MPV Commentary

1. At the time when kings typically launched military campaigns in the spring, David sent Joab and his servants to attack the Ammonites.

This expedition took place a year after the war against the Syrians, and it was undertaken because the previous campaign had largely affected the Syrian mercenaries, leaving the Ammonites unpunished for their insult to the ambassadors.

Joab's powerful army ravaged the Ammonite country, causing significant destruction among both people and property. They continued until they reached the capital city of Rabbah, where they laid siege.

Rabbah was a major city located in the mountainous region of Gilead, near the source of the Arnon River. Extensive ruins remain on its site to this day.