Home› Bible› 2 Samuel› Chapter 18

2 Samuel 18

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 18 of 24

1 And David mustered the people who were with him, and he set over them commanders of hundreds.

2 And David sent one third of the people by the hand of Joab, and one third by the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and one third by Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the people, Going out I will go with you, I also.

3 And the people said, You shall not go out, for if we flee they will not set their heart on us even if half of us die; for now you are like ten thousand to us. And now it is good that you be for us from the city to help.

Read full chapter in the Bible Reader

Chapter Summary

David views the armies as they go out; asks them to treat Absalom gently. The Israelites are killed in the forest of Ephraim. Absalom is killed by Joab. Ahimaaz and Cushi bring tidings to David. David mourns for Absalom.

Key Hebrew Words

אַחֵ֑ר another H312 · TWOT 68a
מַצֶּ֨בֶת֙ pillar H4678 · TWOT 1398g
רֹכֵ֣ב mount and ride H7392 · TWOT 2163
תְבַשֵּׂ֔ר bear tidings H1319 · TWOT 291
בְּשֹׂרָ֤ה tidings H1309 · TWOT 291b

People & Context

David Organizes His Army

David divides his army into thirds under Joab, Abishai, and Ittai. The people urge David to stay behind, and he commands his commanders to deal gently…

Battle in the Forest of Ephraim

The armies clash in the forest of Ephraim. Israel is defeated by David's servants, losing 20,000 men, with the forest devouring more than the sword.

Absalom Caught in the Oak

Absalom's mule rides under a great oak tree, and his head gets caught in the thick branches, leaving him hanging in the air.

Timeline

David Organizes His Army

David divides his army into thirds under Joab, Abishai, and Ittai. The people urge David to stay behind, and he commands his commanders to deal gently with Absalom.

2 Samuel 18:1-5
Battle in the Forest of Ephraim

The armies clash in the forest of Ephraim. Israel is defeated by David's servants, losing 20,000 men, with the forest devouring more than the sword.

2 Samuel 18:6-8
Absalom Caught in the Oak

Absalom's mule rides under a great oak tree, and his head gets caught in the thick branches, leaving him hanging in the air.

2 Samuel 18:9

Read 2 Samuel 18 in the KJ3 Reader

Word-for-word literal translation with Hebrew interlinear, Strong's numbers, and audio.

Open in Bible Reader
2 Samuel 172 Samuel2 Samuel 19