Topical Bible: Sieges: Rabbah

◄ Sieges: Rabbah ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Rabbah, also known as Rabbah of the Ammonites, was a significant city in the ancient Near East, located in the territory of the Ammonites. It is identified with the modern city of Amman, the capital of Jordan. The city held strategic and economic importance due to its location and resources, making it a focal point in biblical narratives, particularly in the context of military sieges.

Biblical Context and Historical Background

Rabbah is first mentioned in the Bible in Deuteronomy 3:11, where it is noted as the location of the iron bedstead of Og, king of Bashan, indicating its significance even in the early periods of Israelite history. The city is most prominently featured in the accounts of King David's military campaigns.

The Siege of Rabbah under King David

The most notable siege of Rabbah occurred during the reign of King David, as recorded in 2 Samuel 11-12 and 1 Chronicles 20. The siege is intricately linked with the narrative of David's sin with Bathsheba. While Joab, the commander of David's army, was leading the siege against Rabbah, David remained in Jerusalem, where he committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite.

In 2 Samuel 11:1, the text states, "In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem." This verse sets the stage for the events that follow, highlighting the ongoing military campaign against the Ammonites.

The siege itself is described in more detail in 2 Samuel 12:26-31. Joab captured the royal city and sent messengers to David, urging him to come and take the city himself to claim the victory. David complied, and the city was taken. The Berean Standard Bible records, "So David gathered all the people and went to Rabbah; he fought against it and captured it" (2 Samuel 12:29). The capture of Rabbah marked a significant victory for Israel, and David took the crown of the Ammonite king, which was described as weighing a talent of gold and set with precious stones.

Theological and Moral Implications

The siege of Rabbah is not only a historical account but also serves as a backdrop for exploring themes of sin, repentance, and divine justice. David's actions during this period, particularly his sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of Uriah, led to severe consequences for his household, as prophesied by the prophet Nathan (2 Samuel 12:10-12). The narrative underscores the importance of obedience to God's commandments and the far-reaching impact of sin.

Later References and Significance

Rabbah continued to hold importance in the biblical narrative and is mentioned in later prophetic writings. In Jeremiah 49:2, the prophet foretells judgment against the Ammonites, stating, "Therefore behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will sound the battle cry against Rabbah of the Ammonites; it will become a mound of ruins, and its villages will be set on fire." This prophecy highlights the city's continued relevance and the divine judgment pronounced upon it.

In summary, the sieges of Rabbah, particularly during the time of King David, are significant events in biblical history, illustrating the complexities of human sin, divine justice, and the unfolding of God's plan for His people. The city of Rabbah serves as a testament to the historical and theological narratives that shape the biblical text.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 11:1
And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.
Torrey's Topical Textbook