And it came to pass, at the time of the return of the year, at the time when kings go out 'to battle', that Joab led forth the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and overthrew it.
Forsoþe it was doon after þe ende of a yeer, in þat tyme wherinne kyngis ben wont to go forth to batels, Joab gederide þe oost, and þe strengþe of chyualrie, and he wastide þe lond of þe sones of Amon, and yede, and bisegide Rabath; forsoþe Dauid dwellide in Jerusalem, whanne Joab smoot Rabath, and distriede it.