1 And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds over them.
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.
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 succor us out of the city.
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.
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.
6 So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;
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.
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.
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.
10 And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak.
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.
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.
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.
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.
15 And ten young men that bare Joab's armor compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him.
16 And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people.
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 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.
19 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.
20 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.
21 Then said Joab to Cushy, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushy bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.
22 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushy. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?
23 But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushy.
24 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.
25 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.
26 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.
27 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.
28 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.
29 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.
30 And the king said unto him, Turn aside, and stand here. And he turned aside, and stood still.
31 And, behold, Cushy came; and Cushy said, Tidings, my lord the king: for the LORD hath avenged thee this day of all them that rose up against thee.
32 And the king said unto Cushy, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushy answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is.
33 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!
The book of 2 Samuel is the second book of the Old Testament in the Holy Bible. It is a continuation of the story of David, the second king of Israel, and his reign over the nation. Chapter 18 is a pivotal chapter in the book, as it chronicles the events that lead to the downfall of David's son, Absalom, and the restoration of David's reign. This chapter is a culmination of the conflicts and struggles that have been building up throughout the book, and it showcases the consequences of David's sin and the faithfulness of God.
There are several main themes that can be found in chapter 18 of 2 Samuel. These themes are crucial in understanding the significance of this chapter and its meaning in the larger narrative of the book.
1. The Consequences of Sin
One of the main themes of chapter 18 is the consequences of sin. Throughout the book of 2 Samuel, we see how David's sin with Bathsheba and his subsequent cover-up have caused a ripple effect of chaos and destruction in his family and kingdom. In this chapter, we see the ultimate consequence of David's sin as his son, Absalom, rebels against him and tries to take over the throne.
The rebellion of Absalom is a direct result of David's failure as a father and a king. He did not discipline his son Amnon for raping his half-sister, Tamar, which led to Absalom taking matters into his own hands and killing Amnon. David also did not hold Absalom accountable for this act, which allowed him to continue down a path of rebellion and eventually try to overthrow his father.
David's sin has not only affected his relationship with his sons but has also caused division and turmoil within the nation of Israel. The consequences of his sin are evident in the rebellion of Absalom and the resulting war that ensues.
2. The Faithfulness of God
Another theme that can be seen in chapter 18 is the faithfulness of God. Despite David's failure and sin, God remains faithful to him and continues to fulfill His promises to him. Throughout the book of 2 Samuel, we see how God has been with David through his victories and defeats, and He continues to be with him in this chapter.
God's faithfulness is evident in the defeat of Absalom's forces. Despite being greatly outnumbered, David's army is victorious, and Absalom is killed. This victory is not due to David's strength or strategy but is a result of God's faithfulness and protection over His anointed king.
Furthermore, we see how God is faithful to David by bringing him back to the throne and restoring his reign over Israel. Despite his sin and failure, God does not abandon David but remains faithful to His promises and His covenant with him.
3. The Cost of Rebellion
The rebellion of Absalom and its consequences are also a prominent theme in chapter 18. Absalom's rebellion not only brings destruction and chaos to the nation of Israel but also results in the death of many people, including Absalom himself.
Absalom's rebellion is a result of his pride and desire for power. He is willing to go against his own father and his people to achieve his own selfish ambitions. However, his rebellion ultimately costs him his life, and he dies a tragic death, caught in a tree by his long hair and pierced by Joab's three javelins.
This theme serves as a warning against the dangers of pride and rebellion. Absalom's story shows that the cost of rebellion is high and can lead to destruction and death.
Chapter 18 of 2 Samuel holds significant meaning in the larger narrative of the book. It highlights the consequences of sin and the faithfulness of God. It also serves as a reminder of the cost of rebellion and the importance of obedience to God.
One of the key messages of this chapter is the destructive nature of sin. David's sin with Bathsheba has caused a chain reaction that has led to the rebellion of his son and the resulting war. It shows that sin not only affects the individual committing it but also has far-reaching consequences that can harm others.
However, the chapter also showcases the faithfulness of God. Despite David's sin and failure, God remains faithful to him and fulfills His promises. This serves as a reminder that God's faithfulness is not dependent on our actions, but on His character. Even when we fail, God remains faithful and is always ready to forgive and restore us.
The rebellion of Absalom also has a significant meaning in this chapter. It shows the destructive nature of pride and rebellion against God and His anointed leaders. Absalom's story serves as a warning against the dangers of pride and disobedience and the importance of submitting to God's authority.
In conclusion, chapter 18 of 2 Samuel is a pivotal chapter in the book that showcases the consequences of sin, the faithfulness of God, and the cost of rebellion. It serves as a reminder of the destructive nature of sin and the importance of obedience to God. It also highlights the faithfulness of God and His willingness to forgive and restore us, even in the midst of our failures. This chapter is a testament to the sovereignty of God and His ultimate plan for His people, despite their shortcomings and failures.
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