This verse describes the conclusion of a battle and the retreat of the Ammonites after seeing their allies, the Syrians, routed. Let's break it down:
"When the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians had fled..." This highlights the cause of the Ammonites' retreat. The Ammonites had hired Syrian mercenaries to fight against David's forces. Seeing the Syrians (who were likely a significant part of their combined fighting force) abandon the battlefield was a demoralizing blow.
"...they likewise fled before Abishai his brother, and entered into the city." Abishai was Joab's brother and a prominent commander in David's army. The Ammonites, witnessing the Syrian retreat and likely feeling the pressure from Abishai's forces, decided to withdraw themselves. They retreated behind the city walls for protection, suggesting they weren't strong enough to continue the fight in the open field.
"Then Joab came to Jerusalem." Joab was the commander of David's entire army. This indicates that after the successful battle (or at least the driving away of the enemy), Joab returned to Jerusalem, the capital. This signifies a pause in the campaign or a return to base to regroup and possibly receive instructions from King David. It also hints that the main objective (at least for that phase of the conflict) had been achieved. The battle wasn't necessarily a complete victory but it achieved the goal of driving the enemy from the field and forcing them into their city.
In summary: The verse depicts the Ammonites' loss of confidence and retreat after witnessing their Syrian allies flee the battlefield. It underscores the strength of David's army under the leadership of Joab and Abishai. It also suggests a temporary cessation of hostilities as Joab returns to Jerusalem, likely to strategize further. The victory was not the end of the war, but a step in it.
This verse describes the conclusion of a battle and the retreat of the Ammonites after seeing their allies, the Syrians, routed. Let's break it down:
"When the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians had fled..." This highlights the cause of the Ammonites' retreat. The Ammonites had hired Syrian mercenaries to fight against David's forces. Seeing the Syrians (who were likely a significant part of their combined fighting force) abandon the battlefield was a demoralizing blow.
"...they likewise fled before Abishai his brother, and entered into the city." Abishai was Joab's brother and a prominent commander in David's army. The Ammonites, witnessing the Syrian retreat and likely feeling the pressure from Abishai's forces, decided to withdraw themselves. They retreated behind the city walls for protection, suggesting they weren't strong enough to continue the fight in the open field.
"Then Joab came to Jerusalem." Joab was the commander of David's entire army. This indicates that after the successful battle (or at least the driving away of the enemy), Joab returned to Jerusalem, the capital. This signifies a pause in the campaign or a return to base to regroup and possibly receive instructions from King David. It also hints that the main objective (at least for that phase of the conflict) had been achieved. The battle wasn't necessarily a complete victory but it achieved the goal of driving the enemy from the field and forcing them into their city.
In summary: The verse depicts the Ammonites' loss of confidence and retreat after witnessing their Syrian allies flee the battlefield. It underscores the strength of David's army under the leadership of Joab and Abishai. It also suggests a temporary cessation of hostilities as Joab returns to Jerusalem, likely to strategize further. The victory was not the end of the war, but a step in it.
