Now therefore gather the rest of the people together, and encamp against the city, and take it: lest I take the city, and it be called after my name.
Encamp against the city, and take it. It has always been characteristic of Oriental despots to monopolize military honours; and, since the ancient world knew nothing of the modern refinement of kings gaining victories by their generals, so Joab sent for David to command the final assault in person. A large force was levied for the purpose. David, without much difficulty, captured the royal city, and obtained possession of its immense wealth. Lest I take the city, and it be called after my name. The circumstance of a city receiving a new name after some great person, as Alexandria, Constantinople, Hyderabad, is of frequent occurrence in the ancient and modern history of the East.