Paul Kretzmann Commentary - 2 Samuel 12:26 - 12:31

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Paul Kretzmann Commentary - 2 Samuel 12:26 - 12:31


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Success Against the Ammonites

v. 26. And Joab,
in the second year of the campaign, fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city, the city proper, without the citadel.

v. 27. And Joab sent messengers to David and said, I have fought against Rabbah, and have taken the city of waters,
for it lap on both banks of the Upper Jabbok, in a narrow valley beneath its fort or acropolis.

v. 28. Now, therefore, gather the rest of the people together,
mustering all those able to bear arms, and encamp against the city, the citadel on the heights, and take it, lest I take the city and it be called after my name. Joab here acted either as a devoted servant of David, who honestly wished him to have all the honor in the campaign, or as a shrewd politician, who would run no risks by gaining extraordinary successes.

v. 29. And David gathered all the people together, and went to Rabbah, and fought against it, and took it,
he conquered the strong acropolis.

v. 30. And he took their king's crown from off his head, the weight whereof was a talent of gold with the precious stones
(about one hundred pounds avoirdupois); and it was set on David's head, at least during the coronation ceremonies, which proclaimed him lord of the Ammonite kingdom. And he brought forth the spoil of the city in great abundance.

v. 31. And he brought forth the people that were there in,
in the acropolis, and put them under saws, putting them to death by sawing them apart, and under harrows, instruments or axes, of iron, and under axes of iron, knives or other cutting instruments, and made them pass through the brick-kiln, the place where they burned their children to their idol Moloch; and thus did he unto all the cities of the children of Ammon. The purpose was to inflict a striking punishment upon idolatry, for the war was a holy war. So David and all the people returned unto Jerusalem. This great victory was another proof of God's grace and favor, for He is kind and gracious, and abundant in mercy and truth, forgiving iniquities, and transgressions, and sins.