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⇱ 2 Samuel 11:23 The messenger said to David, "The men overpowered us and came out against us in the field, but we drove them back to the entrance of the gate.

Bible > 2 Samuel > Chapter 11 > Verse 23
◄ 2 Samuel 11:23 ►
New International Version
The messenger said to David, “The men overpowered us and came out against us in the open, but we drove them back to the entrance of the city gate.

New Living Translation
“The enemy came out against us in the open fields,” he said. “And as we chased them back to the city gate,

English Standard Version
The messenger said to David, “The men gained an advantage over us and came out against us in the field, but we drove them back to the entrance of the gate.

Berean Standard Bible
The messenger said to David, “The men overpowered us and came out against us in the field, but we drove them back to the entrance of the gate.

King James Bible
And the messenger said unto David, Surely the men prevailed against us, and came out unto us into the field, and we were upon them even unto the entering of the gate.

New King James Version
And the messenger said to David, “Surely the men prevailed against us and came out to us in the field; then we drove them back as far as the entrance of the gate.

New American Standard Bible
The messenger said to David, “The men prevailed against us and came out against us in the field, but we pressed them as far as the entrance of the gate.

NASB 1995
The messenger said to David, “The men prevailed against us and came out against us in the field, but we pressed them as far as the entrance of the gate.

NASB 1977
And the messenger said to David, “The men prevailed against us and came out against us in the field, but we pressed them as far as the entrance of the gate.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the messenger said to David, “The men prevailed against us and came out against us in the field, but we pressed them as far as the entrance of the gate.

Amplified Bible
The messenger said to David, “The men indeed prevailed against us and came out to us in the field, but we were on them and pushed them as far as the entrance of the [city] gate.

Christian Standard Bible
The messenger reported to David, “The men gained the advantage over us and came out against us in the field, but we counterattacked right up to the entrance of the city gate.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The messenger reported to David, “The men gained the advantage over us and came out against us in the field, but we counterattacked right up to the entrance of the gate.

American Standard Version
And the messenger said unto David, The men prevailed against us, and came out unto us into the field, and we were upon them even unto the entrance of the gate.

Contemporary English Version
He added, "The enemy chased us from the wall and out into the open fields. But we pushed them back as far as the city gate.

English Revised Version
And the messenger said unto David, The men prevailed against us and came out unto us into the field, and we were upon them even unto the entering of the gate.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The messenger said, "Their men overpowered us and came to attack us in the field. Then we forced them back to the entrance of the city gate.

Good News Translation
He said, "Our enemies were stronger than we were and came out of the city to fight us in the open, but we drove them back to the city gate.

International Standard Version
The messenger told David, "The men surprised us and attacked us in the field, but we drove them back to the entrance of the city gate.

NET Bible
The messenger said to David, "The men overpowered us and attacked us in the field. But we forced them to retreat all the way to the door of the city gate.

New Heart English Bible
The messenger said to David, "The men overpowered us, and came out to us into the field, and when we drove them back to the entrance of the gate,

Webster's Bible Translation
And the messenger said to David, Surely the men prevailed against us, and came out to us into the field, and we were upon them even to the entrance of the gate.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
The messenger said to David, “The men overpowered us and came out against us in the field, but we drove them back to the entrance of the gate.

World English Bible
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.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the messenger says to David, “Surely the men have been mighty against us, and come out to us into the field, and we are on them to the opening of the gate,

Young's Literal Translation
and the messenger saith unto David, 'Surely the men have been mighty against us, and come out unto us into the field, and we are upon them unto the opening of the gate,

Smith's Literal Translation
And the messenger will say to David, That the men were strengthened upon us, and they came out to us to the field, and they were upon them, even to the door of the gate.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the messenger said to David: The men prevailed against us, and they came out to us into the field: and we vigorously charged and pursued them even to the gate of the city.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the messenger said to David: “The men prevailed against us, and they went out to us in the field. Then we pursued them, making an assault, even to the gate of the city.

New American Bible
He told David: “The men had the advantage over us and came out into the open against us, but we pushed them back to the entrance of the city gate.

New Revised Standard Version
The messenger said to David, “The men gained an advantage over us, and came out against us in the field; but we drove them back to the entrance of the gate.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the messenger said to David, The men prevailed against us and came out against us into the field, and we chased them back to the entrance of the city.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Messenger said to David: “The men prevailed against us and they came out against us to the field, and we attacked them unto the gates of the city
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the messenger said unto David: 'The men prevailed against us, and came out unto us into the field, and we were upon them even unto the entrance of the gate.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the messenger said to David, The men prevailed against us, and they came out against us into the field, and we came upon them even to the door of the gate.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Arranges Uriah's Death
…22So the messenger set out and reported to David all that Joab had sent him to say. 23The messenger said to David, “The men overpowered us and came out against us in the field, but we drove them back to the entrance of the gate. 24Then the archers shot at your servants from the wall, and some of the king’s servants were killed. And your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead as well.”…

Cross References
2 Samuel 12:9
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.

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. ...

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.

Matthew 5:28
But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

James 1:14-15
But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. / Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Proverbs 6:32-33
He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. / Wounds and dishonor will befall him, and his reproach will never be wiped away.

Genesis 3:6
When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate it.

Romans 6:12-13
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires. / Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13
So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall. / No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.

Galatians 5:16-17
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. / For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.

Ephesians 5:11
Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

1 Peter 2:11
Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul.

1 John 1:8-9
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. / If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Genesis 4:7
If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it.”


Advantage City Country David Doors Drove Entering Entrance Far Field Gained Gate Messenger Mighty Open Opening Overpowered Pressed Prevailed Surely
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Advantage City Country David Doors Drove Entering Entrance Far Field Gained Gate Messenger Mighty Open Opening Overpowered Pressed Prevailed Surely
2 Samuel 11
1. While Joab besieges Rabbah, David commits adultery with Bathsheba
6. 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














The messenger said to David
This phrase introduces the communication between Joab's messenger and King David. In the context of ancient Israel, messengers played a crucial role in relaying information, especially during military campaigns. David, as king, was the central figure in Israel's leadership, and his decisions were pivotal for the nation's direction. This communication reflects the hierarchical structure of authority, where military leaders reported directly to the king.

The men overpowered us
This part of the message indicates a moment of vulnerability and defeat for David's forces. The term "overpowered" suggests a temporary setback in battle, highlighting the unpredictability and danger of ancient warfare. It reflects the reality that even the armies of Israel, under divine favor, could face challenges and defeats, reminding readers of the human element in divine plans.

and came out against us in the field
The battlefield context is significant here. Battles often took place in open fields, away from city fortifications, to allow for strategic maneuvers. This phrase suggests that the enemy, likely the Ammonites, took the initiative to engage Israel's forces outside their city, indicating their confidence and aggression. It also sets the stage for understanding the tactical movements in ancient warfare.

but we drove them back to the entrance of the gate
This indicates a shift in the battle's momentum, where David's forces regained control and pushed the enemy back to their city gates. The "entrance of the gate" is significant as city gates were strategic points in ancient cities, often heavily fortified and defended. This phrase suggests a partial victory, as driving the enemy back to their gates would have been a tactical advantage, though not a complete conquest. It reflects the resilience and determination of David's army, even in the face of initial setbacks.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The King of Israel, who is at the center of this account. His decisions and actions in this chapter have significant moral and spiritual implications.

2. The Messenger
An unnamed individual who reports back to King David about the battle's outcome, specifically the events leading to Uriah's death.

3. Uriah the Hittite
A valiant warrior in David's army, whose death is orchestrated by David to cover up his sin with Bathsheba.

4. Joab
The commander of David's army, who follows David's orders to place Uriah in a dangerous battle position.

5. The Battlefield
The location where the Israelites are fighting the Ammonites, and where Uriah is killed as part of David's plan.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Sin
Sin often leads to a chain of events that can have devastating effects on others. David's initial sin with Bathsheba led to deceit and murder.

The Importance of Accountability
David's lack of accountability allowed his sin to escalate. Believers should seek accountability to prevent sin from taking root.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
Despite human failings, God's justice prevails. David's actions were eventually exposed, reminding us that God sees all.

Repentance and Restoration
True repentance, as seen in Psalm 51, is essential for restoration with God. David's later repentance shows the possibility of forgiveness and renewal.

The Role of Leadership
Leaders have a responsibility to act righteously. David's failure as a leader had severe consequences for himself and others.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 11:23?

2. How does 2 Samuel 11:23 illustrate consequences of David's actions?

3. What does Joab's report reveal about leadership and accountability?

4. How can we avoid similar pitfalls as seen in 2 Samuel 11:23?

5. Connect 2 Samuel 11:23 with Proverbs 28:13 on confessing sins.

6. How should Christians respond to failures in leadership, as seen in David's story?

7. How does 2 Samuel 11:23 reflect on the morality of King David's actions?

8. What does 2 Samuel 11:23 reveal about the consequences of sin in leadership?

9. How does the report in 2 Samuel 11:23 demonstrate the nature of war in biblical times?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 11?

11. How can the events of 2 Samuel 11 be reconciled with the traditional portrayal of David as a man after God's own heart?

12. The chief of the mighty men of David lifted up his spear and killed how many men at one time? Eight hundred (2 Samuel 23:8) Three hundred (I Chronicles 11: 11)

13. (2 Samuel 23:2-3) If these are David's 'last words,' why do other chapters describe David speaking afterward?

14. 2 Samuel 14:2-3: Does Joab's use of a disguised woman to deceive David suggest a narrative hole, since such a ruse seems unlikely to fool a king?
What Does 2 Samuel 11:23 Mean
The messenger said to David

• David has remained in Jerusalem while Joab and the army lay siege to Rabbah (2 Samuel 11:1). Hearing from a runner shows the king’s distance—both physical and moral—from the battlefield he should have been leading (cf. 2 Samuel 18:25–26; Proverbs 25:25).

• Scripture portrays messengers as truth-bearers; here, truth will confront David’s deception (2 Samuel 11:19). Yet the king has already scripted what he wants to hear (2 Samuel 11:25), foreshadowing his attempt to manage appearances rather than repent.

• The report links the palace and the front lines, underscoring that David’s secret sin reaches far beyond his private chamber (Numbers 32:23; Psalm 51:4).

The men overpowered us

• The Ammonites momentarily gain the advantage, a reminder that Israel does not enjoy automatic victory; obedience matters (Deuteronomy 28:25; Joshua 7:12).

• The setback highlights the cost of war—lives truly are being lost while David schemes to hide his adultery (2 Samuel 11:17).

• God’s Word records even Israel’s reverses to show His people their dependence on Him (Psalm 33:16–17). Victory is never mechanical; it flows from covenant faithfulness.

and came out against us in the field

• A besieged city’s troops rarely sortie unless confident; the Ammonites sense weakness (2 Samuel 10:8–9).

• By noting “the field,” the messenger signals that the fight left the protective walls—exactly where Uriah was vulnerable (2 Samuel 11:15).

• The phrase echoes earlier descriptions of open-field battles (1 Samuel 17:44; 2 Samuel 24:13), reminding readers that Israel’s warfare history is now marred by David’s personal agenda.

but we drove them back to the entrance of the gate

• Israel eventually repels the enemy, showing Joab’s competence even under reckless royal orders (2 Samuel 11:16).

• The reversal suggests God’s continued providential care for His people despite David’s sin, though justice will soon expose that sin (2 Samuel 12:7–10).

• Strategically, forcing foes behind their gate restores siege conditions; spiritually, it exposes David’s attempt to hide behind a different “gate”—the façade of a routine battle casualty (Psalm 32:3–4; Galatians 6:7).

summary

Verse 23 delivers a straightforward military update, yet every clause carries moral weight. The messenger’s words chart a skirmish that begins with Israel on the back foot but ends with tactical success. Still, the report cannot mask the uglier truth: David has orchestrated conditions for Uriah’s death. The passage testifies that God records events exactly as they occur, spotlighting the collision between human maneuvering and divine righteousness.

Verse 23. - The men prevailed against us. The real meaning is "the men made a sortie against us in force, and came even to the open field; but we were upon them (and drove them back) unto the entry of the gate, and the archers from off the wall shot at thy servants," etc.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The messenger
הַמַּלְאָךְ֙ (ham·mal·’āḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel

said
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

David,
דָּוִ֔ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

“The men
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֔ים (hā·’ă·nā·šîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

overpowered us
גָבְר֤וּ (ḡā·ḇə·rū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1396: To be strong, to prevail, act insolently

and came out
וַיֵּצְא֥וּ (way·yê·ṣə·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

against
אֵלֵ֖ינוּ (’ê·lê·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

us in the field,
הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה (haś·śā·ḏeh)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7704: Field, land

but we drove them back
וַנִּהְיֶ֥ה (wan·nih·yeh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

to
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

the entrance
פֶּ֥תַח (pe·ṯaḥ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6607: An opening, door, entrance way

of the gate.
הַשָּֽׁעַר׃ (haš·šā·‘ar)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate


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OT History: 2 Samuel 11:23 The messenger said to David The men (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)