David leads the conquered Ammonites out of Rabbah and sets them to labor using saws, iron picks, and axes, subjecting them to forced labor under his rule. This treatment of the conquered Ammonites reflects the harsh realities of ancient Near Eastern warfare and conquest, where defeated peoples were often enslaved or subjected to tribute. The specific tools mentioned for labor suggest construction projects, potentially including work on the temple or other royal building programs that would characterize David's later reign. David's subjugation of the Ammonites represents the full establishment of Israelite hegemony over the region and the complete resolution of the conflict. However, this account also raises questions about the justice and mercy that David displayed at the conflict's beginning, suggesting that military victory can harden hearts against the very virtues that initiate conflicts.

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