Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He instructed the messenger: “When you have finished giving the king this account of the battle, New Living Translation He told his messenger, “Report all the news of the battle to the king. English Standard Version And he instructed the messenger, “When you have finished telling all the news about the fighting to the king, Berean Standard Bible and instructed the messenger, “When you have finished giving the king a full account of the battle, King James Bible And charged the messenger, saying, When thou hast made an end of telling the matters of the war unto the king, New King James Version and charged the messenger, saying, “When you have finished telling the matters of the war to the king, New American Standard Bible He ordered the messenger, saying, “When you have finished telling all the events of the war to the king, NASB 1995 He charged the messenger, saying, “When you have finished telling all the events of the war to the king, NASB 1977 And he charged the messenger, saying, “When you have finished telling all the events of the war to the king, Legacy Standard Bible And he commanded the messenger, saying, “When you have finished telling all the events of the war to the king, Amplified Bible And he commanded the messenger, “When you have finished reporting all the events of the war to the king, Christian Standard Bible He commanded the messenger, “When you’ve finished telling the king all the details of the battle— Holman Christian Standard Bible He commanded the messenger, “When you’ve finished telling the king all the details of the battle— American Standard Version and he charged the messenger, saying, When thou hast made an end of telling all the things concerning the war unto the king, Contemporary English Version He gave the messenger these orders: When you finish telling the king everything that has happened, English Revised Version and he charged the messenger, saying, When thou hast made an end of telling all the things concerning the war unto the king, GOD'S WORD® Translation And he commanded the messenger, "When you finish telling the king about the battle, Good News Translation and he instructed the messenger, "After you have told the king all about the battle, International Standard Version He instructed the courier, "When you have finished conveying all the news about the battle to the king, NET Bible He instructed the messenger as follows: "When you finish giving the battle report to the king, New Heart English Bible and he commanded the messenger, saying, "When you have finished telling all the things concerning the war to the king, Webster's Bible Translation And charged the messenger, saying, When thou hast made an end of telling the matters of the war to the king, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleand instructed the messenger, “When you have finished giving the king a full account of the battle, World English Bible and he commanded the messenger, saying, “When you have finished telling all the things concerning the war to the king, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand commands the messenger, saying, “At your finishing all the matters of the war to speak to the king, Young's Literal Translation and commandeth the messenger, saying, 'At thy finishing all the matters of the war to speak unto the king, Smith's Literal Translation And be will command the messenger, saying, When thou finishest all the words of the war to speak to the king, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he charged the messenger, saying: When thou hast told all the words of the battle to the king, Catholic Public Domain Version And he instructed the messenger, saying: “When you have completed all the words about the war to the king, New American Bible instructing the messenger, “When you have finished giving the king all the details of the battle, New Revised Standard Version and he instructed the messenger, “When you have finished telling the king all the news about the fighting, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Joab charged the messenger, saying, When you have finished telling everything which took place in the battle to the king, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Yuab commanded the Messenger and he said to him: “Whenever you are done telling the King everything that happened in the battle OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and he charged the messenger, saying: 'When thou hast made an end of telling all the things concerning the war unto the king, Brenton Septuagint Translation And he charged the messenger, saying, When thou hast finished reporting all the events of the war to the king, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Arranges Uriah's Death…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, 20if the king’s anger flares, he may ask you, ‘Why did you get so close to the city to fight? Did you not realize they would shoot from atop the wall?… 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. ... Matthew 1:6 and Jesse the father of David the king. Next: David was the father of Solomon by Uriah’s wife, 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. 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 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 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. 1 Kings 2:32 The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army. 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 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. 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. 1 Kings 11:6 So Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD; unlike his father David, he did not follow the LORD completely. 1 Kings 11:33-34 For they have forsaken Me to worship Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the Ammonites. They have not walked in My ways, nor done what is right in My eyes, nor kept My statutes and judgments, as Solomon’s father David did. / Nevertheless, I will not take the whole kingdom out of Solomon’s hand, because I have made him ruler all the days of his life for the sake of David My servant, whom I chose because he kept My commandments and statutes. 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, Treasury of Scripture And charged the messenger, saying, When you have made an end of telling the matters of the war to the king, Jump to Previous Account Battle Charged Commanded Commandeth End Events Fighting Finished Finishing Instructed Matters Messenger News Orders Speak Telling WarJump to Next Account Battle Charged Commanded Commandeth End Events Fighting Finished Finishing Instructed Matters Messenger News Orders Speak Telling War2 Samuel 11 1. While Joab besieges Rabbah, David commits adultery with Bathsheba6. 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 and instructed the messenger In the context of ancient Israel, communication between military leaders and the king was often conducted through messengers. This reflects the hierarchical structure of the society and the importance of direct communication in military matters. The use of a messenger indicates the seriousness of the situation and the need for accurate and timely information. In the broader biblical narrative, messengers often play crucial roles in delivering important news or commands, as seen with the angelic messengers in the New Testament. “When you have finished giving the king a full account of the battle, Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel who orchestrated the events leading to the death of Uriah to cover up his sin with Bathsheba. 2. Joab The commander of David's army, who followed David's orders to place Uriah in the front lines of battle. 3. Uriah the Hittite A loyal soldier in David's army and the husband of Bathsheba, whom David sought to eliminate. 4. Bathsheba The wife of Uriah, with whom David committed adultery. 5. Jerusalem The city where David resided and from where he sent the messenger to Joab. Teaching Points The Consequences of SinDavid's actions remind us that sin often leads to a chain of events with far-reaching consequences. We must be vigilant in guarding our hearts and actions. The Importance of Accountability David lacked accountability, which led to his moral failure. We should seek accountability partners in our spiritual walk to help us stay true to God's commands. Repentance and Forgiveness Despite David's grave sins, his account also highlights the power of genuine repentance and God's willingness to forgive. We should never hesitate to seek God's forgiveness, no matter the sin. The Dangers of Power and Complacency David's position as king may have contributed to his sense of invulnerability. We must remain humble and aware of our weaknesses, regardless of our status or achievements. The Role of Messengers The messenger in this passage plays a crucial role in communication. We should be mindful of how we convey messages, ensuring they align with truth and integrity. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 11:19?2. How does 2 Samuel 11:19 illustrate the consequences of David's actions? 3. What can we learn about accountability from 2 Samuel 11:19? 4. How does 2 Samuel 11:19 connect to the theme of sin in Scripture? 5. How can we apply the lessons from 2 Samuel 11:19 to our lives? 6. What does 2 Samuel 11:19 teach about the importance of honesty and integrity? 7. Why did Joab send a messenger to report the battle events to David in 2 Samuel 11:19? 8. How does 2 Samuel 11:19 reflect on David's leadership and moral decisions? 9. What does 2 Samuel 11:19 reveal about the consequences of David's actions with Bathsheba? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 11? 11. How can 2 Samuel 19:18-23 reconcile David's promise to spare Shimei with later biblical texts (e.g., 1 Kings 2:8-9) commanding his execution? 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. What was King Abijah's mother's name: Michaiah (2 Chronicles 13:2) or Maachah (2 Chronicles 11:20), given Absalom's only daughter was Tamar (2 Samuel 14:27)? 14. How does 2 Samuel 11:1 align with historical or archaeological evidence that kings only went to war in the spring? What Does 2 Samuel 11:19 Mean He instructed the messenger2 Samuel 11:19 opens with Joab, Israel’s commander, deliberately sending a courier to David. • Joab’s action shows organized military communication, much like the orderly reports seen later in 2 Samuel 18:19–21 where another messenger is briefed. • The chain of command is respected: Joab speaks, the messenger obeys, David receives—mirroring Exodus 17:9–10 where Moses, Joshua, and the fighting men each fill their role. • Because Scripture is factual, we know this messenger truly existed and was entrusted with vital information. When you have finished Joab expects the messenger to complete his task before anything else. Completion matters. • Proverbs 13:16 underscores acting with knowledge, not half measures. • Jesus’ parable on counting the cost in Luke 14:28–30 illustrates the same principle: finish what you start. • In David’s case, a tidy report prevents misunderstanding, reminding us that God is a God of order (1 Corinthians 14:40). Giving the king David, though anointed, still requires accurate news; authority does not negate accountability. • Romans 13:1 teaches that all authority is established by God, so Joab honors the office. • Hebrews 13:17 depicts leaders who must “give an account,” hinting that David needs truth to lead righteously. • Even in his hidden sin (2 Samuel 11:1–4), David remains God’s chosen king; Joab’s respect for that position is an example for us. A full account The messenger must share every detail—nothing omitted, nothing shaded. • Proverbs 12:22 declares, “Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.” • Paul urges, “Speak truth each one to his neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25), reinforcing the demand for completeness. • Full disclosure anticipates David’s probable anger when he learns of casualties (2 Samuel 11:20), yet truth remains non-negotiable. Of the battle The content is warfare news, but it carries spiritual weight. • David’s sin set this battle in motion (11:15), reminding us that personal choices can endanger others—just as Achan’s sin harmed Israel in Joshua 7:1–5. • Believers are called “good soldiers of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:3–4), engaged in real battles where honest reporting—confession—matters. • Ephesians 6:12 shows that behind every physical conflict lies a spiritual one; Joab’s report feeds into a larger narrative of God dealing with His servant’s wrongdoing. summary 2 Samuel 11:19 is more than a logistical footnote. It highlights ordered leadership, the necessity of completing our assignments, respect for God-ordained authority, uncompromising truthfulness, and the sobering link between personal sin and public conflict. By observing Joab’s careful instruction and the messenger’s expected fidelity, we are reminded to communicate honestly, fulfill our duties fully, and recognize that every earthly report ultimately falls under the gaze of the King of kings. Hebrew and instructedוַיְצַ֥ו (way·ṣaw) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order the messenger, הַמַּלְאָ֖ךְ (ham·mal·’āḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel “When you have finished כְּכַלּוֹתְךָ֗ (kə·ḵal·lō·wṯ·ḵā) Preposition-k | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 3615: To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent giving לְדַבֵּ֥ר (lə·ḏab·bêr) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue the king הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the details דִּבְרֵ֥י (diḇ·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause of the battle, הַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה (ham·mil·ḥā·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4421: A battle, war Links 2 Samuel 11:19 NIV2 Samuel 11:19 NLT 2 Samuel 11:19 ESV 2 Samuel 11:19 NASB 2 Samuel 11:19 KJV 2 Samuel 11:19 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 11:19 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 11:19 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 11:19 French Bible 2 Samuel 11:19 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 11:19 And he commanded the messenger saying When (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |