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And the king said to the troops, "I will surely march out with you as well."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/18-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/10_2Sa_18_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 18:2 - Absalom Killed" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab's brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the troops, I will surely march out with you as well." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_samuel/18-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_samuel/18-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/">2 Samuel</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/18.htm">Chapter 18</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_samuel/18-1.htm" title="2 Samuel 18:1">◄</a> 2 Samuel 18:2 <a href="/2_samuel/18-3.htm" title="2 Samuel 18:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_samuel/18.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/18.htm">New International Version</a> David sent out his troops, a third under the command of Joab, a third under Joab&#8217s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. The king told the troops, &#8220I myself will surely march out with you.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> He sent the troops out in three groups, placing one group under Joab, one under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and one under Ittai, the man from Gath. The king told his troops, “I am going out with you.” <a href="/esv/2_samuel/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> And David sent out the army, 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 men, “I myself will also go out with you.” <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> He sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the troops, “I will surely march out with you as well.” <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/18.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/18.htm">New King James Version</a> Then David sent out one third of the people under the hand of Joab, one third under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and one third under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the people, “I also will surely go out with you myself.” <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And David sent the people out, a third under the command of Joab, a third under the command of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and a third under the command of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the people, “I myself will certainly go out with you also.” <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> David sent the people out, one third under the command of Joab, one third under the command of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab&#8217s brother, and one third under the command of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the people, &#8220I myself will surely go out with you also.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And 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.” <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And David sent the people out, one-third under the hand of Joab, one-third under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and one-third under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the people, “I myself will surely go out with you also.” <a href="/amp/2_samuel/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then David sent the army out, a third under the command of Joab, a third under Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and a third under the command of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the men, “I myself will certainly go out [to fight] with you.” <a href="/csb/2_samuel/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> He then sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai of Gath. The king said to the troops, “I must also march out with you.” <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> He then sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab&#8217s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. The king said to the troops, &#8220I will also march out with you."&#8221 <a href="/asv/2_samuel/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> And David sent forth the people, a third part 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. <a href="/cev/2_samuel/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> He sent out one third of his army under the command of Joab, another third under the command of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, and the rest under the command of Ittai from Gath. He told the soldiers, "I'm going into battle with you." <a href="/erv/2_samuel/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> And David sent forth the people, a third part 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. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> David put a third of the troops under Joab's command, another third under Joab's brother Abishai (Zeruiah's son), and the last third under Ittai from Gath. "I am going [into battle] with you," the king said to the troops. <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then he sent them out in three groups, with Joab and Joab's brother Abishai and Ittai from Gath, each in command of a group. And the king said to his men, "I will go with you myself." <a href="/isv/2_samuel/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> Dividing his forces into three groups, he set Joab as commander of one third of his army, Zeruiah's son Abishai, Joab's brother, as commander of another third, and Ittai from Gath as commander of another third. The king informed the army, "I'm going out to battle with you, too." <a href="/msb/2_samuel/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> He sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab?s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the troops, ?I will surely march out with you as well.? <a href="/net/2_samuel/18.htm">NET Bible</a> David then sent out the army--a third under the leadership of Joab, a third under the leadership of Joab's brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under the leadership of Ittai the Gittite. The king said to the troops, "I too will indeed march out with you." <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> David divided the army into three, a third part 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. The king said to the people, "I will surely go forth with you myself also." <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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 to the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also. <a href="/web/2_samuel/18.htm">World English Bible</a> David sent the people out, a third part 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. The king said to the people, “I will also surely go out with you myself.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and David sends the third of the people by the hand of Joab, and the third by the hand of Abishai, son of Zeruiah, brother of Joab, and the third by the hand of Ittai the Gittite, and the king says to the people, “I certainly go out—I also—with you.” <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and David sendeth the third of the people by the hand of Joab, and the third by the hand of Abishai, son of Zeruiah, brother of Joab, and the third by the hand of Ittai the Gittite, and the king saith unto the people, 'I certainly go out -- I also -- with you.' <a href="/slt/2_samuel/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And David will send the people a third into the hand of Joab, and a third into the hand of Abishai, son of Zeruiah, brother of Joab, and a third into the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king will say to the people, Going forth, I will go forth, also I, with you.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abisai the son of Sarvia Joab's brother, and a third part under the hand of Ethai, who was of Geth: and the king said to the people: I also will go forth with you. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he placed a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, the brother of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Ittai, who was from Gath. And the king said to the people, “I, too, will go forth with you.” <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/18.htm">New American Bible</a> David then divided the troops three ways, a third under Joab, a third under Abishai, son of Zeruiah and brother of Joab, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. The king said to the troops, “I intend to go out with you myself.” <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And David divided the army into three groups: one third under the command of Joab, one third under the command of Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and one third under the command of Ittai the Gittite. The king said to the men, “I myself will also go out with you.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And David placed a third part of the people under the command of Joab, and a third part under the command of Abishai the son of Zoriah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the command of Ittai the Gittite. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> A third were with Yuab and a third with Abishi, son of Tsuriya, the brother of Yuab, and a third with Athi the Gettite<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And David sent forth the people, a third part 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.' <a href="/sep/2_samuel/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And David sent away the people, the third part under the hand of Joab, and the third part under the hand of Abessa the son of Saruia, the brother of Joab, and the third part under the hand of Ethi the Gittite. And David said to the people, I also will surely go out with you. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/18-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=5093" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Absalom Killed</a> 1Then David reviewed his troops and appointed over them commanders of hundreds and of thousands. 2<a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">He</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: way·šal·laḥ (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">sent out</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the troops,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7992.htm" title="7992: haš·šə·li·šîṯ (Art:: Number-ofs) -- Ordinal from shalowsh; third; feminine a third; by extension, a third; specifically, a third-story cell).">a third</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yaḏ- (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)"></a> <a href="/hebrew/3097.htm" title="3097: yō·w·’āḇ (N-proper-ms) -- The LORD is father, three Isr. From Yhovah and 'ab; Jehovah-fathered; Joab, the name of three Israelites.">under Joab,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7992.htm" title="7992: wə·haš·šə·li·šîṯ (Conj-w, Art:: Number-ofs) -- Ordinal from shalowsh; third; feminine a third; by extension, a third; specifically, a third-story cell).">a third</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yaḏ (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)"></a> <a href="/hebrew/3097.htm" title="3097: yō·w·’āḇ (N-proper-ms) -- The LORD is father, three Isr. From Yhovah and 'ab; Jehovah-fathered; Joab, the name of three Israelites.">under Joab’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’ă·ḥî (N-msc) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">brother</a> <a href="/hebrew/52.htm" title="52: ’ă·ḇî·šay (N-proper-ms) -- My father is Jesse, an Isr. name. Or Abshay; from 'ab and shay; father of a gift; Abishai, an Israelite.">Abishai</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/6870.htm" title="6870: ṣə·rū·yāh (N-proper-ms) -- An Israelite woman. Feminine passive participle from the same as tsriy; wounded; Tserujah, an Israelitess.">of Zeruiah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7992.htm" title="7992: wə·haš·šə·li·šiṯ (Conj-w, Art:: Number-ofs) -- Ordinal from shalowsh; third; feminine a third; by extension, a third; specifically, a third-story cell).">and a third</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yaḏ (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)"></a> <a href="/hebrew/863.htm" title="863: ’it·tay (N-proper-ms) -- Or tiythay; from 'eth; near; Ittai or Ithai, the name of a Gittite and of an Israelite.">under Ittai</a> <a href="/hebrew/1663.htm" title="1663: hag·git·tīs (Art:: N-proper-ms) -- An inhab. of Gath. Patrial from Gath; a Gittite or inhabitant of Gath.">the Gittite.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">And the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the troops,</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">“I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: yā·ṣō (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">will surely march out</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: ’ê·ṣê (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·mā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">with you</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">as well.”</a> 3But the people pleaded, “You must not go out! For if we have to flee, they will pay no attention to us. Even if half of us die, they will not care; but you are worth ten thousand of us. It is better for now if you support us from the city.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_samuel/11-11.htm">1 Samuel 11:11</a> The next day Saul organized the troops into three divisions, and during the morning watch they invaded the camp of the Ammonites and slaughtered them, until the hottest part of the day. And the survivors were so scattered that no two of them were left together. <a href="/judges/7-16.htm">Judges 7:16-22</a> And he divided the three hundred men into three companies and gave each man a ram’s horn in one hand and a large jar in the other, containing a torch. / “Watch me and do as I do,” Gideon said. “When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do exactly as I do. / When I and all who are with me blow our horns, then you are also to blow your horns from all around the camp and shout, ‘For the LORD and for Gideon!’” ... <a href="/1_samuel/30-1.htm">1 Samuel 30:1-10</a> On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag, and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, attacked Ziklag, and burned it down. / They had taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. They had not killed anyone, but had carried them off as they went on their way. / When David and his men came to the city, they found it burned down and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. ... <a href="/1_kings/18-4.htm">1 Kings 18:4</a> for when Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men per cave, providing them with food and water.) <a href="/1_chronicles/12-18.htm">1 Chronicles 12:18</a> Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, the chief of the Thirty, and he said: “We are yours, O David! We are with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers, for your God helps you.” So David received them and made them leaders of his troops. <a href="/1_chronicles/27-1.htm">1 Chronicles 27:1-15</a> This is the list of the Israelites—the heads of families, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the king in every matter concerning the divisions on rotating military duty each month throughout the year. There were 24,000 men in each division: / Jashobeam son of Zabdiel was in charge of the first division, which was assigned the first month. There were 24,000 men in his division. / He was a descendant of Perez and chief of all the army commanders for the first month. ... <a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">2 Samuel 17:1-4</a> Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. / I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king / and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.” ... <a href="/2_samuel/15-19.htm">2 Samuel 15:19-22</a> Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you also go with us? Go back and stay with the new king, since you are both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland. / In fact, you arrived only yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I do not know where I am going? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness.” / But Ittai answered the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be!” ... <a href="/2_samuel/23-8.htm">2 Samuel 23:8-39</a> These are the names of David’s mighty men: Josheb-basshebeth the Tahchemonite was chief of the Three. He wielded his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed at one time. / Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he went with David to taunt the Philistines who had gathered for battle at Pas-dammim. The men of Israel retreated, / but Eleazar stood his ground and struck the Philistines until his hand grew weary and stuck to his sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. Then the troops returned to him, but only to plunder the dead. ... <a href="/1_kings/2-5.htm">1 Kings 2:5-6</a> Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. <a href="/1_chronicles/11-10.htm">1 Chronicles 11:10-47</a> Now these were the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who, together with all Israel, bolstered and strengthened his kingdom, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel. / This is the list of David’s mighty men: Jashobeam son of Hachmoni was chief of the officers; he wielded his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed at one time. / Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men. ... <a href="/matthew/10-1.htm">Matthew 10:1-4</a> And calling His twelve disciples to Him, Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits, so that they could drive them out and heal every disease and sickness. / These are the names of the twelve apostles: first Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; / Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; ... <a href="/mark/6-7.htm">Mark 6:7</a> Then Jesus called the Twelve to Him and began to send them out two by two, giving them authority over unclean spirits. <a href="/luke/9-1.htm">Luke 9:1-6</a> Then Jesus called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and power to cure diseases. / And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. / “Take nothing for the journey,” He told them, “no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no second tunic. ... <a href="/luke/10-1.htm">Luke 10:1-12</a> After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place He was about to visit. / And He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest. / Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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 to the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.a third part<a href="/judges/7-16.htm">Judges 7:16,19</a> And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers… <a href="/judges/9-43.htm">Judges 9:43</a> And he took the people, and divided them into three companies, and laid wait in the field, and looked, and, behold, the people were come forth out of the city; and he rose up against them, and smote them.the hand of Joab<a href="/2_samuel/10-7.htm">2 Samuel 10:7-10</a> And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men… Ittai<a href="/2_samuel/15-19.htm">2 Samuel 15:19-22</a> Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile… I will surely<a href="/2_samuel/17-11.htm">2 Samuel 17:11</a> Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.<a href="/psalms/3-6.htm">Psalm 3:6</a> I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.<a href="/psalms/27-1.htm">Psalm 27:1-3</a> A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/16-11.htm">Abishai</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-8.htm">Command</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-1.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-11.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-22.htm">Gittite</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-8.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-22.htm">Ittai</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-25.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-25.htm">Joab's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-3.htm">Part</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-11.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-3.htm">Third</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-25.htm">Zeruiah</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/18-5.htm">Abishai</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-7.htm">Command</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-7.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-3.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-19.htm">Gittite</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-12.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-5.htm">Ittai</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-5.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-15.htm">Joab's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-1.htm">Part</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-7.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-18.htm">Third</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-21.htm">Zeruiah</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 18</div>1. <a href="/2_samuel/18-1.htm">David viewing the armies in their march gives them charge of Absalom</a> 6. <a href="/2_samuel/18-6.htm">The Israelites are sorely smitten in the wood of ephraim</a> 9. <a href="/2_samuel/18-9.htm">Absalom, hanging in an oak is slain by Joab, and cast into a pit</a> 18. <a href="/2_samuel/18-18.htm">Absalom's place</a> 19. <a href="/2_samuel/18-19.htm">Ahimaaz and Cushi bring tidings to David</a> 33. <a href="/2_samuel/18-33.htm">David mourns for Absalom</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>He sent out the troops David, as king, exercises his authority by organizing his forces for battle. This reflects the responsibilities of a king in ancient Israel, where military leadership was a key aspect of governance. The sending out of troops is a strategic move, indicating preparation and readiness for conflict, which in this context is against Absalom's rebellion.a third under Joab Joab, David's nephew and long-time commander, is a seasoned warrior known for his military prowess and sometimes ruthless tactics. His leadership of a third of the troops underscores his importance and trustworthiness in David's eyes, despite previous tensions. Joab's role in David's army is significant throughout 2 Samuel, often acting decisively in critical moments.a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah Abishai, another of David's nephews, is also a prominent military leader. His inclusion highlights the reliance on family ties and loyalty within David's command structure. Abishai's bravery and loyalty are well-documented, such as when he defended David against Ishbi-benob, a Philistine giant.and a third under Ittai the Gittite Ittai, a foreigner from Gath, demonstrates the inclusivity of David's leadership, where loyalty and capability are valued over nationality. Ittai's commitment to David is evident earlier when he pledges allegiance despite being a recent arrival. His leadership role signifies the diverse makeup of David's forces and the king's ability to inspire loyalty across cultural lines.And the king said to the troops, “I will surely march out with you as well.” David's willingness to join his men in battle reflects his character as a leader who shares in the risks and hardships of his soldiers. This echoes the biblical theme of shepherd leadership, where the leader is among the people, not above them. David's statement also foreshadows the tension between his personal involvement and the counsel of his advisors, who later persuade him to stay behind for strategic reasons.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The King of Israel, who is organizing his troops for battle against his son Absalom's forces. 2. <a href="/topical/j/joab.htm">Joab</a> David's nephew and the commander of his army, known for his military prowess and sometimes ruthless actions. 3. <a href="/topical/a/abishai.htm">Abishai</a> Joab's brother, also a commander in David's army, known for his loyalty and bravery. 4. <a href="/topical/i/ittai_the_gittite.htm">Ittai the Gittite</a> A foreigner from Gath who showed loyalty to David and was given command over a third of the troops. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_troops.htm">The Troops</a> The soldiers of Israel, divided into three groups for strategic purposes in the battle against Absalom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_delegation.htm">Leadership and Delegation</a> David's decision to divide his troops under trusted commanders shows the importance of wise delegation in leadership. Effective leaders empower others to take responsibility. <a href="/topical/l/loyalty_and_trust.htm">Loyalty and Trust</a> Ittai the Gittite's inclusion as a commander despite being a foreigner highlights the value of loyalty and trustworthiness over nationality or background. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_adversity.htm">Courage in Adversity</a> David's willingness to march out with his troops demonstrates courage and solidarity with his men, a vital trait for any leader facing challenges. <a href="/topical/s/strategic_planning.htm">Strategic Planning</a> The division of troops into three groups reflects the need for strategic planning and organization in achieving goals, both in military and spiritual battles. <a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a> David's actions are rooted in his faith in God, reminding us that our plans and efforts should be aligned with God's will and guidance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 18</a> <a href="/q/do_findings_confirm_2_samuel_18_events.htm">Do archaeological findings or historical records outside the Bible provide evidence confirming or contradicting the events described in 2 Samuel 18?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_1_chr_18_12_and_2_sam_8_13_differ.htm">Why does 1 Chronicles 18:12 credit Abishai with killing 18,000 Edomites, while 2 Samuel 8:13 attributes the same victory to David?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_joab_defy_david's_order.htm">Why does Joab's direct killing of Absalom contradict David's explicit command to spare him (2 Samuel 18:5, 14), and does this create a moral inconsistency?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_psalm_18_20-24_align_with_2_sam_11.htm">How does David's claim of righteousness in Psalm 18:20-24 align with accounts of his moral failures elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., 2 Samuel 11)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) Ittai the Gittite.--Comp. note on <a href="/judges/15-19.htm" title="But God split an hollow place that was in the jaw, and there came water out of there; and when he had drunk, his spirit came again, and he revived: why he called the name thereof Enhakkore, which is in Lehi to this day.">Judges 15:19</a>. The arrangement of the army in three divisions was common both among the Israelites (<a href="/judges/7-16.htm" title="And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers.">Judges 7:16</a>; Judg. 11:43; <a href="/1_samuel/11-11.htm" title="And it was so on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the middle of the host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together.">1Samuel 11:11</a>) and their enemies (<a href="/1_samuel/13-17.htm" title="And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned to the way that leads to Ophrah, to the land of Shual:">1Samuel 13:17</a>). Comp. also <a href="/context/2_kings/11-5.htm" title="And he commanded them, saying, This is the thing that you shall do; A third part of you that enter in on the sabbath shall even be keepers of the watch of the king's house;">2Kings 11:5-6</a>; David proposed to take the chief command in person.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - A third part. Armies are usually divided into three divisions: a centre and two wings when drawn up for battle; a van, the main body. and a rearguard when on the march. But the Israelites had no settled rule upon the point, and. when occasion required, Joab divided his army into two parts (<a href="/2_samuel/10-9.htm">2 Samuel 10:9, 10</a>). The reason of the threefold division in this case was that Ittai had brought his clan, or taf, with him, and as these would certainly not have fought under an Israelite leader, nor the Israelites under Ittai, David placed all foreigners under his command, while he gave his own nephews the command of the native troops. He thus avoided all jealousies; and Ittai's men, honoured by being made a distinct portion of the army, would feel their reputation at stake, and would rival the Israelites in valour. <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/18-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>He דָּוִ֜ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse sent out וַיְשַׁלַּ֨ח (way·šal·laḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out the troops, הָעָ֗ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock a third הַשְּׁלִשִׁ֤ית (haš·šə·li·šîṯ) Article | Number - ordinal feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7992.htm">Strong's 7992: </a> Third, feminine a, third, a third, a third-story cell) under Joab, יוֹאָב֙ (yō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3097.htm">Strong's 3097: </a> Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites a third וְ֠הַשְּׁלִשִׁית (wə·haš·šə·li·šîṯ) Conjunctive waw, Article | Number - ordinal feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7992.htm">Strong's 7992: </a> Third, feminine a, third, a third, a third-story cell) under Joab’s יוֹאָ֔ב (yō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3097.htm">Strong's 3097: </a> Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites brother אֲחִ֣י (’ă·ḥî) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> A brother, ) Abishai אֲבִישַׁ֤י (’ă·ḇî·šay) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_52.htm">Strong's 52: </a> Abishai -- 'my father is Jesse', an Israelite name son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Zeruiah, צְרוּיָה֙ (ṣə·rū·yāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6870.htm">Strong's 6870: </a> Zeruiah -- an Israelite woman and a third וְהַ֨שְּׁלִשִׁ֔ת (wə·haš·šə·li·šiṯ) Conjunctive waw, Article | Number - ordinal feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7992.htm">Strong's 7992: </a> Third, feminine a, third, a third, a third-story cell) under Ittai אִתַּ֣י (’it·tay) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_863.htm">Strong's 863: </a> Ithai -- perhaps 'companionable', an Israelite, also a Philistine the Gittite. הַגִּתִּ֑י (hag·git·tî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1663.htm">Strong's 1663: </a> Gittite -- an inhabitant of Gath And the king הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king said וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the troops, הָעָ֔ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock “I אֲנִ֖י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I will surely march out יָצֹ֥א (yā·ṣō) Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> To go, bring, out, direct and proxim with you עִמָּכֶֽם׃ (‘im·mā·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with as well.? גַּם־ (gam-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/18-2.htm">2 Samuel 18:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/18-2.htm">2 Samuel 18:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/18-2.htm">2 Samuel 18:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/18-2.htm">2 Samuel 18:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/18-2.htm">2 Samuel 18:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/18-2.htm">2 Samuel 18:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/18-2.htm">2 Samuel 18:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/18-2.htm">2 Samuel 18:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/18-2.htm">2 Samuel 18:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/18-2.htm">2 Samuel 18:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-2.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 18:2 David sent forth the people a third (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/18-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 18:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 18:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/18-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 18:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 18:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>