After the year was expired] RV 'at the return of the year,' i.e. in the spring. When kings go forth to battle] In ancient times hostilities ceased during the winter and began again in the spring. David tarried still at Jerusalem] He was not required to be present during the lengthy operations of the siege.
Related Commentaries of 2 Samuel 11:1
2 Samuel 11:1
1 And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.