2S11-7: The Battle Isn’t Won In The Wrong Season

“In the spring, at the time when kings go out to war, David sent out Yo’av, his servants who were with him and all Israel.”-2 Samuel 11:1

Chapter 11 kicks off by announcing, “In the spring when kings go out to war.”

Now, the first thing you should know is that the words “in the spring” appear nowhere in the original Hebrew text.

The translators have added these words.

Why would they do that?

Well, history tells us that big battles and long sieges were usually conducted in the spring.

This was understood.

However, let’s not forget this part of the story connects back to chapter 10 when Joab led Israel’s army to attack Rabbah.

Here’s the reference:

“Then Joab and the troops with him advanced to fight the Arameans, and they fled before him.  When the Ammonites realized that the Arameans were fleeing, they fled before Abishai and went inside the city. So Joab returned from fighting the Ammonites and came to Jerusalem.”-2 Samuel 10:13-14

When Hadad-Ezer and his Syrian (Aramean) army fled, the Ammonites rushed back into their big, walled city—Rabbah.

We’re then told Joab and his army packed up and returned to Jerusalem.

Why?

Because taking Rabbah wouldn’t be an overnight affair.

A siege was necessary.

You’re familiar with how a siege works, aren’t you?

 The attacking army surrounds the city, trapping everyone inside.

No food or water gets in.

They may try to break the walls or smash the gates…

But mostly, it’s a waiting game.

Over time, hunger, thirst, and sickness take their toll on the inhabitants inside.

Eventually the city’s soldiers end up with only two choices.

They either surrender…

Or continue to fight in an ever-weakening state. 

Their only hope is that bad weather conditions will force the enemy to throw in the towel…

Or that a strong ally will come to their rescue.

So, the battle in chapter 10 probably happened in late fall, when it was cold and rainy.

At first, sieges were tougher on the army outside the city walls than the folks inside.

But as I said, it was just a matter of time before the tables turned.

That’s why armies usually waited for winter to pass before starting a siege.

All they needed was a couple of months of good weather to keep going.

Therefore, the conclusion is clear.

Just as chapter 11, verse 1 says…

 This took place in the springtime!

So here’s the takeaway I’m getting for today.

Timing is everything!

Just as ancient armies waited for the right season to strike…

There’s a right time for everything in life.

Rushing in too soon can backfire…

But waiting too long can mean missed opportunities.

As the writer of Ecclesiastes so eloquently put it:

So, ask yourself…

In terms of God’s timing…

Are you where you’re supposed to be?

Are you fighting the battles you should be?

Or sitting back when you should be stepping up?

Because when you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time…

Trouble isn’t far behind my friend.