spring of the yearתְּשׁוּבָה הַשָּׁנָה
teshuvah hashanah · Hebrew Noun phrase
A time of year, typically spring, associated with the renewal of military campaigns in the Ancient Near East. Kings were expected to lead their armies, making David's absence notable.
Joabיוֹאָב
Yo'av · Hebrew Proper Noun
The commander of David's army; a key military figure who often carried out David's commands. His name means "Yahweh is father."
uncleannessנִדָּה
niddah · Hebrew Noun
A state of moral or ritual impurity, often referring to a woman's menstrual cycle. The Law of Moses (Leviticus 15) required ritual cleansing before returning to normal community life.
Ammonitesעַמּוֹן
'Ammon · Hebrew Proper Noun (adjective/collective)
An ethnic group living east of the Jordan; traditional enemies of Israel whom David's army was tasked to subdue.
Hittiteחִתִּי
chitti · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
The Hittite, an ethnic outsider who had become a loyal follower and soldier of David. Being a "Hittite" highlights his non-Israelite origin, yet he is portrayed as possessing integrity often lacking in the Israelite king.
pregnantהָרָה
harah · Hebrew Verb
To conceive or become pregnant; the beginning of human life within the womb, viewed in Scripture as a gift from God.
Hittiteחִתִּי
Chittiy · Hebrew Adjective
A term used to identify a descendant of Heth, one of the Canaanite groups. In the context of the Israelites, they were sometimes foreigners who were incorporated into the nation and, in the case of Uriah, displayed profound loyalty to Israel's God and customs.
kingמֶלֶךְ
melek · Hebrew Noun
A Hebrew word referring to a male sovereign who holds authority over a nation, people, or territory. Theologically, the king in Israel was to be under the ultimate authority of Yahweh, serving as His regent to lead and protect the people.
presentמַשְׂאֵת
mas'eth · Hebrew Noun
A Hebrew term for a gift or bribe given to gain favor, facilitate a request, or express appreciation. In a royal context, it often implies a gesture designed to influence the recipient's actions or secure their goodwill.
servantsעֶבֶד
ebed · Hebrew Noun
A term referring to those who serve a superior or master. Biblically, it emphasizes duty, submission, and the performance of tasks on behalf of an authority figure or, in a spiritual sense, one's relationship to God.
lordאָדוֹן
adon · Hebrew Noun
A title of respect or authority used to address a superior, husband, or God. It denotes one who possesses ownership or authority over someone or something, emphasizing a relationship of hierarchy and obligation.
arkאָרוֹן
'aron · Hebrew Noun
A wooden chest overlaid with gold, representing the presence, holiness, and covenant of God among His people. It served as the footstool of God's throne on earth and was the central object in Israel's worship.
boothsסֻכָּה
sukkah · Hebrew Noun
A temporary structure or hut made of branches, often used during the Feast of Booths to remind Israel of their time in the wilderness or by soldiers during a campaign. It signifies a state of nomadic existence or dedication to a specific duty.
lordאָדוֹן
'adon · Hebrew Noun
A title denoting authority, master, or owner, frequently used for human superiors, kings, or husbands, and also for God (Adonai). It implies a relationship of submission, service, or ownership.
As you liveחַי
chai · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
A binding declaration or solemn promise made under the authority of God or another's life. Invoking the life of a king was a common way to seal an oath or demonstrate deep commitment to a position.
soulנֶפֶשׁ
nephesh · Hebrew Noun
In the Hebrew psyche, this represents the inner self, the seat of life, appetite, emotion, and the will. It is the core of a person's being, often used in phrases emphasizing the seriousness or personal nature of an oath.
made him drunkשָׁכַר
shakar · Hebrew Verb
The state of being under the influence of intoxicating drink. Biblically, it is generally associated with a lack of self-control, poor judgment, and a departure from sober-mindedness, often leading to sin or vulnerability.
hardest fightingשַׂר צָבָא
'etsumah milchamah · Hebrew Noun Phrase
The primary military leader or commander. A person in this role is responsible for the strategic execution of war and the direct oversight of soldiers, often serving as the king's right hand in battle.
struck downנָכָה
nakah · Hebrew Verb
To be smitten, killed, or afflicted, often used in the context of divine judgment, military combat, or physical injury. It implies an external force causing harm or death.
Joabיוֹאָב
Yo'ab · Hebrew Proper Noun
A general term referring to a military leader or commander; in a biblical context, it often denotes someone who exercises authority, strategy, and oversight over military operations.
besiegingצוּר
tsur · Hebrew Verb
To surround or blockade a fortified city with military forces in order to capture it or force a surrender, often involving sustained combat and strategic maneuvering.
valiant menחַיִל
chayil · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Individuals characterized by physical strength, military skill, and courage in battle; they are often the front-line troops in ancient warfare.
servantsעֶבֶד
ebed · Hebrew Noun
The term refers to the servants or royal officials who were under the command of David; it emphasizes their submission and relationship to the king.
fellנָפַל
naphal · Hebrew Verb
Used to indicate death in battle or the result of a military engagement; it signifies the loss of life resulting from conflict or judgment.