David puts the people of Rabbah to work with saws, iron tools, and brick molds, forcing them into labor. The Hebrew verb for "put to work" is shav, meaning to make someone serve or enslave. This is a stark and unsettling part of the story, showing the harsh realities of ancient warfare, where captives were often forced into servitude or labor as a consequence of defeat.

This verse challenges any romantic view of biblical history or ancient kingship. It pushes back against the idea that victory always brings justice or mercy. Instead, it shows the complicated and often brutal aftermath of war, where the powerful impose their will on the powerless. For modern readers, this can be uncomfortable, but it’s honest about the cost of conflict and the ways power can be abused.

If you’re wrestling with the dark sides of history or the actions of people in power, this verse doesn’t offer easy answers. Instead, it invites you to face the reality that even celebrated leaders can make choices that harm others. It’s a prompt to think about justice, mercy, and the responsibilities that come with power in your own life and world.