What role does faith and trust play in times of personal struggle, as David experienced in 2 Samuel 12:24-25?
  4. How can I demonstrate loyalty and trust in God, like Joab, in my own relationships and responsibilities?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 12:26

And Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon,.... Of his being sent against it, and of his besieging it, we read in 2 Samuel 11:1; but it can hardly be thought that he had been so long

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 12:26

And Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city. Joab fought against Rabbah.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:26

i.e. That part of the city where was the king’ s palace, where he ordinarily resided; though now it seems he was retired to a strong fort.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:26

2 Samuel 12:26 And Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city.Ver. 26. And took the royal city.] He had well nigh taken it after a twelve month’ s siege. David’ s sin at home had hindered Joab’ s good success abroad, and retarded the conquest of this city of Rabbah, which now is ready to be taken, that David reconciled to God may have the honour of it: whom therefore Joab desireth to speed away with fresh forces.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:26

(26) Took the royal city.—The parallel narrative is resumed at this point in 1 Chronicles 20:2. Rabbah was situated in the narrow valley of the upper Jabbok, on both sides of the stream, but with its citadel on the cliff on the northern side. The “royal city” of this verse, and “the city of waters” of the next, refer probably to the city proper, while the “city” of 2 Samuel 12:28-29 is no doubt the citadel, which was more strongly fortified.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:26

Verse 26. And took the royal city.] How can this be, when Joab sent to David to come to take the city, in consequence of which David did come and take that city? The explanation seems to be this: Rabbah was composed of a city and citadel; the former, in which was the king's residence, Joab had taken, and supposed he could soon render himself master of the latter, and therefore sends to David to come and take it, lest, he taking the whole, the city should be called after his name.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 12:26

26–31. Capture of Rabbah = 1 Chronicles 20:1-3

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 12:26

OF RABBAH, 2 Samuel 12:26-30. 89504e470d0a1a0a0000000d4948445200000338000002660803000000a7a1d58300000300504c5445000000fffffffefefe

Sermons on 2 Samuel 12:26

SermonDescription
Tim Dilena Reading Between the Lines by Tim Dilena This sermon delves into the story of David and Bathsheba, highlighting the dangers of sin and the importance of responding to conviction before facing consequences. It emphasizes t
John Piper For Our People and for the Cities of God by John Piper In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a passage from the Bible where Joab speaks to his brother about teamwork in battle. The speaker identifies six principles for successful tea
Walter Wilson The Letter O by Walter Wilson In this sermon, the speaker discusses the different types of belief in relation to faith in God. The first type is the belief of faith, which brings us closer to God. The second ty

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