FocusConsequences and rebellion
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. David's sin and the prophetic rebuke are followed by conflict and rebellion within his household and kingdom.
interpretation 2 Samuel 18:11
KJVAnd 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.
Read it in context
Absalom Killed
Start reading at 2 Samuel 18:1 (2 Samuel 18:1 to 2 Samuel 18:18).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. David's sin and the prophetic rebuke are followed by conflict and rebellion within his household and kingdom.
- 18:1 And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.
- 18:2 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.
- 18:3 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.
- 18:4 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.
- 18:5 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.
- 18:6 So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;
- 18:7 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.
- 18:8 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.
- 18:9 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.
- 18:10 And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak.
- 18:11 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.
- 18:12 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.
- 18:13 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.
- 18:14 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.
- 18:15 And ten young men that bare Joab's armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him.
- 18:16 And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people.
- 18:17 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.
- 18:18 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.
Who
- Who wrote the book? The final compiler is unknown. Jewish tradition connects the continuation of Samuel's history with Nathan and Gad; Chronicles also names their records concerning David. Biblical references: 1 Chronicles 29:29. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Samuel 15:1–18:33): Absalom, David, their respective supporters, and David's household are involved in the rebellion and civil war. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Israelite readers learning about David's kingship, God's promise to his house, and the consequences of his family's actions. Biblical references: 2 Samuel 7:12; 2 Samuel 12:10; 2 Samuel 23:1. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Absalom Killed. Read 2 Samuel 18:1 through 2 Samuel 18:18 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. David's sin and the prophetic rebuke are followed by conflict and rebellion within his household and kingdom. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account follows Saul's death and concerns David's reign. Its final collected episodes and songs are not all presented as a strictly sequential diary. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? David first reigns in Hebron and then in Jerusalem; campaigns and rebellions range beyond the capital. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Absalom Killed (2 Samuel 18:1 to 2 Samuel 18:18). Start reading at 2 Samuel 18:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The promise concerning David's house is taken up in the New Testament's account of Jesus' kingship. Keep the nearer historical setting of David's family and the later messianic application distinguishable. See 2 Samuel 7:12, 2 Samuel 7:16, Luke 1:32, Luke 1:33. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Take responsibility for sin and its effects on others. God's promises should not be used to excuse a leader's conduct or silence a truthful rebuke. interpretation
Cited: 2 Samuel 18:1, 2 Samuel 18:18, 2 Samuel 7:12, 2 Samuel 7:16, Luke 1:32, Luke 1:33
Who wrote it, and how we know
Nathan and Gad (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author. Chronicles refers to written records of Nathan and Gad.
1 Chronicles 29:29
Early traditionJewish tradition credits Nathan and Gad.
What is debatedAuthorship is not stated in Scripture.
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 2 Samuel 18
Second Samuel follows David's reign, his household, and the consequences of his actions. Promises concerning his house and reports of his sins must both remain in view. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
2 Samuel 5:3 2 Samuel 7:12 2 Samuel 12:9
David Mourns for Absalom
2 Samuel 18:19–33FocusConsequences and rebellion
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. David's sin and the prophetic rebuke are followed by conflict and rebellion within his household and kingdom.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 2 Samuel
Second Samuel follows David's reign, his household, and the consequences of his actions. Promises concerning his house and reports of his sins must both remain in view.
2 Samuel 5:3 2 Samuel 7:12 2 Samuel 12:9
After Saul's death
2 Samuel 1:1–4:12FocusThe struggle over kingship
Connection to the wholeDavid's mourning and the divided kingdom lead to the ending of Ishbosheth's rule.
interpretation David's kingdom established
2 Samuel 5:1–10:19FocusJerusalem, the ark, promise, and victories
Connection to the wholeThe kingdom is consolidated and the promise concerning David's house becomes central to the account.
interpretation FocusConsequences and rebellion
Connection to the wholeDavid's sin and the prophetic rebuke are followed by conflict and rebellion within his household and kingdom.
interpretation Closing records of David's reign
2 Samuel 21:1–24:25FocusJustice, praise, warriors, and judgment
Connection to the wholeThe final collection brings together episodes and songs that reflect on David's reign rather than supplying a simple uninterrupted chronology.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.