Jerusalem: “they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem” (11:1). The narrator pointedly refers to this period, probably corresponding to the spring campaigning months, as “the time when kings go out to battle.” This description collides with the reality that David had not gone out to battle, as was his royal duty (see 1 Sam. 8:20). Some commentators deny this connection, but there is always a reason for the Bible’s offhand comments. In this case, we are almost