1 Chronicles 20:1-3

Capture of the City of Rabbah

1 In the spring^[a] 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.^[b] Joab attacked Rabbah and demolished it.^[c]

2 Then David took the crown from the head of their king,^[d] and it was [placed] on David's head. He discovered the crown weighed 75 pounds^[e] of gold, and there was a precious stone in it. In addition, David took away a large quantity of plunder from the city.

3 He brought out the people who were in it and put them to work with saws,^[f] iron picks, and axes.^[g] David did the same to all the Ammonite cities. Then he and all his troops returned to Jerusalem.^[h]

1 Chronicles 20:1-3 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 CHRONICLES 20

Agrees with various passages in the second book of Samuel; 1Ch 20:1 with 2Sa 11:1 and 1Ch 20:2,3 with 2Sa 12:30,31 and the rest, to the end of it, with 2Sa 21:15-22. What differences there are, are observed in the notes on those passages, which see. Also see 1Ch 21:1. 18886-950102-2025-1Ch20.2

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit At the time of the return of the year
• [b]. 2 Sm 11:1
• [c]. 2 Sm 12:26
• [d]. LXX, Vg read of Milcom; Molech; 1 Kg 11:5,7
• [e]. Lit a talent
• [f]. Text emended; MT reads and sawed them with the saw; 2 Sm 12:31
• [g]. Text emended; MT reads saws; 2 Sm 12:31
• [h]. 2 Sm 12:26-31