Definition: And Joab sent messengers to David, and said, I have fought against Rabbah, and have taken the city of waters.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 12:27. It's a really important part of understanding how David felt about his relationship with his friend Joab. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Joab was a loyal servant of David. He was a trusted advisor and soldier, always by his side. Joab fought against Rabbah. Rabbah was a powerful tribe who were constantly harassing David's kingdom. They raided his lands and even took the city of “waters” – which is a symbolic name for a prosperous, wealthy city. David was furious! He was deeply hurt and angry that Joab had been involved in this conflict. What Joab Said: Joab sent messengers to David and said: "I have fought against Rabbah, and I have taken the city of waters." He’s basically saying, “I defeated Rabbah, and we took their city! This is a huge victory for us.” The Meaning – It's About More Than Just Victory: This verse goes deeper than just a simple military triumph. It reveals a significant shift in David’s feelings towards Joab. He wasn’t just celebrating the victory; he was feeling betrayed and humiliated. He felt like Joab had been manipulated. The fact that Joab took the "city of waters" – a symbol of prosperity – suggests he might have been involved in a scheme to gain favor with David, perhaps to get a bigger share of the rewards or privileges. It shows his trust was broken. David wasn’t just grateful for the victory; he was mourning the loss of trust in Joab. He felt that Joab had prioritized personal gain over loyalty and friendship. In short, it's a story about a rift between David and his friend, highlighting the importance of loyalty and honesty in their relationship. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is significant? Discuss the context of the story surrounding this verse? Give you a more detailed explanation of the symbolism behind "the city of waters"?