2 Samuel 18

2 Samuel 18

Chart from recommended resource Jensen's Survey of the OT - used by permission 2 Samuel Chart from Charles Swindoll TIMELINE OF THE BOOKS OF SAMUEL, KINGS & CHRONICLES 1107 1011 971 931 853 722 586 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 1 Kings 2 Kings 31 1-4 5-10 11-20 21-24 1-11 12-22 1-17 18-25 1Chr 10 1 Chr 11-19 1 Chr 20-29 2 Chronicles 1-9 2 Chronicles 10-20 2 Chronicles 21-36 Legend: B.C. dates at top of timeline are approximate. Note that 931 BC marks the division of the Kingdom into Southern Tribes (Judah and Benjamin) and Ten Northern Tribes. To avoid confusion be aware that after the division of the Kingdom in 931 BC, the Southern Kingdom is most often designated in Scripture as "Judah" and the Northern Kingdom as "Israel." Finally, note that 1 Chronicles 1-9 is not identified on the timeline because these chapters are records of genealogy. Map of David's Kingdom-ESV Global Map of Cities in 2 Samuel HIGHS AND LOWS OF DAVID'S LIFE Source: Life Application Study Bible (borrow) 2 Samuel 18:1 Then David numbered the people who were with him and set over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. numbered: Ex 17:9 Jos 8:10 commanders : 1Sa 8:12 2 Samuel 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Numbers 31:48 Then the officers who were over the thousands of the army, the captains of thousands and the captains of hundreds, approached Moses, Judges 9:43 So he took his people and divided them into three companies, and lay in wait in the field; when he looked and saw the people coming out from the city, he arose against them and slew them. 1 Samuel 11:11 The next morning Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the camp at the morning watch and struck down the Ammonites until the heat of the day. Those who survived were scattered, so that no two of them were left together. Outline of 2 Samuel 18 from What the Bible Teaches The marshalling of David's troops (2Sa 18:1-8) The manner of Absalom's death (2Sa 18:9-17) The meaning of Absalom's pillar (2Sa 18:18) The message about Absalom's death (2Sa 18:19-33) DAVID COUNTS TROOPS SELECTS COMMANDERS Then - Marks progression in the narrative. Battle is now imminent. This scene actually had begun in 2Sa 17:24 which set up the battle lines - "Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom crossed the Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him." In 2Sa 17:24-29 David's army settled in Mahanaim and were generously supplied and refreshed by Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai. Now David musters his men and strategically divides them as the experienced man of war readies for battle with his son. David numbered the people who were with him and set over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds - The text does not give us the time frame - was the following done in days or weeks? We do not know, but we know David made this an immediate priority - to prepare his men for battle. David did not simply count noses, but mustered his army signifying that he assembled troops for inspection and preparation for the imminent battle. His division of the military into three fighting units made up of sections of one hundred and one thousand is typical of Israelite military structure (see (Ex 18:21; Nu 31:14, 48; Dt 1:15; 1Sa 8:12; 11:11, 22:7; 29:2, Nu 31:48; Jdg 9:43). Josephus, Antiq. 7.10.1, tells us that David had four thousand men but this is uncertain as the text does not give a specific number. The point is that David had rallied considerable support for his cause. 2 Samuel 18:2 David sent the people out, one third under the command of Joab, one third under the command of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and one third under the command of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the people, "I myself will surely go out with you also." third: Jdg 7:16,19 9:43 Joab: 2Sa 10:7-10 Ittai: 2Sa 15:19-22 I will surely: 2Sa 17:11 Ps 3:6 27:1-3 118:6-8 2 Samuel 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Samuel 15:19-21+ Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why will you also go with us? Return and remain with the king (DAVID CALLS ABSALOM "THE KING"), for you are a foreigner and also an exile; return to your own place. 20 “You came only yesterday, and shall I today make you wander with us, while I go where I will? Return and take back your brothers; mercy and truth be with you.” 21 But Ittai answered the king and said, (ITTAI'S LOYALTY TO DAVID) “As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely wherever my lord the king may be, whether for death or for life, there also your servant will be.” 1 Samuel 11:11+ (STANDARD MILITARY PRACTICE - DIVISION INTO THIRDS) The next morning Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the camp at the morning watch and struck down the Ammonites until the heat of the day. Those who survived were scattered, so that no two of them were left together. COMMANDERS: JOAB ABISHAI AND ITTAI David sent the people out, one third under the command of Joab, one third under the command of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and one third under the command of Ittai the Gittite - Joab and Abishai were brothers and were both somewhat impetuous. Ittai the Gittite (from Gath, a major Philistine town!) although a foreigner is a loyal servant of David (see above), no matter the cost (battle could cost him his life!) David's division would allow for a "three pronged" attack (cf Jdg 7:16; 1Sa 11:11; 13:17). THOUGHT - David seemed to have a personality and demeanor that attacked those who were not Hebrews (cf Shobi an ammonite in 2Sa 17:27). It reminds me of the greater Son of David Who attr acts (and saves) men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. (Rev 5:9+) Mattoon - Rest and friends can do wonders for a person. David begins to take charge again and do his duty as the rightful king. Indecisiveness, laxity, and moral paralysis had weakened him in recent years. He divided his forces into three divisions....Joab, Abishai, and Ittai. (Treasures from 2 Samuel) And the king said to the people, "I myself will surely go out with you also - Perhaps he did not want a repeat of his previous mistake in 2Sa 11:1+! David does not sit back this time, but seeks to join the battle. Note that the writer refers to the real KING 5 times in this opening section of chapter 18 - 2Sa 18:2, 4, 5! David is the King of Israel, not Absalom. ABISHAI - ab'-i-shi, a-bi'-shi ('abhishai, in Ch 'abhshai; meaning is doubtful, probably "my father is Jesse,"): Son of Zeruiah, David's sister, and one of the three famous brothers, of whom Joab and Asahel were the other two (2Sa 2:18). He was chief of the second group of three among David's "mighty men" (2Sa 23:18). He first appears with David, who was in the Wilderness of Ziph, to escape Saul. When David called for a volunteer to go down into Saul's camp by night, Abishai responded, and counseled the killing of Saul when they came upon the sleeping king (1Sa 26:6-9). In the skirmish between the men of Ishbosheth and the men of David at Gibeon, in which Asahel was killed by Abner, Abishai was present (2Sa 2:18,24). He was with and aided Joab in the cruel and indefensible murder of Abner, in revenge for their brother Asahel (2Sa 3:30). In David's campaign against the allied Ammonites and Syrians, Abishai led the attack upon the Ammonites, while Joab met the Syrians; the battle was a great victory for Israel (2Sa 10:10-14). He was always faithful to David, and remained with him, as he fled from Absalom. When Shimei, of the house of Saul, cursed the fleeing king, Abishai characteristically wished to kill him at once (2Sa 16:8,9); and when the king returned victorious Abishai advised the rejection of Shimei's penitence, and his immediate execution (2Sa 19:21). In the battle with Absalom's army at Mahanaim Abishai led one division of David's army, Joab and Ittai commanding the other two (2Sa 18:2). With Joab he put down the revolt against David of Sheba, a man of Benjamin (2Sa 20:6,10), at which Joab treacherously slew Amasa his cousin and rival, as he had likewise murdered Abner, Abishai no doubt being party to the crime. In a battle with the Philistines late in his life, David was faint, being now an old man, and was in danger of death at the hands of the Philistine giant Ishbihenob when Abishai came to his rescue and killed the giant (2Sa 21:17). In the list of David's heroes (2Sa 23) Abishai's right to leadership of the "second three" is based upon his overthrowing three hundred men with his spear (2Sa 23:18). He does not appear in the struggle of Adonijah against Solomon, in which Joab was the leader, and therefore is supposed to have died before that time. He was an impetuous, courageous man, but less cunning than his more famous brother Joab, although just as cruel and relentless toward rival or foe. David understood and feared their hardness and cruelty. Abishai's best trait was his unswerving loyalty to his kinsman, David. ITTAI - A Gittite or native of Gath, one of David's chief captains and most faithful friends during the rebellion of Absalom (2 Sam 15:11-22; 18:2,4,12). The narrative reveals David's chivalrous and unselfish spirit in time of trouble, as well as the most self-sacrificing loyalty on the part of Ittai. He seems to have but recently left his native city and joined David's army through personal attachment to the king. David rapidly promoted him. Hearing of Absalom's rebellion and approach to Jerusalem, he flees with David. The latter remonstrates, urges him to go back and join Absalom, as he is a foreigner and in exile. His interests are in the capital and with the king; there is no reason why he should be a fugitive and perhaps suffer the loss of everything; it would be better for him, with his band of men, to put himself and them at the service of Absalom, the new king. "Mercy and truth be with thee," says David in his magnanimity. Ittai, with a double oath, absolutely refuses to go back, but will stand by David until the last. Remonstrance being useless, the monarch orders him across the river, doubtless glad that he had such a doughty warrior and faithful friend by his side. On mustering his hosts to meet Absalom, David makes Ittai a chief captain with the intrepid Joab and Abishai. He doubtless did his part in the battle, and as nothing more is said of him it is possible that he fell in the fight. QUESTION - Who was Joab in the Bible? ANSWER - Joab was a son of Zeruiah, King David’s sister (1 Chronicles 2:13–17) and was therefore one of David’s nephews. Joab’s brothers were two of David’s brave warriors, Abishai and Asahel. Joab was positioned as commander of David’s armies because of his victory over the Jebusites, resulting in the possession of the city of Jerusalem. It was through this victory that Jerusalem became “the city of David” (1 Chronicles 11:4–9). Joab fought and won many battles for the king, but his personal lack of self-control was problematic. In a war against the forces of Ish-Bosheth, Joab’s brother Asahel was killed by Abner, the commander of Ish-Bosheth’s armies. Joab was furious and pursued Abner to kill him, but Abner escaped (2 Samuel 2:12–32). Later, after Abner swore allegiance to David, Joab’s fuse blew, and his desire to avenge his brother’s blood drove him to deceive and murder Abner (verses 26–27). This action deeply grieved David, but the king felt unable to bring justice against the mighty Joab (verse 39). Instead, David pronounced a curse over Joab and his future descendants: “May his blood fall on the head of Joab and on his whole family! May Joab’s family never be without someone who has a running sore or leprosy or who leans on a crutch or who falls by the sword or who lacks food” (verse 29). As the commander of David’s armies, Joab was provided many victories by God, but Joab caused much grief to the king and to Israel. His anger and perhaps the power of his position drove him to poor decisions at times. In addition to his murder of Abner, Joab killed his own cousin, Amasa—and his betrayal was Judas-style, accompanied by a kiss: “Joab said to Amasa, ‘How are you, my brother?’ Then Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. Amasa was not on his guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab plunged it into his belly, and his intestines spilled out on the ground. Without being stabbed again, Amasa died” (2 Samuel 20:9–10). Joab disobeyed King David’s command to spare Absalom’s life, himself striking Absalom with three javelins (2 Samuel 18). David mourned the death of his son Absalom, a response that was sternly reprimanded by Joab (2 Samuel 19:1–8). It was also Joab who, in accordance with David’s command, placed Uriah the Hittite at the front of the battle to be killed, so that David could feel justified in marrying Uriah’s widow (2 Samuel 11). Joab, for all his faults, was obviously a capable man of war and valiant on the battlefield. And he ought to be given credit for his loyalty to David for almost four decades. Joab also counseled David when David sinfully desired to take a census; if David had heeded Joab’s advice, he could have spared his nation the plague that befell Israel (2 Samuel 24). When David was on his death bed, Joab conspired with Adonijah to install Adonijah as the next king, instead of Solomon (1 Kings 1). This action, plus Joab’s other rash decisions, vengeful murders, and inability to take certain important orders, finally drove David over the edge. David commanded Solomon to ensure Joab’s execution, an act that was carried out by Benaniah as Joab was clinging to the horns of the altar in hopes of finding clemency (1 Kings 2:5–6, 28–34). GotQuestions.org 2 Samuel 18:3 But the people said, "You should not go out; for if we indeed flee, they will not care about us; even if half of us die, they will not care about us. But you are worth ten thousand of us; therefore now it is better that you be ready to help us from the city." You should not go out;: 2Sa 21:17 if we flee: 2Sa 17:2 1Ki 22:31 Zec 13:7 worth: Heb. as ten thousand of us, La 4:20 succour: Heb. be to succour, 2Sa 10:11 Ex 17:10-12 2 Samuel 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Samuel 21:17 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah helped him, and struck the Philistine and killed him. Then the men of David swore to him, saying, “You shall not go out again with us to battle, so that you do not extinguish the lamp of Israel.” Mahanaim is in NE corner of the pink-shaded area of Gad (click to enlarge) TROOPS DISSUADE DAVID FROM GOING But the people said - Term of contrast. David's troops object to his personal appearance in battle. "You should not go out; for if we indeed flee, they will not care about (Heb. set their heart on) us; even if half of us die, they will not care about us. But you are worth ten thousand of us (Heb - "for now there are ten thousand like us."); therefore now it is better that you be ready to help us from the city (Mahanaim - see map above) - Note they give 3 reasons David should not lead the forces - (1) He is their prime target, (2) closely related is that he is more valuable than 10,000 soldiers and (3) he can provide help from the city if they should need it. The main reason of their logic for David not going into the battle is that Absalom's troops are focused on killing David more than his troops. A dead David would signal sure defeat for them! It is somewhat ironic, that David's men echoed the wisdom of Ahithophel who knew that killing David would bring about victory for Absalom and "all the people would be at peace." (2Sa 17:2-3+). Note the clear contrast with Hushai's advice to Absalom to personally go into battle declaring in 2Sa 17:11+ “But I counsel that all Israel be surely gathered to you, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea in abundance, and that you personally go into battle." Perhaps he knew the risk of the king himself going into battle, but in any event it was under the providential control of the LORD, because the loss of Absalom would be the third of the "four fold" discipline (consequence of his sin) that David (that David had actually decreed himself in 2Sa 12:6+) would suffer because of his sin with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah. The fourfold discipline was the deaths of his unnamed son, death of Amnon (rape of Tamar), death of Absalom and death of Adonijah (who tried to usurp the crown from Solomon). Mattoon - In the game of chess, pawns are sacrificed for the king because the king is valuable. These men were willing to sacrifice themselves for David. Is the King of kings, the Lord Jesus Christ, valuable to you? How do you demonstrate your belief in the unsurpassed worth of Christ the King. In what way do you make sacrifices for Jesus Christ? Christ should be everything to us because of what He has done for us.(Treasures from 2 Samuel) Utley on the city - Mahanaim was the city where Mephibosheth and later Ishbosheth sought refuge. David's kindness to the same leader in rural Gilead made him want to help David in his time of need. 2 Samuel 18:4 Then the king said to them, "Whatever seems best to you I will do." So the king stood beside the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and thousands. by the gate: 2Sa 18:24 Isa 28:6 by hundreds: 2Sa 18:1 1Sa 29:2 2 Samuel 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DAVID STAY IN CITY & REVIEWS TROOPS AT GATE Then the king said to them, "Whatever seems best to you I will do." - David does not argue with the logic of his troops. A good leader knows when and how to receive good advice. THOUGHT - No man is an island. We all need others to give us good advice! Are you an "island" or are you open to the advice of others? Pride fights against receiving good advice from others and needs to be laid aside! As Paul said "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall." (1Co 10:12+) Just imagine if David had not received their advice, went forth and was killed (a hypothetical question of course)! Good leaders listen to the wise advice of their counselors! So the king stood beside the gate - That is, David remained at the gate of the city as the 3 divisions of his troops passed in review. And all the people went out by hundreds and thousands - How many were in his army at this time but the word "thousands" is certainly suggestive? We do not know for sure, but Josephus wrote that there were only 4,000 men. Of course the numbers are not the determinative factor! The only number that counts is whose side is God on in the battle? The answer is unequivocal. God was on the side of David, not necessarily because David was so good (in fact this is all a consequence of David's evil in His sight - 2Sa 11:27+), but ultimately because He is a covenant keeping God and would be faithful to His promises in 2 Samuel 7 “When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 “He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 “I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he commits iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men, 15 but My lovingkindness shall not depart from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 “Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever.”’” (2Sa 7:12-16+) 2 Samuel 18:5 The king charged Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, "Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom." And all the people heard when the king charged all the commanders concerning Absalom. Deal gently: 2Sa 16:11 17:1-4,14 De 21:18-21 Ps 103:13 Lu 23:34 all the people: 2Sa 18:12 2 Samuel 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DAVID'S CHARGE TO GO EASY ON ABSALOM The king charged (commanded, ordered) Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, "Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom." - Notice David still sees him as but a boy! Perhaps he considered the rebellion a youthful escapade! Commanders were commanded basically not to harm or kill Absalom.