401 David’s Army The description of the final war against the Ammonites opens • with the explanation that David sends Joab, his servants and all Israel ” to this war ( 2 Sam 11 : 1 ) . The latter collective term “ is somewhat problematic . Indeed, Uriah says to David that “the Ark as well as Israel and Judah are dwelling in Succoth [ or in temporary shelters ] ”… ( v . 11 ) . This may be interpeted that many reservists of Israel and Judah take part in the campaign beside Joab and the king’s servants, i . e . , the latter refers to the regular army . Yet close to the end of the campaign, Joab sends a message to David : “I have battled Rabbah and I have also captured the city [ part ] of the water [ supply ] . Now, assemble the rest of the men, encamp against the rest of the city and capture it…” ( vs . 26 – 29 ) . This means that at the beginning, David sends only some of the reservists, and later he comes with the rest of the men to complete the conquest only close to the end . Be that...
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