MPV Commentary

26. Joab fought against Rabbah for an extended period, likely two years, during which time David had intercourse with Bath-sheba and at least one child was born.

27. The city of waters, Rabbah, was divided into two parts: a lower town isolated by the Jabbok River and an upper, stronger town called the royal city. Joab took the lower town, but capturing the upper town was reserved for David himself.

28. Joab sent for David to lead the final assault on the royal city, which he did with ease, obtaining possession of its immense wealth. The king's decision to have David command the attack suggests a desire to monopolize military honors.

29. David wanted to capture the city without it being attributed to him, lest it be called after his name. This was not an unusual practice in ancient times, as cities were often renamed after prominent individuals.

30. When David took the royal city, he reserved for himself the king's crown, a valuable and heavy item that was likely suspended over the head or fixed on a throne canopy. The crown contained precious stones, including pearls and other jewels, which David may have removed to add to his own crown.

31. After capturing the city, David put its people to work under harsh conditions, using saws, axes, and iron picks to break them up. This severe treatment was a form of retributive justice against a people notorious for their cruelty (1 Samuel 11:2; Amos 1:13).