2 Samuel 11:18
New International Version
Joab sent David a full account of the battle.

New Living Translation
Then Joab sent a battle report to David.

English Standard Version
Then Joab sent and told David all the news about the fighting.

Berean Standard Bible
Joab sent to David a full account of the battle

King James Bible
Then Joab sent and told David all the things concerning the war;

New King James Version
Then Joab sent and told David all the things concerning the war,

New American Standard Bible
Then Joab sent a messenger and reported to David all the events of the war.

NASB 1995
Then Joab sent and reported to David all the events of the war.

NASB 1977
Then Joab sent and reported to David all the events of the war.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Joab sent and told David all the events of the war.

Amplified Bible
Then Joab sent word and informed David of all the events of the war.

Christian Standard Bible
Joab sent someone to report to David all the details of the battle.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Joab sent someone to report to David all the details of the battle.

American Standard Version
Then Joab sent and told David all the things concerning the war;

Contemporary English Version
Joab sent a messenger to tell David everything that was happening in the war.

English Revised Version
Then Joab sent and told David all the things concerning the war;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then Joab sent [a messenger] to report to David all the details of the battle.

Good News Translation
Then Joab sent a report to David telling him about the battle,

International Standard Version
Then Joab sent word to David about everything that had happened at the battle.

NET Bible
Then Joab sent a full battle report to David.

New Heart English Bible
Then Joab sent and told David all the things concerning the war;

Webster's Bible Translation
Then Joab sent and told David all the things concerning the war;
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Joab sent to David a full account of the battle

World English Bible
Then Joab sent and told David all the things concerning the war;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Joab sends and declares to David all the matters of the war,

Young's Literal Translation
And Joab sendeth and declareth to David all the matters of the war,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Joab will send and announce to David all the words of the war;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Then Joab sent, and told David all things concerning the battle.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, Joab sent and reported to David every word about the battle.

New American Bible
Then Joab sent David a report of all the details of the battle,

New Revised Standard Version
Then Joab sent and told David all the news about the fighting;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Joab sent and told David all that took place in the battle:

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Yuab sent and he told David everything that happened in the battle
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then Joab sent and told David all the things concerning the war;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Joab sent, and reported to David all the events of the war, so as to tell them to the king.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Arranges Uriah's Death
17And when the men of the city came out and fought against Joab, some of David’s servants fell, and Uriah the Hittite also died. 18Joab sent to David a full account of the battle 19and instructed the messenger, “When you have finished giving the king all the details of the battle,…

Cross References
2 Samuel 12:9-10
Why then have you despised the command of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You put Uriah the Hittite to the sword and took his wife as your own. You have slain him with the sword of the Ammonites. / Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’

1 Kings 15:5
For David had done what was right in the eyes of the LORD and had not turned aside from anything the LORD commanded all the days of his life, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.

Psalm 51:1-4
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. When Nathan the prophet came to him after his adultery with Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. / Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. / For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. ...

1 Chronicles 20:1
In the spring, at the time when kings march out to war, Joab led out the army and ravaged the land of the Ammonites. He came to Rabbah and besieged it, but David remained in Jerusalem. And Joab attacked Rabbah and demolished it.

Matthew 1:6
and Jesse the father of David the king. Next: David was the father of Solomon by Uriah’s wife,

1 Kings 2:5-6
Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace.

Psalm 32:3-5
When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long. / For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was drained as in the summer heat. Selah / Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

1 Kings 11:4
For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been.

Acts 13:22
After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.’

1 Kings 14:8
I tore the kingdom away from the house of David and gave it to you. But you have not been like My servant David, who kept My commandments and followed Me with all his heart, doing only what was right in My eyes.

Romans 4:6-8
And David speaks likewise of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: / “Blessed are they whose lawless acts are forgiven, whose sins are covered. / Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.”

1 Kings 9:4
And as for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, with a heart of integrity and uprightness, doing all I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and ordinances,

Psalm 89:20-24
I have found My servant David; with My sacred oil I have anointed him. / My hand will sustain him; surely My arm will strengthen him. / No enemy will exact tribute; no wicked man will oppress him. ...

1 Kings 3:14
So if you walk in My ways and keep My statutes and commandments, just as your father David did, I will prolong your days.”

Hebrews 11:32
And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets,


Treasury of Scripture

Then Joab sent and told David all the things concerning the war;

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Account Battle David Declareth Events Fighting Full Joab Jo'ab Matters News Reported War
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Account Battle David Declareth Events Fighting Full Joab Jo'ab Matters News Reported War
2 Samuel 11
1. While Joab besieges Rabbah, David commits adultery with Bathsheba
6. Uriah, sent for by David to cover the adultery, would not go home.
14. He carries to Joab the letter of his death
18. Joab sends the news thereof to David
26. David takes Bathsheba as his wife














Joab sent to David
Joab, the commander of David's army, was a key military leader and a nephew of King David. His role in the narrative of 2 Samuel is significant, as he often acts as David's enforcer and confidant. The act of sending a message to David highlights the communication methods of the time, which relied on messengers to convey important information. This phrase also underscores Joab's loyalty and duty to report to the king, reflecting the hierarchical structure of ancient Israelite society. Joab's actions here set the stage for the unfolding events of David's sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent cover-up.

a full account of the battle
The phrase indicates that Joab provided a comprehensive report of the military engagement. This reflects the importance of transparency and accountability in leadership, as David, being the king, needed to be informed of the outcomes of battles. The battle in question was against the Ammonites, a recurring enemy of Israel, and took place during the siege of Rabbah. The detailed account would have included strategies, outcomes, and casualties, which were crucial for David's decision-making. This also connects to the broader biblical theme of warfare and God's involvement in the battles of Israel, as seen in other scriptures like Joshua and Judges. The full account serves as a backdrop to the moral and ethical failures that follow, highlighting the contrast between military success and personal failure.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joab
The commander of King David's army, known for his military prowess and loyalty to David, though sometimes acting with questionable ethics.

2. David
The King of Israel, a man after God's own heart, but also a flawed human being who makes significant moral errors, as seen in the events surrounding this chapter.

3. The Battle
The military engagement against the Ammonites, which serves as the backdrop for the events of 2 Samuel 11, including David's sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent cover-up.

4. Uriah the Hittite
A valiant soldier in David's army and the husband of Bathsheba, whose death is orchestrated by David to conceal his sin.

5. Jerusalem
The city where David remains while his army is at war, symbolizing his neglect of kingly duties and the beginning of his moral decline in this account.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Sin
Sin often leads to a chain reaction of further sin and deception, as seen in David's attempt to cover up his adultery.

The Importance of Accountability
David's isolation from his responsibilities and lack of accountability contributed to his moral failure. Christians should seek accountability within the community of faith.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
Despite human failings, God's justice prevails. He uses Nathan to confront David, showing that sin will be addressed.

Repentance and Restoration
True repentance, as modeled by David in Psalm 51, is essential for restoration with God. It involves acknowledging sin, seeking forgiveness, and turning away from wrongdoing.

The Role of Leadership
Leaders are called to a higher standard. David's failure serves as a warning of the potential impact of a leader's sin on others.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 11:18?

2. How does 2 Samuel 11:18 illustrate consequences of David's actions for Uriah?

3. What can we learn about accountability from 2 Samuel 11:18?

4. How does 2 Samuel 11:18 connect with the commandment against adultery?

5. How can we apply the lessons from 2 Samuel 11:18 in daily life?

6. What role does honesty play in the events of 2 Samuel 11:18?

7. Why did Joab send a full report of the battle to David in 2 Samuel 11:18?

8. How does 2 Samuel 11:18 reflect on David's leadership and moral character?

9. What does 2 Samuel 11:18 reveal about the consequences of David's actions with Bathsheba?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 11?

11. Did David commit rape against Bathsheba?

12. Why does King David, described elsewhere as righteous (1 Kings 15:5), resort to deceit and murder in 2 Samuel 11:14-17?

13. 2 Samuel 3:27-30: Why doesn't David punish Joab immediately for murdering Abner if he truly opposes the act?

14. 1 Chronicles 20:1: How does David's apparent absence during the battle align with or contradict other accounts of his military leadership?
What Does 2 Samuel 11:18 Mean
Joab

“Then Joab sent to David a full account of the battle.” (2 Samuel 11:18)

• Joab is David’s nephew and commander (2 Samuel 8:16), a seasoned warrior who has already taken Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 11:6).

• He is loyal to David yet known for ruthless efficiency (2 Samuel 3:27; 18:14).

• In this chapter Joab follows David’s orders to place Uriah where the fighting is fiercest (2 Samuel 11:15-17), illustrating how even capable leaders can be drawn into another man’s sin (compare 1 Kings 2:5-6, where Joab’s violence eventually catches up with him).

• Joab’s action reminds us that leadership carries weight: what a king commands, a commander executes (see also 1 Samuel 22:17).


sent to David

• Communication between front line and throne is vital (2 Samuel 18:19-33 shows a similar messenger chain).

• Joab does not wait for David’s inquiry; he proactively reports, acknowledging David’s authority and right to know (compare 2 Samuel 12:27-28, where Joab again summons David).

• Even when a leader stumbles, God-ordained structures remain in place (Romans 13:1); Joab honors the office even as the man in it is compromising.


a full account

• The phrase highlights completeness—Joab withholds nothing, detailing successes and losses alike (contrast Acts 5:1-4, where Ananias hides the truth).

• Faithfulness in reporting is a biblical virtue: “He who speaks truth declares what is right” (Proverbs 12:17).

• By sending everything, Joab protects himself from blame and forces David to own the consequences of his secret plan (see Numbers 32:23, “be sure your sin will find you out”).

• This transparency foreshadows how God will later expose David’s hidden sin through Nathan (2 Samuel 12:7-12).


of the battle

• The battle is the siege of Rabbah, capital of Ammon (2 Samuel 11:1).

• Details would include troop movements, casualties, and notably Uriah’s death (2 Samuel 11:17).

• The stark reality of warfare contrasts with David’s comfortable distance in Jerusalem—an indictment of spiritual disengagement (compare 2 Samuel 11:1 with 2 Samuel 10:17-19, where David had previously led in person).

• Scripture records wars not to glorify violence but to show God’s dealings with nations and hearts (Psalm 46:8-9).


summary

2 Samuel 11:18 shows Joab, the battle-hardened general, honoring the chain of command by sending David every detail of the fight at Rabbah. His thorough report underscores the importance of truthful accountability, especially when leaders are tempted to hide sin. While Joab’s obedience advances David’s wrongful scheme, his full disclosure becomes the very means God will use to confront and correct the king. The verse therefore calls believers to transparent communication and reminds us that no earthly power can ultimately conceal what the Lord intends to reveal (Luke 12:2).

Verse 18. - Then Joab sent. Joab now performs another act in this iniquitous drama, and goes through the form of sending the king a report of the disaster which had followed upon his approaching too near the walls. With well-feigned hypocrisy, he makes the messenger believe that David will be displeased at the loss of life, and will blame him for his want of caution. But it is curious that the messenger is instructed to mention the death of Uriah only after the king has given utterance to his anger. Possibly the meaning of this is that the loss of one so high in rank, and the king's near neighbour, is so serious a matter that it must be gradually broken to him, lest his indignation at Joab should be too violent. Probably there was also the suggestion that Uriah had been himself too rash, and had incurred his fate by his own fault. The reference to the fate of Abimelech (Judges 9:53) proves that the history of the times of the judges was generally known. Very probably not only records of the several events existed, but the Book of Judges was already written In Samuel's schools the youth of Israel were instructed in the annals of their country, and men like Nathan and Gad, and ethers who aided Samuel in his work, would be sure quickly to turn their attention to the orderly arrangement and digest of the records in their possession.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Joab
יוֹאָ֑ב (yō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites

sent
וַיִּשְׁלַ֖ח (way·yiš·laḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

to David
לְדָוִ֔ד (lə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

a full account
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

of the battle
הַמִּלְחָמָֽה׃ (ham·mil·ḥā·māh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war


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OT History: 2 Samuel 11:18 Then Joab sent and told David all (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 11:17
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