6 David had said, "Whoever leads the attack on the Jebusites will become commander-in-chief." Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and so he received the command.

Other Translations of 1 Chronicles 11:6

King James Version

6 And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief chief: Heb. head and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief.

English Standard Version

6 David said, "Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be chief and commander." And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became chief.

The Message

6 David had said, "The first person to kill a Jebusite will be commander-in-chief." Joab son of Zeruiah was the first; and he became the chief.

New King James Version

6 Now David said, "Whoever attacks the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain." And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and became chief.

New Living Translation

6 David had said to his troops, "Whoever is first to attack the Jebusites will become the commander of my armies!" And Joab, the son of David's sister Zeruiah, was first to attack, so he became the commander of David's armies.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 11:6

Commentary on 1 Chronicles 11:1-9

(Read 1 Chronicles 11:1-9)

David was brought to possess the throne of Israel after he had reigned seven years in Hebron, over Judah only. God's counsels will be fulfilled at last, whatever difficulties lie in the way. The way to be truly great, is to be really useful, to devote all our talents to the Lord.