II Samuel 18: A Father's Love and a Kingdom's Fate
And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.
And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.
But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that thou succour us out of the city.
And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands.
And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.
So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;
Where the people of Israel were slain before the servants of David, and there was there a great slaughter that day of twenty thousand men.
For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.
And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.
And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak.
And Joab said unto the man that told him, And, behold, thou sawest him, and why didst thou not smite him there to the ground? and I would have given thee ten shekels of silver, and a girdle.
And the man said unto Joab, Though I should receive a thousand shekels of silver in mine hand, yet would I not put forth mine hand against the king’s son: for in our hearing the king charged thee and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Beware that none touch the young man Absalom.
Otherwise I should have wrought falsehood against mine own life: for there is no matter hid from the king, and thou thyself wouldest have set thyself against me.
Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak.
And ten young men that bare Joab’s armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him.
And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people.
And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to his tent.
Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which is in the king’s dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom’s place.
Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king tidings, how that the Lord hath avenged him of his enemies.
And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king’s son is dead.
Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.
Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?
But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi.
And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone.
And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king said, If he be alone, there is tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near.
And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.
And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings.
And Ahimaaz called, and said unto the king, All is well. And he fell down to the earth upon his face before the king, and said, Blessed be the Lord thy God, which hath delivered up the men that lifted up their hand against my lord the king.
And the king said, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Ahimaaz answered, When Joab sent the king’s servant, and me thy servant, I saw a great tumult, but I knew not what it was.
And the king said unto him, Turn aside, and stand here. And he turned aside, and stood still.
And, behold, Cushi came; and Cushi said, Tidings, my lord the king: for the Lord hath avenged thee this day of all them that rose up against thee.
And the king said unto Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is.
And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!
II Samuel 18 recounts the decisive battle between David's forces and the rebellious army of his son Absalom. This chapter is a poignant mix of military strategy, personal tragedy, and the complex emotions of a father torn between his love for his son and his duty to his kingdom. The chapter highlights the themes of leadership, obedience, and the far-reaching consequences of rebellion.
The Stage is Set (II Samuel 18:1-4)
After regrouping and finding refreshment, David reorganized his troops, dividing them into three divisions under the command of Joab, Abishai, and Ittai the Gittite (II Samuel 18:1-2). David, ever the warrior king, declared his intention to lead his troops into battle, saying, "I myself will surely go out with you" (II Samuel 18:2). However, his loyal men, recognizing the immense risk to the kingdom should David fall, vehemently opposed this plan. They argued that David's life was worth more than ten thousand of them, and that his presence in the city as a strategic reserve was far more valuable (II Samuel 18:3). David, demonstrating his trust in their judgment and his willingness to listen to wise counsel, relented and agreed to remain in the city, stating, "I will do whatever seems best to you" (II Samuel 18:4). This decision reveals David's mature leadership, prioritizing the well-being of his kingdom above his personal desires.
A Father's Plea (II Samuel 18:5)
Even on the brink of a battle that would determine the future of his reign, David's heart was consumed with concern for his rebellious son. Before the battle commenced, David issued a clear and emotionally charged command to his commanders: "Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom" (II Samuel 18:5). The author emphasizes that all the people heard this order, highlighting the king's deep affection for Absalom despite his betrayal. This plea reveals the depth of David's paternal love and foreshadows the tragic events to come. It underscores the conflict between David's personal feelings and the demands of justice and the stability of his kingdom.
The Battle in the Forest (II Samuel 18:6-9)
The battle unfolded in the forest of Ephraim, and David's army decisively defeated Absalom's forces (II Samuel 18:6-8). Ironically, the terrain itself became an ally to David's army, with the dense forest and treacherous pits claiming more lives than the swords of the soldiers. It was during the battle that Absalom, while riding his mule, encountered David's men. As he fled, Absalom's head became entangled in the thick branches of a large oak tree, leaving him suspended in mid-air (II Samuel 18:9). His predicament left him vulnerable and exposed, a stark contrast to the proud and ambitious prince who sought to usurp his father's throne.
Joab's Disobedience (II Samuel 18:10-15)
A soldier witnessed Absalom's plight and reported it to Joab, David's commander (II Samuel 18:10). The soldier, mindful of David's explicit command to protect Absalom, hesitated to harm him. Joab, however, was incensed by the soldier's hesitation and viewed Absalom as a threat to the kingdom that needed to be eliminated. Disregarding David's orders and driven by his own ambition and political pragmatism, Joab thrust three spears into Absalom's heart (II Samuel 18:14). He then ordered his ten armor-bearers to finish the job, ensuring Absalom's death (II Samuel 18:15). Joab's actions, while perhaps politically expedient, were a direct act of disobedience to David's command and ultimately contributed to the king's profound grief.
The Aftermath of Battle (II Samuel 18:16-18)
With Absalom dead, Joab sounded the trumpet to halt the pursuit of the defeated Israelite army (II Samuel 18:16). He understood that the rebellion would quickly lose momentum with the death of its leader. Absalom was buried in a large pit in the forest, and a great heap of stones was piled over him (II Samuel 18:17). This dishonorable burial stood in stark contrast to the monument Absalom had erected for himself in the King's Valley, a testament to his vanity and desire for lasting recognition (II Samuel 18:18). This monument, built because he had no son to carry on his name, proved ultimately futile.
The Messengers (II Samuel 18:19-23)
The task of informing David of Absalom's death fell to Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, and a Cushite messenger. Ahimaaz eagerly volunteered to bring the news, believing it would be welcomed by the king (II Samuel 18:19). However, Joab, understanding the emotional impact the news would have on David, initially refused to send Ahimaaz, fearing the king might react negatively to the bearer of such tragic tidings (II Samuel 18:20). Joab recognized that this news was not "good news" for David. Despite Joab's reluctance, Ahimaaz persisted and eventually obtained permission to run ahead of the Cushite (II Samuel 18:22-23).
The King's Question (II Samuel 18:24-29)
As David waited anxiously by the city gate, the watchman spotted Ahimaaz running towards the city (II Samuel 18:24-27). Ahimaaz, upon reaching David, delivered the news of victory, but when David pressed him about Absalom's well-being, Ahimaaz evaded the question, claiming he only saw a great commotion but did not know what had happened (II Samuel 18:28-29). Ahimaaz's hesitation and evasiveness suggest he was aware of Absalom's death but was unwilling to be the one to break the devastating news to the king.
The Crushing Blow (II Samuel 18:30-33)
Finally, the Cushite messenger arrived and delivered the truth: "May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up to harm you be like that young man" (II Samuel 18:32). The Cushite's blunt announcement confirmed David's worst fears. Overwhelmed by grief, David retreated to the chamber over the gate and wept inconsolably, lamenting, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would God I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!" (II Samuel 18:33). David's heart was broken by the loss of his son, revealing the profound pain of a father who loved his child despite his rebellion. The victory felt hollow, overshadowed by the personal tragedy of Absalom's death.
This chapter serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of leadership, the enduring strength of parental love, and the devastating consequences of sin and rebellion. David's grief highlights the human cost of political conflict and the enduring pain that can accompany even the most significant victories. The story of Absalom is a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition and the importance of humility and obedience. II Samuel 18 leaves us contemplating the profound mysteries of the human heart and the enduring power of love, even in the face of betrayal and loss.
And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.
And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.
But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that thou succour us out of the city.
And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands.
And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.
So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;
Where the people of Israel were slain before the servants of David, and there was there a great slaughter that day of twenty thousand men.
For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.
And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.
And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak.
And Joab said unto the man that told him, And, behold, thou sawest him, and why didst thou not smite him there to the ground? and I would have given thee ten shekels of silver, and a girdle.
And the man said unto Joab, Though I should receive a thousand shekels of silver in mine hand, yet would I not put forth mine hand against the king’s son: for in our hearing the king charged thee and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Beware that none touch the young man Absalom.
Otherwise I should have wrought falsehood against mine own life: for there is no matter hid from the king, and thou thyself wouldest have set thyself against me.
Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak.
And ten young men that bare Joab’s armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him.
And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people.
And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to his tent.
Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which is in the king’s dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom’s place.
Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king tidings, how that the Lord hath avenged him of his enemies.
And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king’s son is dead.
Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.
Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?
But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi.
And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone.
And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king said, If he be alone, there is tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near.
And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.
And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings.
And Ahimaaz called, and said unto the king, All is well. And he fell down to the earth upon his face before the king, and said, Blessed be the Lord thy God, which hath delivered up the men that lifted up their hand against my lord the king.
And the king said, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Ahimaaz answered, When Joab sent the king’s servant, and me thy servant, I saw a great tumult, but I knew not what it was.
And the king said unto him, Turn aside, and stand here. And he turned aside, and stood still.
And, behold, Cushi came; and Cushi said, Tidings, my lord the king: for the Lord hath avenged thee this day of all them that rose up against thee.
And the king said unto Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is.
And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!
II Samuel 18 recounts the decisive battle between David's forces and the rebellious army of his son Absalom. This chapter is a poignant mix of military strategy, personal tragedy, and the complex emotions of a father torn between his love for his son and his duty to his kingdom. The chapter highlights the themes of leadership, obedience, and the far-reaching consequences of rebellion.
The Stage is Set (II Samuel 18:1-4)
After regrouping and finding refreshment, David reorganized his troops, dividing them into three divisions under the command of Joab, Abishai, and Ittai the Gittite (II Samuel 18:1-2). David, ever the warrior king, declared his intention to lead his troops into battle, saying, "I myself will surely go out with you" (II Samuel 18:2). However, his loyal men, recognizing the immense risk to the kingdom should David fall, vehemently opposed this plan. They argued that David's life was worth more than ten thousand of them, and that his presence in the city as a strategic reserve was far more valuable (II Samuel 18:3). David, demonstrating his trust in their judgment and his willingness to listen to wise counsel, relented and agreed to remain in the city, stating, "I will do whatever seems best to you" (II Samuel 18:4). This decision reveals David's mature leadership, prioritizing the well-being of his kingdom above his personal desires.
A Father's Plea (II Samuel 18:5)
Even on the brink of a battle that would determine the future of his reign, David's heart was consumed with concern for his rebellious son. Before the battle commenced, David issued a clear and emotionally charged command to his commanders: "Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom" (II Samuel 18:5). The author emphasizes that all the people heard this order, highlighting the king's deep affection for Absalom despite his betrayal. This plea reveals the depth of David's paternal love and foreshadows the tragic events to come. It underscores the conflict between David's personal feelings and the demands of justice and the stability of his kingdom.
The Battle in the Forest (II Samuel 18:6-9)
The battle unfolded in the forest of Ephraim, and David's army decisively defeated Absalom's forces (II Samuel 18:6-8). Ironically, the terrain itself became an ally to David's army, with the dense forest and treacherous pits claiming more lives than the swords of the soldiers. It was during the battle that Absalom, while riding his mule, encountered David's men. As he fled, Absalom's head became entangled in the thick branches of a large oak tree, leaving him suspended in mid-air (II Samuel 18:9). His predicament left him vulnerable and exposed, a stark contrast to the proud and ambitious prince who sought to usurp his father's throne.
Joab's Disobedience (II Samuel 18:10-15)
A soldier witnessed Absalom's plight and reported it to Joab, David's commander (II Samuel 18:10). The soldier, mindful of David's explicit command to protect Absalom, hesitated to harm him. Joab, however, was incensed by the soldier's hesitation and viewed Absalom as a threat to the kingdom that needed to be eliminated. Disregarding David's orders and driven by his own ambition and political pragmatism, Joab thrust three spears into Absalom's heart (II Samuel 18:14). He then ordered his ten armor-bearers to finish the job, ensuring Absalom's death (II Samuel 18:15). Joab's actions, while perhaps politically expedient, were a direct act of disobedience to David's command and ultimately contributed to the king's profound grief.
The Aftermath of Battle (II Samuel 18:16-18)
With Absalom dead, Joab sounded the trumpet to halt the pursuit of the defeated Israelite army (II Samuel 18:16). He understood that the rebellion would quickly lose momentum with the death of its leader. Absalom was buried in a large pit in the forest, and a great heap of stones was piled over him (II Samuel 18:17). This dishonorable burial stood in stark contrast to the monument Absalom had erected for himself in the King's Valley, a testament to his vanity and desire for lasting recognition (II Samuel 18:18). This monument, built because he had no son to carry on his name, proved ultimately futile.
The Messengers (II Samuel 18:19-23)
The task of informing David of Absalom's death fell to Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, and a Cushite messenger. Ahimaaz eagerly volunteered to bring the news, believing it would be welcomed by the king (II Samuel 18:19). However, Joab, understanding the emotional impact the news would have on David, initially refused to send Ahimaaz, fearing the king might react negatively to the bearer of such tragic tidings (II Samuel 18:20). Joab recognized that this news was not "good news" for David. Despite Joab's reluctance, Ahimaaz persisted and eventually obtained permission to run ahead of the Cushite (II Samuel 18:22-23).
The King's Question (II Samuel 18:24-29)
As David waited anxiously by the city gate, the watchman spotted Ahimaaz running towards the city (II Samuel 18:24-27). Ahimaaz, upon reaching David, delivered the news of victory, but when David pressed him about Absalom's well-being, Ahimaaz evaded the question, claiming he only saw a great commotion but did not know what had happened (II Samuel 18:28-29). Ahimaaz's hesitation and evasiveness suggest he was aware of Absalom's death but was unwilling to be the one to break the devastating news to the king.
The Crushing Blow (II Samuel 18:30-33)
Finally, the Cushite messenger arrived and delivered the truth: "May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up to harm you be like that young man" (II Samuel 18:32). The Cushite's blunt announcement confirmed David's worst fears. Overwhelmed by grief, David retreated to the chamber over the gate and wept inconsolably, lamenting, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would God I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!" (II Samuel 18:33). David's heart was broken by the loss of his son, revealing the profound pain of a father who loved his child despite his rebellion. The victory felt hollow, overshadowed by the personal tragedy of Absalom's death.
This chapter serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of leadership, the enduring strength of parental love, and the devastating consequences of sin and rebellion. David's grief highlights the human cost of political conflict and the enduring pain that can accompany even the most significant victories. The story of Absalom is a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition and the importance of humility and obedience. II Samuel 18 leaves us contemplating the profound mysteries of the human heart and the enduring power of love, even in the face of betrayal and loss.