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2 Samuel 18

BSB·33 verses ·Old Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Then Davidדָּוִ֔דdā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → reviewedוַיִּפְקֹ֣דway·yip̄·qōḏ — to visit, oversee, appoint, care forH6485 — Full Word Study → his troopsהָעָ֖םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → and appointedוַיָּ֣שֶׂםway·yā·śem — to put, place, set, appointH7760 — Full Word Study → over themעֲלֵיהֶ֔ם‘ă·lê·hem — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → commandersשָׂרֵ֥יśā·rê — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → of hundreds and of thousandsאֲלָפִ֖ים’ă·lā·p̄îm — A thousand; a large military unit or census numberH505 — Full Word Study →. 2Heדָּוִ֜דdā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → sent outוַיְשַׁלַּ֨חway·šal·laḥ — to send, let go, releaseH7971 — Full Word Study → the troopsהָעָ֗םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →, a thirdהַשְּׁלִשִׁ֤יתhaš·šə·li·šîṯ — Third; one of three parts; third in rank or sequenceH7992 — Full Word Study → under Joabיוֹאָב֙yō·w·’āḇ — Yahweh is FatherH3097 — Full Word Study →, a thirdוְ֠הַשְּׁלִשִׁיתwə·haš·šə·li·šîṯ — Third; one of three parts; third in rank or sequenceH7992 — Full Word Study → under Joab’sיוֹאָ֔בyō·w·’āḇ — Yahweh is FatherH3097 — Full Word Study → brotherאֲחִ֣י’ă·ḥî — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study → Abishaiאֲבִישַׁ֤י’ă·ḇî·šay — Abishai, David's military commander and nephewH52 — Full Word Study → sonבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Zeruiahצְרוּיָה֙ṣə·rū·yāh — Zeruiah, David's sisterH6870 — Full Word Study →, and a thirdוְהַ֨שְּׁלִשִׁ֔תwə·haš·šə·li·šiṯ — Third; one of three parts; third in rank or sequenceH7992 — Full Word Study → under Ittaiאִתַּ֣י’it·tay — With meH863 — Full Word Study → the Gittiteהַגִּתִּ֑יסhag·git·tīs — Person from GathH1663 — Full Word Study →. And the kingהַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the troopsהָעָ֔םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →, “Iאֲנִ֖י’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → will surely march outיָצֹ֥אyā·ṣō — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study → with youעִמָּכֶֽם׃‘im·mā·ḵem — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → as wellגַּם־gam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study →.” 3But the peopleהָעָ֜םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → pleadedוַיֹּ֨אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “You must notלֹ֣אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → go outתֵצֵ֗אṯê·ṣê — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study →! Forכִּי֩kî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → ifאִם־’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → we have to fleeנֹ֨סnōs — to flee, escape, or run awayH5127 — Full Word Study →, they will pay no attention to us. Even if half of us die, they will not careיָשִׂ֧ימוּyā·śî·mū — to put, place, set, appointH7760 — Full Word Study →; butכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → you are worth tenעֲשָׂרָ֣ה‘ă·śā·rāh — The number ten; a complete group or setH6235 — Full Word Study → thousand of usאֲלָפִ֑ים’ă·lā·p̄îm — A thousand; a large military unit or census numberH505 — Full Word Study →. It is betterט֔וֹבṭō·wḇ — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study → for nowוְעַתָּ֣הwə·‘at·tāh — Now; at the present timeH6258 — Full Word Study → ifכִּי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → youתִֽהְיֶה־ṯih·yeh- — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → supportלַעְזִיר׃סlaʿ·zīr — to help, aid, supportH5826 — Full Word Study → us from the cityמֵעִ֖ירmê·‘îr — City; fortified settlement or townH5892 — Full Word Study →.” 4I will doאֶעֱשֶׂ֑ה’e·‘ĕ·śeh — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → whateverאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → seems bestיִיטַ֥בyî·ṭaḇ — to be good, to improve, to do wellH3190 — Full Word Study → to youבְּעֵינֵיכֶ֖םbə·‘ê·nê·ḵem — Eye; sight; appearance; fountainH5869 — Full Word Study →,” the kingהַמֶּ֔לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → repliedוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →. So heהַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → stoodוַיַּעֲמֹ֤דway·ya·‘ă·mōḏ — to stand, take a stand, be establishedH5975 — Full Word Study → besideאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the gateהַשַּׁ֔עַרhaš·ša·‘ar — Gate; entrance to a city or enclosureH8179 — Full Word Study →, while allוְכָל־wə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the troopsהָעָם֙hā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → marched outיָֽצְא֔וּyā·ṣə·’ū — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study → by hundredsלְמֵא֖וֹתlə·mê·’ō·wṯ — hundred; a large complete numberH3967 — Full Word Study → and by thousandsוְלַאֲלָפִֽים׃wə·la·’ă·lā·p̄îm — A thousand; a large military unit or census numberH505 — Full Word Study →. 5Now the kingהַמֶּ֡לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → had commandedוַיְצַ֣וway·ṣaw — to command, order, or appoint with authorityH6680 — Full Word Study → Joabי֠וֹאָבyō·w·’āḇ — Yahweh is FatherH3097 — Full Word Study →, Abishaiאֲבִישַׁ֤י’ă·ḇî·šay — Abishai, David's military commander and nephewH52 — Full Word Study →, and Ittaiאִתַּי֙’it·tay — With meH863 — Full Word Study →, “Treat the young manלַנַּ֣עַרlan·na·‘ar — Young man, boy, or male servantH5288 — Full Word Study → Absalomלְאַבְשָׁל֑וֹםlə·’aḇ·šā·lō·wm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study → gentlyלְאַט־lə·’aṭ- — Whispering charmer; one who speaks softly or secretlyH328 — Full Word Study → for my sake.” And allוְכָל־wə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the peopleהָעָ֣םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → heardשָׁמְע֗וּšā·mə·‘ū — to hear, listen, obeyH8085 — Full Word Study → the king’sהַמֶּ֛לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → ordersבְּצַוֺּ֥תbə·ṣaw·wōṯ — to command, order, or appoint with authorityH6680 — Full Word Study → to eachכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → of the commandersהַשָּׂרִ֖יםhaś·śā·rîm — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → regardingעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → Absalomאַבְשָׁלֽוֹם׃’aḇ·šā·lō·wm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study →. 6So David’s armyהָעָ֛םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → marchedוַיֵּצֵ֥אway·yê·ṣê — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study → into the fieldהַשָּׂדֶ֖הhaś·śā·ḏeh — A field; cultivated or open landH7704 — Full Word Study → to engageלִקְרַ֣אתliq·raṯ — to meet, encounter, or come upon (often by chance or unexpectedly)H7122 — Full Word Study → Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֑לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → in the battle, which took placeוַתְּהִ֥יwat·tə·hî — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → in the forestבְּיַ֥עַרbə·ya·‘ar — Forest; woodland; honeycombH3293 — Full Word Study → of Ephraimאֶפְרָֽיִם׃’ep̄·rā·yim — Double fruitfulnessH669 — Full Word Study →. 7Thereשָׁם֙šām — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study → the peopleעַ֣ם‘am — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → of Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֔לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → were defeatedוַיִּנָּ֤גְפוּway·yin·nā·ḡə·p̄ū — To strike, smite, or plague with force or judgmentH5062 — Full Word Study → byלִפְנֵ֖יlip̄·nê — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → David’sדָוִ֑דḏā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → servantsעַבְדֵ֣י‘aḇ·ḏê — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study →, and the slaughterהַמַּגֵּפָ֧הham·mag·gê·p̄āh — Divine plague or stroke of judgmentH4046 — Full Word Study → wasוַתְּהִי־wat·tə·hî- — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → greatגְדוֹלָ֛הḡə·ḏō·w·lāh — Great, mighty, large in size or significanceH1419 — Full Word Study → thatהַה֖וּאha·hū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → dayבַּיּ֥וֹםbay·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study →twentyעֶשְׂרִ֥ים‘eś·rîm — The number twenty; a complete group or scoreH6242 — Full Word Study → thousand men. 8The battleהַמִּלְחָמָ֛הham·mil·ḥā·māh — Battle, warfare, combat, military conflictH4421 — Full Word Study → spreadנָפֹצֵיתnå̄·p̄ō·ṣēṯ — to scatter, disperse, or break apartH6327 — Full Word Study → overעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → the wholeכָל־ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → countrysideהָאָ֑רֶץhā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study →, and thatהַהֽוּא׃ha·hū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → dayבַּיּ֥וֹםbay·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → the forestהַיַּ֙עַר֙hay·ya·‘ar — Forest; woodland; honeycombH3293 — Full Word Study → devouredלֶאֱכֹ֣לle·’ĕ·ḵōl — to eat, consume, devourH398 — Full Word Study → moreוַיֶּ֤רֶבway·ye·reḇ — To increase, multiply, grow abundantH7235 — Full Word Study → peopleבָּעָ֔םbā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → thanמֵאֲשֶׁ֥רmê·’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → the swordהַחֶ֖רֶבha·ḥe·reḇ — sword; blade weaponH2719 — Full Word Study →. 9Now Absalomאַבְשָׁל֔וֹם’aḇ·šā·lō·wm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study → was ridingרֹכֵ֣בrō·ḵêḇ — to ride, mount, or be carriedH7392 — Full Word Study → onעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → his muleהַפֶּ֗רֶדhap·pe·reḏ — A mule; a hybrid pack animalH6505 — Full Word Study → when heוְאַבְשָׁל֞וֹםwə·’aḇ·šā·lō·wm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study → metוַיִּקָּרֵא֙way·yiq·qā·rê — to meet, encounter, or come upon (often by chance or unexpectedly)H7122 — Full Word Study → the servantsעַבְדֵ֣י‘aḇ·ḏê — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study → of Davidדָוִ֑דḏā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study →, and as the muleהַפֶּ֡רֶדhap·pe·reḏ — A mule; a hybrid pack animalH6505 — Full Word Study → wentוַיָּבֹ֣אway·yā·ḇō — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → underתַּ֣חַתta·ḥaṯ — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study → the thick branchesשׂוֹבֶךְ֩śō·w·ḇeḵ — Thicket, dense brushwood, or thick foliageH7730 — Full Word Study → of a largeהַגְּדוֹלָ֜הhag·gə·ḏō·w·lāh — Great, mighty, large in size or significanceH1419 — Full Word Study → oakהָאֵלָ֨הhā·’ê·lāh — oak tree, a large sturdy treeH424 — Full Word Study →, Absalom’s headרֹאשׁ֣וֹrō·šōw — Head; chief; beginning; topH7218 — Full Word Study → was caught fastוַיֶּחֱזַ֧קway·ye·ḥĕ·zaq — To strengthen, make firm, establishH2388 — Full Word Study → in the treeבָאֵלָ֗הḇā·’ê·lāh — oak tree, a large sturdy treeH424 — Full Word Study →. The muleוְהַפֶּ֥רֶדwə·hap·pe·reḏ — A mule; a hybrid pack animalH6505 — Full Word Study → under himתַּחְתָּ֖יוtaḥ·tāw — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study → kept goingעָבָֽר׃‘ā·ḇār — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study →, so that he was suspendedוַיֻּתַּן֙way·yut·tan — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → in midairבֵּ֤יןbên — between, among, in the midst ofH996 — Full Word Study →. 10When oneאֶחָ֔ד’e·ḥāḏ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → of the menאִ֣ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → saw thisוַיַּרְא֙way·yar — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study →, he toldוַיַּגֵּ֖דway·yag·gêḏ — to tell, declare, make knownH5046 — Full Word Study → Joabלְיוֹאָ֑בlə·yō·w·’āḇ — Yahweh is FatherH3097 — Full Word Study →, “I justהִנֵּה֙hin·nêh — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study → sawרָאִ֣יתִיrā·’î·ṯî — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → Absalomאַבְשָׁלֹ֔ם’aḇ·šā·lōm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study → hangingתָּל֖וּיtā·lui — to hang, suspend, or hang upH8518 — Full Word Study → in an oak treeבָּאֵלָֽה׃bā·’ê·lāh — oak tree, a large sturdy treeH424 — Full Word Study →!” 11You justוְהִנֵּ֣הwə·hin·nêh — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study → saw himרָאִ֔יתָrā·’î·ṯā — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study →!” Joabיוֹאָ֗בyō·w·’āḇ — Yahweh is FatherH3097 — Full Word Study → exclaimedוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →. “Whyוּמַדּ֛וּעַū·mad·dū·a‘ — Why? For what reason?H4069 — Full Word Study → did you notלֹֽא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → strike himהִכִּית֥וֹhik·kî·ṯōw — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → to the groundאָ֑רְצָה’ā·rə·ṣāh — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → right thereשָׁ֖םšām — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study →? I would have givenלָ֤תֶתlā·ṯeṯ — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → you ten shekels of silverכֶ֔סֶףḵe·sep̄ — Silver; money; price; valueH3701 — Full Word Study → and aאֶחָֽת׃’e·ḥāṯ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → warrior’s beltוַחֲגֹרָ֖הwa·ḥă·ḡō·rāh — belt, girdle, or garment worn around the waistH2290 — Full Word Study →!” 12The manהָאִישׁ֙hā·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → repliedוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Even ifוְלֹאwə·lō — If; expressing conditional desire or wishH3863 — Full Word Study → a thousand shekels of silverכֶּ֔סֶףke·sep̄ — Silver; money; price; valueH3701 — Full Word Study → were weighed outשֹׁקֵ֤לšō·qêl — to weigh; to pay or reckon valueH8254 — Full Word Study → intoעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → my handsכַּפַּי֙kap·pay — Palm of the hand; hollow of anything; power or controlH3709 — Full Word Study →, I would notלֹֽא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → raiseאֶשְׁלַ֥ח’eš·laḥ — to send, let go, releaseH7971 — Full Word Study → my handיָדִ֖יyā·ḏî — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → againstאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the sonבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of the kingהַמֶּ֑לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →. Forכִּ֣יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → we heardבְאָזְנֵ֜ינוּḇə·’ā·zə·nê·nū — Ear; the organ of hearing and listeningH241 — Full Word Study → the kingהַמֶּ֗לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → command youצִוָּ֣הṣiw·wāh — to command, order, or appoint with authorityH6680 — Full Word Study → and Abishaiאֲבִישַׁ֤י’ă·ḇî·šay — Abishai, David's military commander and nephewH52 — Full Word Study → and Ittaiאִתַּי֙’it·tay — With meH863 — Full Word Study →, ‘Protectשִׁמְרוּ־šim·rū- — To guard, keep, observe, preserveH8104 — Full Word Study → the young manבַּנַּ֖עַרban·na·‘ar — Young man, boy, or male servantH5288 — Full Word Study → Absalomבְּאַבְשָׁלֽוֹם׃bə·’aḇ·šā·lō·wm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study → for my sake.’ 13Ifאֽוֹ־’ōw- — or, whether; also expressing desire or preferenceH176 — Full Word Study → I had jeopardizedעָשִׂ֤יתִי‘ā·śî·ṯî — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → my own lifeבְנַפְשׁוֹḇə·nap̄·šō — soul, life, person, selfH5315 — Full Word Study →and nothingלֹא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → is hiddenיִכָּחֵ֣דyik·kā·ḥêḏ — to hide, conceal, or be hiddenH3582 — Full Word Study → fromמִן־min- — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study → the kingהַמֶּ֑לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →youוְאַתָּ֖הwə·’at·tāh — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → would have abandonedתִּתְיַצֵּ֥בtiṯ·yaṣ·ṣêḇ — To stand, take a stand, present oneselfH3320 — Full Word Study → meמִנֶּֽגֶד׃min·ne·ḡeḏ — before, in front of, in the presence ofH5048 — Full Word Study →.” 14But Joabיוֹאָ֔בyō·w·’āḇ — Yahweh is FatherH3097 — Full Word Study → declaredוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “I am notלֹא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → going to waitאֹחִ֣ילָה’ō·ḥî·lāh — To wait; to hope; to expect with patienceH3176 — Full Word Study → like thisכֵ֖ןḵên — so, thus, rightly, thereforeH3651 — Full Word Study → with youלְפָנֶ֑יךָlə·p̄ā·ne·ḵā — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study →!” And he tookוַיִּקַּח֩way·yiq·qaḥ — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → threeשְׁלֹשָׁ֨הšə·lō·šāh — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → spearsשְׁבָטִ֜יםšə·ḇā·ṭîm — tribe; staff; scepter; rodH7626 — Full Word Study → in his handבְּכַפּ֗וֹbə·ḵap·pōw — Palm of the hand; hollow of anything; power or controlH3709 — Full Word Study → and thrust themוַיִּתְקָעֵם֙way·yiṯ·qā·‘êm — to blow, sound, thrust, or strike with forceH8628 — Full Word Study → through the heartבְּלֵ֣בbə·lêḇ — Heart; the center of emotion, will, and intellectH3820 — Full Word Study → of Absalomאַבְשָׁל֔וֹם’aḇ·šā·lō·wm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study → while he was stillעוֹדֶ֥נּוּ‘ō·w·ḏen·nū — still, yet, again, continuing or additional occurrenceH5750 — Full Word Study → aliveחַ֖יḥay — alive, living, lifeH2416 — Full Word Study → in the oak treeהָאֵלָֽה׃hā·’ê·lāh — oak tree, a large sturdy treeH424 — Full Word Study →. 15And tenעֲשָׂרָ֣ה‘ă·śā·rāh — The number ten; a complete group or setH6235 — Full Word Study → young menנְעָרִ֔יםnə·‘ā·rîm — Young man, boy, or male servantH5288 — Full Word Study → who carriedנֹשְׂאֵ֖יnō·śə·’ê — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → Joab’sיוֹאָ֑בyō·w·’āḇ — Yahweh is FatherH3097 — Full Word Study → armorכְּלֵ֣יkə·lê — vessel, instrument, or article of useH3627 — Full Word Study → surroundedוַיָּסֹ֙בּוּ֙way·yā·sōb·bū — to turn, surround, go aroundH5437 — Full Word Study → Absalomאַבְשָׁל֖וֹם’aḇ·šā·lō·wm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study →, struckוַיַּכּ֥וּway·yak·kū — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → himאֶת־’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study →, and killed himוַיְמִיתֻֽהוּ׃way·mî·ṯu·hū — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study →. 16Then Joabיוֹאָב֙yō·w·’āḇ — Yahweh is FatherH3097 — Full Word Study → blewוַיִּתְקַ֤עway·yiṯ·qa‘ — to blow, sound, thrust, or strike with forceH8628 — Full Word Study → the ram’s hornבַּשֹּׁפָ֔רbaš·šō·p̄ār — Ram's horn trumpet; shofarH7782 — Full Word Study →, and the troopsהָעָ֔םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → broke offוַיָּ֣שָׁבway·yā·šāḇ — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → their pursuitמִרְדֹ֖ףmir·ḏōp̄ — to pursue, chase, or persecuteH7291 — Full Word Study → of Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֑לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → becauseכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → Joabיוֹאָ֖בyō·w·’āḇ — Yahweh is FatherH3097 — Full Word Study → had restrained themחָשַׂ֥ךְḥā·śaḵ — To withhold, restrain, or hold backH2820 — Full Word Study →. 17They tookוַיִּקְח֣וּway·yiq·ḥū — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → Absalomאַבְשָׁל֗וֹם’aḇ·šā·lō·wm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study →, castוַיַּשְׁלִ֨יכוּway·yaš·lî·ḵū — to throw, cast, or hurlH7993 — Full Word Study → himאֹת֤וֹ’ō·ṯōw — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → intoאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → a largeהַגָּד֔וֹלhag·gā·ḏō·wl — Great, mighty, large in size or significanceH1419 — Full Word Study → pitהַפַּ֣חַתhap·pa·ḥaṯ — pit, hole, or snareH6354 — Full Word Study → in the forestבַיַּ֙עַר֙ḇay·ya·‘ar — Forest; woodland; honeycombH3293 — Full Word Study →, and piledוַיַּצִּ֧בוּway·yaṣ·ṣi·ḇū — To stand, station, or set up firmlyH5324 — Full Word Study → a hugeגָּד֣וֹלgā·ḏō·wl — Great, mighty, large in size or significanceH1419 — Full Word Study → moundגַּל־gal- — wave, billow, surge of waterH1530 — Full Word Study → of stonesאֲבָנִ֖ים’ă·ḇā·nîm — Stone; rock; precious stoneH68 — Full Word Study → over himעָלָ֛יו‘ā·lāw — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study →. Meanwhile, allוְכָל־wə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the Israelitesיִשְׂרָאֵ֔לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → fledנָ֖סוּnā·sū — to flee, escape, or run awayH5127 — Full Word Study →, eachאִ֥ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → to his homeלְאָהֳלוֹ׃סlə·ʾå̄·ho·lō — A tent; portable dwelling placeH168 — Full Word Study →. 18During his lifetimeבְחַיָּוḇə·ḥay·yå̄w — alive, living, lifeH2416 — Full Word Study →, Absalomוְאַבְשָׁלֹ֣םwə·’aḇ·šā·lōm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study → had set upוַיַּצֶּב־way·yaṣ·ṣeḇ- — To stand, station, or set up firmlyH5324 — Full Word Study → for himself a pillarמַצֶּ֙בֶת֙maṣ·ṣe·ḇeṯ — Stone pillar or standing stone monumentH4678 — Full Word Study → in the King’sהַמֶּ֔לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → Valleyבְּעֵֽמֶק־bə·‘ê·meq- — ValleyH6010 — Full Word Study →, forכִּ֤יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → he had saidאָמַר֙’ā·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “I have noאֵֽין־’ên- — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study → sonבֵ֔ןḇên — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → toבַּעֲב֖וּרba·‘ă·ḇūr — For the sake of; because of; in order thatH5668 — Full Word Study → preserve the memoryהַזְכִּ֣ירhaz·kîr — to remember, recall, or mentionH2142 — Full Word Study → of my nameשְׁמִ֑יšə·mî — Name; reputation; renownH8034 — Full Word Study →.” So he gaveוַיִּקְרָ֤אway·yiq·rā — To call, summon, or proclaimH7121 — Full Word Study → the pillarלַמַּצֶּ֙בֶת֙lam·maṣ·ṣe·ḇeṯ — Stone pillar or standing stone monumentH4678 — Full Word Study → his nameשְׁמ֔וֹšə·mōw — Name; reputation; renownH8034 — Full Word Study →, and toעַ֖ד‘aḏ — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → thisהַזֶּֽה׃סhaz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → dayהַיּ֥וֹםhay·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → it is calledוַיִּקָּ֤רֵאway·yiq·qā·rê — To call, summon, or proclaimH7121 — Full Word Study → Absalom’sאַבְשָׁלֹ֔ם’aḇ·šā·lōm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study → Monumentיַ֣דyaḏ — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →. 19Then Ahimaazוַאֲחִימַ֤עַץwa·’ă·ḥî·ma·‘aṣ — My brother is kingH290 — Full Word Study → sonבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Zadokצָדוֹק֙ṣā·ḏō·wq — The righteousH6659 — Full Word Study → saidאָמַ֔ר’ā·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Pleaseנָּ֔אnā — Please, I beseech, I prayH4994 — Full Word Study → let me runאָר֣וּצָה’ā·rū·ṣāh — to run; move swiftlyH7323 — Full Word Study → and tell the kingהַמֶּ֑לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → the good newsוַאֲבַשְּׂרָ֖הwa·’ă·ḇaś·śə·rāh — to announce good news; to proclaim tidingsH1319 — Full Word Study → thatכִּי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָ֖הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → has avenged himשְׁפָט֥וֹšə·p̄ā·ṭōw — to judge, govern, or execute justiceH8199 — Full Word Study → ofמִיַּ֥דmî·yaḏ — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → his enemiesאֹיְבָֽיו׃’ō·yə·ḇāw — Enemy; adversary; one who opposesH341 — Full Word Study →.” 20But Joabיוֹאָ֗בyō·w·’āḇ — Yahweh is FatherH3097 — Full Word Study → repliedוַיֹּ֧אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Youאַתָּה֙’at·tāh — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → are notלֹא֩lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → the manאִ֨ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → to take good newsבְּשֹׂרָ֤הbə·śō·rāh — Good news, glad tidings, reward for newsH1309 — Full Word Study → todayהַיּ֣וֹםhay·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study →. You may doוּבִשַּׂרְתָּ֖ū·ḇiś·śar·tā — to announce good news; to proclaim tidingsH1319 — Full Word Study → it anotherאַחֵ֑ר’a·ḥêr — another, different, or following person or thingH312 — Full Word Study → dayבְּי֣וֹםbə·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study →, but you must notלֹ֣אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → do so todayוְהַיּ֤וֹםwə·hay·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study →, becauseכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → the king’sהַמֶּ֖לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → sonבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → is deadמֵֽת׃mêṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study →.” 21So Joabיוֹאָב֙yō·w·’āḇ — Yahweh is FatherH3097 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to a Cushiteלַכּוּשִׁ֔יlak·kū·šî — Ethiopian personH3569 — Full Word Study →, “Goלֵ֛ךְlêḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study →, tellהַגֵּ֥דhag·gêḏ — to tell, declare, make knownH5046 — Full Word Study → the kingלַמֶּ֖לֶךְlam·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → whatאֲשֶׁ֣ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → you have seenרָאִ֑יתָהrā·’î·ṯāh — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study →.” The Cushiteכוּשִׁ֛יḵū·šî — Ethiopian personH3569 — Full Word Study → bowedוַיִּשְׁתַּ֧חוּway·yiš·ta·ḥū — To bow down; to worship or show reverenceH7812 — Full Word Study → to Joabלְיוֹאָ֖בlə·yō·w·’āḇ — Yahweh is FatherH3097 — Full Word Study → and took off runningוַיָּרֹֽץ׃way·yā·rōṣ — to run; move swiftlyH7323 — Full Word Study →. 22Ahimaazאֲחִימַ֤עַץ’ă·ḥî·ma·‘aṣ — My brother is kingH290 — Full Word Study → sonבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Zadokצָדוֹק֙ṣā·ḏō·wq — The righteousH6659 — Full Word Study →, however, persistedוַיֹּ֨סֶףway·yō·sep̄ — to add, increase, or do againH3254 — Full Word Study → and saidוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Joabיוֹאָ֔בyō·w·’āḇ — Yahweh is FatherH3097 — Full Word Study →, “Regardless of whatever may happen, pleaseנָּ֥אnā — Please, I beseech, I prayH4994 — Full Word Study → let meאָ֖נִי’ā·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → alsoגַם־ḡam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → runאָרֻֽצָה־’ā·ru·ṣāh- — to run; move swiftlyH7323 — Full Word Study → behindאַחֲרֵ֣י’a·ḥă·rê — after, behind, followingH310 — Full Word Study → the Cushiteהַכּוּשִׁ֑יhak·kū·šî — Ethiopian personH3569 — Full Word Study →!” “My sonבְּנִ֔יbə·nî — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study →,” Joabיוֹאָ֗בyō·w·’āḇ — Yahweh is FatherH3097 — Full Word Study → repliedוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “whyלָֽמָּה־lām·māh- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → do youאַתָּ֥ה’at·tāh — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → want to runרָץ֙rāṣ — to run; move swiftlyH7323 — Full Word Study →, since you will notאֵין־’ên- — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study → receiveמֹצֵֽאת׃mō·ṣêṯ — to find, discover, obtainH4672 — Full Word Study → a rewardבְּשׂוֹרָ֥הbə·śō·w·rāh — Good news, glad tidings, reward for newsH1309 — Full Word Study →?” 23No matter whatמָ֣הmāh — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study →, I want to runאָר֔וּץ’ā·rūṣ — to run; move swiftlyH7323 — Full Word Study →!” he repliedוִיהִי־wî·hî- — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study →. “Then runר֑וּץrūṣ — to run; move swiftlyH7323 — Full Word Study →!” Joab toldוַיֹּ֥אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → him. So Ahimaazאֲחִימַ֙עַץ֙’ă·ḥî·ma·‘aṣ — My brother is kingH290 — Full Word Study → ranוַיָּ֤רָץway·yā·rāṣ — to run; move swiftlyH7323 — Full Word Study → by wayדֶּ֣רֶךְde·reḵ — way, path, journey, conductH1870 — Full Word Study → of the plainהַכִּכָּ֔רhak·kik·kār — circular loaf; disk-shaped object; plainH3603 — Full Word Study → and outranוַֽיַּעֲבֹ֖רway·ya·‘ă·ḇōr — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study → the Cushiteהַכּוּשִֽׁי׃hak·kū·šî — Ethiopian personH3569 — Full Word Study →. 24Now Davidוְדָוִ֥דwə·ḏā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → was sittingיוֹשֵׁ֖בyō·wō·šêḇ — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → betweenבֵּין־bên- — between, among, in the midst ofH996 — Full Word Study → the twoשְׁנֵ֣יšə·nê — The number two; a pair or coupleH8147 — Full Word Study → gatesהַשְּׁעָרִ֑יםhaš·šə·‘ā·rîm — Gate; entrance to a city or enclosureH8179 — Full Word Study → when the watchmanהַצֹּפֶ֜הhaṣ·ṣō·p̄eh — to watch, keep watch, observe carefullyH6822 — Full Word Study → went upוַיֵּ֨לֶךְway·yê·leḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the roofגַּ֤גgaḡ — Roof of a house or buildingH1406 — Full Word Study → of the gatewayהַשַּׁ֙עַר֙haš·ša·‘ar — Gate; entrance to a city or enclosureH8179 — Full Word Study → byאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the wallהַ֣חוֹמָ֔הha·ḥō·w·māh — A fortified wall or defensive barrierH2346 — Full Word Study →, looked outוַיִּשָּׂ֤אway·yiś·śā — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study →, and sawוַיַּ֔רְאway·yar — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → a manאִ֖ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → running aloneרָ֥ץrāṣ — to run; move swiftlyH7323 — Full Word Study →. 25So he called outוַיִּקְרָ֤אway·yiq·rā — To call, summon, or proclaimH7121 — Full Word Study → and toldוַיַּגֵּ֣דway·yag·gêḏ — to tell, declare, make knownH5046 — Full Word Study → the kingלַמֶּ֔לֶךְlam·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →. “If he is aloneאִם־’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study →,” the kingהַמֶּ֔לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → repliedוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “he bearsבְּפִ֑יוbə·p̄îw — Mouth; lips; edge; openingH6310 — Full Word Study → good newsבְּשׂוֹרָ֣הbə·śō·w·rāh — Good news, glad tidings, reward for newsH1309 — Full Word Study →.” As the first runner drewוַיֵּ֥לֶךְway·yê·leḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → nearוְקָרֵֽב׃wə·qā·rêḇ — to draw near, approach, come closeH7131 — Full Word Study →, 26the watchmanהַצֹּפֶה֮haṣ·ṣō·p̄eh — to watch, keep watch, observe carefullyH6822 — Full Word Study → sawוַיַּ֣רְאway·yar — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → anotherאַחֵ֣ר’a·ḥêr — another, different, or following person or thingH312 — Full Word Study → manאִישׁ־’îš- — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → runningרָץ֒rāṣ — to run; move swiftlyH7323 — Full Word Study →, and he called outוַיִּקְרָ֤אway·yiq·rā — To call, summon, or proclaimH7121 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the gatekeeperהַשֹּׁעֵ֔רhaš·šō·‘êr — gatekeeper; one who guards an entranceH7778 — Full Word Study →, “Lookהִנֵּה־hin·nêh- — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study →! Another manאִ֖ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → is running aloneרָ֣ץrāṣ — to run; move swiftlyH7323 — Full Word Study →!” “This one alsoגַּם־gam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → brings good newsמְבַשֵּֽׂר׃mə·ḇaś·śêr — to announce good news; to proclaim tidingsH1319 — Full Word Study →,” saidוַיֹּ֥אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → the kingהַמֶּ֖לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →. 27The watchmanהַצֹּפֶ֔הhaṣ·ṣō·p̄eh — to watch, keep watch, observe carefullyH6822 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙way·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “The first manהָרִאשׁ֔וֹןhā·ri·šō·wn — First, foremost, or former; earliest in time or orderH7223 — Full Word Study → appearsרֹאֶה֙rō·’eh — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → to meאֲנִ֤י’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → to be runningמְרוּצַ֣תmə·rū·ṣaṯ — A running course or race; swift movementH4794 — Full Word Study → like Ahimaazאֲחִימַ֣עַץ’ă·ḥî·ma·‘aṣ — My brother is kingH290 — Full Word Study → sonבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Zadokצָד֑וֹקṣā·ḏō·wq — The righteousH6659 — Full Word Study →.” “Thisזֶ֔הzeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → is a goodט֣וֹבṭō·wḇ — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study → manאִֽישׁ־’îš- — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study →,” saidוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → the kingהַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →. “He comesיָבֽוֹא׃yā·ḇō·w — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → withוְאֶל־wə·’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → goodטוֹבָ֖הṭō·w·ḇāh — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study → newsבְּשׂוֹרָ֥הbə·śō·w·rāh — Good news, glad tidings, reward for newsH1309 — Full Word Study →.” 28Then Ahimaazאֲחִימַ֗עַץ’ă·ḥî·ma·‘aṣ — My brother is kingH290 — Full Word Study → called outוַיִּקְרָ֣אway·yiq·rā — To call, summon, or proclaimH7121 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the kingהַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →, “All is wellשָׁל֔וֹםšā·lō·wm — Peace, wholeness, well-being, prosperityH7965 — Full Word Study →!” And he bowedוַיִּשְׁתַּ֧חוּway·yiš·ta·ḥū — To bow down; to worship or show reverenceH7812 — Full Word Study → facedownלְאַפָּ֖יוlə·’ap·pāw — Anger, wrath, face, or noseH639 — Full Word Study → before the kingלַמֶּ֛לֶךְlam·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →. He continuedוַיֹּ֗אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Blessed be the LORDיְהוָ֣הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → your Godאֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study →! He has delivered upסִגַּר֙sig·gar — to shut, close, or encloseH5462 — Full Word Study → the menהָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔יםhā·’ă·nā·šîm — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → whoאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → raisedנָשְׂא֥וּnā·śə·’ū — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → their handsיָדָ֖םyā·ḏām — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → against my lordבַּֽאדֹנִ֥יba·ḏō·nî — Lord, master, owner, rulerH113 — Full Word Study → the kingהַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →.” 29The kingהַמֶּ֔לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → askedוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Is the young manלַנַּ֖עַרlan·na·‘ar — Young man, boy, or male servantH5288 — Full Word Study → Absalomלְאַבְשָׁל֑וֹםlə·’aḇ·šā·lō·wm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study → all rightשָׁל֥וֹםšā·lō·wm — Peace, wholeness, well-being, prosperityH7965 — Full Word Study →?” And Ahimaazאֲחִימַ֡עַץ’ă·ḥî·ma·‘aṣ — My brother is kingH290 — Full Word Study → repliedוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “When Joabיוֹאָב֙yō·w·’āḇ — Yahweh is FatherH3097 — Full Word Study → sentלִ֠שְׁלֹחַliš·lō·aḥ — to send, let go, releaseH7971 — Full Word Study → the king’sהַמֶּ֤לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → servantעֶ֨בֶד‘e·ḇeḏ — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study → and your servantעַבְדֶּ֔ךָ‘aḇ·de·ḵā — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study →, I sawרָאִיתִי֩rā·’î·ṯî — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → a greatהַגָּד֜וֹלhag·gā·ḏō·wl — Great, mighty, large in size or significanceH1419 — Full Word Study → tumultהֶהָמ֨וֹןhe·hā·mō·wn — Crowd, tumult, noise, abundanceH1995 — Full Word Study →, but I do notוְלֹ֥אwə·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → knowיָדַ֖עְתִּיyā·ḏa‘·tî — to know, understand, perceiveH3045 — Full Word Study → what it wasמָֽה׃māh — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study →.” 30Move asideסֹ֖בsōḇ — to turn, surround, go aroundH5437 — Full Word Study →,” saidוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → the kingהַמֶּ֔לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →, “and standהִתְיַצֵּ֣בhiṯ·yaṣ·ṣêḇ — To stand, take a stand, present oneselfH3320 — Full Word Study → hereכֹּ֑הkōh — thus, so, in this mannerH3541 — Full Word Study →.” So he steppedוַֽיַּעֲמֹֽד׃way·ya·‘ă·mōḏ — to stand, take a stand, be establishedH5975 — Full Word Study → asideוַיִּסֹּ֖בway·yis·sōḇ — to turn, surround, go aroundH5437 — Full Word Study →. 31Just thenוְהִנֵּ֥הwə·hin·nêh — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study → the Cushiteהַכּוּשִׁ֖יhak·kū·šî — Ethiopian personH3569 — Full Word Study → cameבָּ֑אbā — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → and saidוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “May my lordאֲדֹנִ֣י’ă·ḏō·nî — Lord, master, owner, rulerH113 — Full Word Study → the kingהַמֶּ֔לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → hear the good newsיִתְבַּשֵּׂר֙yiṯ·baś·śêr — to announce good news; to proclaim tidingsH1319 — Full Word Study →: Todayהַיּ֔וֹםhay·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָה֙Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → has avenged youשְׁפָטְךָ֤šə·p̄ā·ṭə·ḵā — to judge, govern, or execute justiceH8199 — Full Word Study → ofמִיַּ֖דmî·yaḏ — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → who rose upהַקָּמִ֥יםhaq·qā·mîm — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → against youעָלֶֽיךָ׃ס‘ā·le·ḵā — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study →!” 32The kingהַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → askedוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → the Cushiteהַכּוּשִׁ֔יhak·kū·šî — Ethiopian personH3569 — Full Word Study →, “Is the young manלַנַּ֖עַרlan·na·‘ar — Young man, boy, or male servantH5288 — Full Word Study → Absalomלְאַבְשָׁל֑וֹםlə·’aḇ·šā·lō·wm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study → all rightהֲשָׁל֥וֹםhă·šā·lō·wm — Peace, wholeness, well-being, prosperityH7965 — Full Word Study →?” And the Cushiteהַכּוּשִׁ֗יhak·kū·šî — Ethiopian personH3569 — Full Word Study → repliedוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “May what has become of the young man happen to the enemies of my lordאֲדֹנִ֣י’ă·ḏō·nî — Lord, master, owner, rulerH113 — Full Word Study → the kingהַמֶּ֔לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → and to all whoאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → rise upקָ֥מוּqā·mū — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → against youעָלֶ֖יךָ‘ā·le·ḵā — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → to harm youלְרָעָֽה׃סlə·rā·‘āh — evil, bad, harm, disasterH7451 — Full Word Study →.” 33The kingהַמֶּ֗לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → was shakenוַיִּרְגַּ֣זway·yir·gaz — to tremble, shake, or be disturbedH7264 — Full Word Study → and went upוַיַּ֛עַלway·ya·‘al — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → to the gateהַשַּׁ֖עַרhaš·ša·‘ar — Gate; entrance to a city or enclosureH8179 — Full Word Study → chamber and weptוַיֵּ֑בְךְּway·yê·ḇək — to weep, cry, shed tearsH1058 — Full Word Study →. And asוְכֹ֣ה׀wə·ḵōh — thus, so, in this mannerH3541 — Full Word Study → he walkedבְּלֶכְתּ֗וֹbə·leḵ·tōw — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study →, he cried outאָמַ֣ר’ā·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “O my sonבְּנִ֤יbə·nî — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → Absalomאַבְשָׁלוֹם֙’aḇ·šā·lō·wm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study →! My sonבְּנִ֣יbə·nî — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study →, my sonבְנִ֣יḇə·nî — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → Absalomאַבְשָׁל֔וֹם’aḇ·šā·lō·wm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study →! If onlyמִֽי־mî- — who? what person?H4310 — Full Word Study → Iאֲנִ֣י’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → had diedמוּתִי֙mū·ṯî — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study → instead of youתַחְתֶּ֔יךָṯaḥ·te·ḵā — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study →, O Absalomאַבְשָׁל֖וֹם’aḇ·šā·lō·wm — Absalom, David's son; father of peaceH53 — Full Word Study →, my sonבְּנִ֥יbə·nî — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study →, my sonבְנִֽי׃ḇə·nî — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study →!”
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Chapter Commentary — 2 Samuel 18
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

Second Samuel 18 chronicles the climactic battle between King David's forces and the rebel army of his son Absalom. Despite David's explicit command to deal gently with Absalom, the young prince meets a tragic end, caught in an oak tree and killed by Joab. The chapter presents a profound meditation on the consequences of rebellion, the limits of parental love, and the sovereignty of God's justice. David's anguished response to his son's death—grieving despite his victory—reveals the deep personal cost of this civil conflict and reminds us that winning a battle does not always feel like victory.

Verses 1–5: David Prepares for Battle

David organizes his forces into three divisions under Joab, Abishai, and Ittai the Gittite (a foreigner who has proven loyal). Initially, David wants to join the battle himself, but his commanders wisely counsel against it. They recognize that David's life is worth more to the nation than any individual soldier—a practical acknowledgment that leadership sometimes requires sacrifice and restraint. Notice that David accepts their counsel graciously (verse 4). Most significantly, David issues a merciful command: "Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom" (verse 5). Despite Absalom's treachery and rebellion, David's fatherly love remains. He seeks victory, not vengeance. This reveals David's character—he is a king who has learned something of God's mercy, even toward his enemies.

Verses 6–9: The Battle and Absalom's Capture

The battle takes place in the wood of Ephraim, where the terrain itself becomes a weapon—more men die from the forest than from combat (verse 8). This detail reminds us that God often accomplishes His purposes through unexpected means. Absalom, riding a mule, becomes caught by his head in the thick branches of an oak tree. While his mule escapes, Absalom hangs suspended, vulnerable and trapped. This moment carries symbolic weight: the proud young man, whose flowing hair was once his glory (chapter 14), is now caught and helpless. God's justice moves in mysterious ways.

Verses 10–15: The Death of Absalom

A soldier reports Absalom's predicament to Joab, who is astonished that the man didn't kill him and claim the reward. The soldier, however, refuses—he remembers the king's command and fears both God's judgment and the king's wrath (verses 11–13). This shows genuine reverence for God and the authority He has established. Joab, however, shows no such restraint. He personally kills Absalom with three darts, and his armor-bearers finish the deed (verses 14–15). Joab acts on military logic—the rebellion must end decisively—but he directly violates his king's explicit command. This disobedience will have consequences later in David's reign (see 1 Kings 2). The text presents this morally ambiguously: Joab solves a problem, but he does so through insubordination and hardness of heart.

Verses 16–33: The Victory and David's Grief

Joab signals the end of the battle, and Israel's forces flee. Absalom receives a shameful burial—cast into a pit and covered with stones (verse 17). Yet verse 18 notes that Absalom had erected a monument to himself in his lifetime, seeking to perpetuate his memory. His pillar stands, but his name is remembered only in connection with death and defeat. Messengers bring news to David. Ahimaaz, eager to share good news, arrives first but hesitates to report Absalom's death. Cushi, the second messenger, delivers the full news plainly. David's response is heartbreaking: he goes into mourning, weeping bitterly and crying, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee" (verse 33). The victory feels hollow. David has won the battle but lost his son. His grief overshadows the triumph.

Application for Today

This chapter teaches us that God's justice is real and cannot be defied indefinitely—Absalom's rebellion ends in death. Yet it also shows us that victory without reconciliation brings no joy. As followers of Christ, we serve a King who conquered sin and death not through hardness but through love and self-sacrifice. When we face opposition or must correct those who have strayed, may we never forget that our ultimate goal is restoration, not mere triumph. May our hearts remain tender toward the lost, even as we stand firmly for truth.

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