Key Verse Spotlight
2 Samuel 11:23 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" The messenger said to David, “The men prevailed against us, and came out to us into the field; and we were on them even to the entrance of the gate. "
2 Samuel 11:23
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
21 Who struck Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? Didn’t a woman cast an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died at Thebez? Why did you go so near the wall?’ then you shall say, ‘Your servant Uriah the Hittite is also dead.’”
22 So the messenger went, and came and showed David all that Joab had sent him for.
23 The messenger said to David, “The men prevailed against us, and came out to us into the field; and we were on them even to the entrance of the gate.
24 The shooters shot at your servants from off the wall; and some of the king’s servants are dead, and your servant Uriah the Hittite is also dead.”
25 Then David said to the messenger, “Tell Joab, ‘Don’t let this thing displease you, for the sword devours one as well as another. Make your battle stronger against the city, and overthrow it.’ Encourage him.”
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2 Samuel 11:1
"At the return of the year, at the time when kings go out, David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem."
2 Samuel 11:2
"At evening, David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. From the roof, he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to look at."
2 Samuel 11:3
"David sent and inquired after the woman. One said, “Isn’t this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, Uriah the Hittite’s wife?”"
2 Samuel 11:4
"David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in to him, and he lay with her (for she was purified from her uncleanness); and she returned to her house."
2 Samuel 11:5
"The woman conceived; and she sent and told David, and said, “I am with child.”"
2 Samuel 11:6
"David sent to Joab, “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” Joab sent Uriah to David."
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