This verse describes the same events as 2 Sam 11.1, but the focus is different since the verse in 2 Samuel sets the scene for David’s sin with Bathsheba while the Chronicler omits any reference to this wrongdoing on the part of the king. While the account here says simply that Joab led out the army, the account in 2 Samuel specifically says that “David sent Joab.” This difference in focus must be maintained in translation. The verse begins with a form of the Hebrew verb meaning “to be,” which is often omitted in translation but is rendered “And it came to pass” in King James Version and “Then it happened” in New American Standard Bible. Translators do not need to imitate the form of the Hebrew, but should begin this new story in whatever way is considered natural in their language.

In the spring of the year is literally “at the time of the turn of the year.” This expression most likely refers to the coming of springtime. Military campaigns were often undertaken in the spring, after the winter rains. Apparently at this time there were two calendars in use among the Israelites, one beginning in the fall and the other in the spring. In addition to the parallel text in 2 Sam 11.1, a similar Hebrew expression is also used in 1 Kgs 20.22 and 26 to refer to the king of Syria attacking the Israelites in the spring of the year, and in 2 Chr 36.10 to indicate the time when Nebuchadnezzar brought Jehoiachin to Babylon. Another similar expression occurs in 2 Kgs 13.20 to situate the habitual invasion of the land by the Moabites. The Hebrew does not clearly indicate the time of Joab’s military attack on the land of Ammon in relation to the preceding chapters. Good News Translation says “The following spring.” But the events in this chapter are not necessarily in chronological order with preceding events, so Biblia Dios Habla Hoy says “On one occasion, during the spring.” In those parts of the world where the season of spring is unknown, it may be necessary to say “At the turn of the year” (Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh). The basic meaning of the Hebrew phrase here is generally thought to be that of repetition or return of a time of the year.

The time when kings go forth to battle is literally “the time when the kings go forth.” Since this speaks of something that happened repeatedly, the habitual verb form may be the most appropriate in many languages. But in other languages it may be necessary to add a word such as “usually” (Good News Translation) to show that it was not something that necessarily happened every year.

Joab led out the army: The army translates two Hebrew nouns. King James Version and Jewish Publication Version translate “the power of the army,” and Slotki gives “the host of war” as an alternative translation. But many versions today say only “the army.” However, some interpreters understand this expression to mean “the main part of the army” (La Bible Pléiade, El libro del Pueblo de Dios, Nueva Versión Internacional, Osty-Trinquet, Peregrino, “the main force” (Moffatt), or “a strong army” (La Bible du Semeur, La Sainte Bible: La version Etablie par les moines de Maredsous). Since this is the beginning of a new section, certain modern versions find it helpful to make clear which army Joab was leading into battle. Contemporary English Version and New Living Translation speak of “the Israelite army,” while New Century Version has “the army of Israel.” For this whole clause Biblia Dios Habla Hoy has “Joab organized an expedition.”

And ravaged the country of the Ammonites: The root meaning of the Hebrew verb rendered ravaged is “to decay,” and the causative form here may be rendered “ruined,” “spoiled,” “destroyed” (Contemporary English Version, Reina-Valera revisada), “laid waste” (New International Version, New American Bible, An American Translation), or “devastated” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, Nueva Versión Internacional). The country of the Ammonites is literally “the land of the children [or, sons] of Ammon.” This Hebrew idiom means simply “the Ammonites’ territory” (New Jerusalem Bible). Contemporary English Version says “towns all over the country of Ammon.” The Ammonite kingdom was located northeast of the Dead Sea. The Ammonites and the Israelites were often in conflict throughout the centuries. For this whole clause and the previous one New Living Translation says “Joab led the Israelite army in successful attacks against the towns and villages of the Ammonites.”

And came and besieged Rabbah: Besieged translates a Hebrew verb meaning “to encircle.” Enemy troops would surround a city and attack it or, having cut off supplies from the outside world, wait to starve out the inhabitants. Rabbah was the capital city of the Ammonites, which was strategically located about 37 kilometers (23 miles) northeast of the Dead Sea, where north-south and east-west trade routes crossed. It is known today as Amman in the modern country called Jordan. In many languages it will be helpful to add a classifier term so that the reader will know that Rabbah was a city (so New Living Translation, New Century Version, Nova Tradução na Linguagem de Hoje) or that it was the capital city (so Contemporary English Version, Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente).

But David remained at Jerusalem: Since this verse begins a new section, it may be helpful to identify David as “King David” (Good News Translation, Nova Tradução na Linguagem de Hoje).

And Joab smote Rabbah, and overthrew it: The Hebrew verb for smote has the sense of “attacked” (Good News Translation, New International Version) in this context. The Hebrew verb rendered overthrew is frequently used for tearing down (so God’s Word, NET Bible) or destroying (so Good News Translation) cities and their walls. Revised English Bible uses the more technical expression “razed … to the ground.”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Chronicles, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2014. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .