CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Samuel 18:18 During his lifetime, Absalom had set up for himself a pillar in the King's Valley, for he had said, "I have no son to preserve the memory of my name." So he gave the pillar his name, and to this day it is called Absalom's Monument.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/18-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/10_2Sa_18_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 18:18 - Absalom Killed" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="During his lifetime, Absalom had set up for himself a pillar in the King's Valley, for he had said, I have no son to preserve the memory of my name. So he gave the pillar his name, and to this day it is called Absalom's Monument." /><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/18-18.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/18-18.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 18</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="/ad18.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/18-17.htm" title="2 Samuel 18:17">◄</a> 2 Samuel 18:18 <a href="/2_samuel/18-19.htm" title="2 Samuel 18:19">►</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> During his lifetime Absalom had taken a pillar and erected it in the King&#8217s Valley as a monument to himself, for he thought, &#8220I have no son to carry on the memory of my name.&#8221 He named the pillar after himself, and it is called Absalom&#8217s Monument to this day. <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> During his lifetime, Absalom had built a monument to himself in the King’s Valley, for he said, “I have no son to carry on my name.” He named the monument after himself, and it is known as Absalom’s Monument to this day. <a href="/esv/2_samuel/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and set up for himself the pillar that is in the King’s Valley, for he said, “I have no son to keep my name in remembrance.” He called the pillar after his own name, and it is called Absalom’s monument to this day. <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> During his lifetime, Absalom had set up for himself a pillar in the King’s Valley, for he had said, “I have no son to preserve the memory of my name.” So he gave the pillar his name, and to this day it is called Absalom’s Monument. <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/18.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/18.htm">New King James Version</a> Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and set up a pillar for himself, which is in the King’s Valley. For he said, “I have no son to keep my name in remembrance.” He called the pillar after his own name. And to this day it is called Absalom’s Monument. <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and set up for himself a memorial stone, which is in the King’s Valley, for he said, “I have no son to continue my name.” So he named the memorial stone after his own name, and it is called Absalom’s Monument to this day. <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and set up for himself a pillar which is in the King&#8217s Valley, for he said, &#8220I have no son to preserve my name.&#8221 So he named the pillar after his own name, and it is called Absalom&#8217s Monument to this day. <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and set up for himself a pillar which is in the King’s Valley, for he said, “I have no son to preserve my name.” So he named the pillar after his own name, and it is called Absalom’s monument to this day. <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and set up for himself a pillar which is in the King’s Valley, for he had said, “I have no son to preserve my name.” So he named the pillar after his own name, and it is called Absalom’s Monument to this day. <a href="/amp/2_samuel/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and set up for himself a memorial pillar which is in the King’s Valley, for he said, “I have no son to keep my name in remembrance.” He named the memorial pillar after himself, and to this day it is called Absalom’s Monument. <a href="/csb/2_samuel/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When he was alive, Absalom had taken a pillar and raised it up for himself in the King’s Valley, since he thought, “I have no son to preserve the memory of my name.” So he named the pillar after himself. It is still called Absalom’s Monument today. <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When he was alive, Absalom had set up a pillar for himself in the King&#8217s Valley, for he had said, &#8220I have no son to preserve the memory of my name.&#8221 So he gave the pillar his name. It is still called Absalom&#8217s Monument today. <a href="/asv/2_samuel/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself the 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 Absalom's monument, unto this day. <a href="/cev/2_samuel/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When Absalom was alive, he had set up a stone monument for himself in King's Valley. He explained, "I don't have any sons to keep my name alive." He called it Absalom's Monument, and that is the name it still has today. <a href="/erv/2_samuel/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now Absalom in his life time had taken and reared up for himself the 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 Absalom's monument, unto this day. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> ( [While he was still living,] Absalom had taken a rock and set it up for himself in the king's valley. He said, "I have no son to keep the memory of my name alive." He called the rock by his name, and it is still called Absalom's Monument today.) <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> During his lifetime Absalom had built a monument for himself in King's Valley, because he had no son to keep his name alive. So he named it after himself, and to this day it is known as Absalom's Monument. <a href="/isv/2_samuel/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> While Absalom had been living, he had erected a pillar as a monument to himself in King's Valley because he had been telling himself, "I don't have a son to carry on my family name." So he named the pillar after himself—it's called Absalom's Monument even today. <a href="/msb/2_samuel/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> During his lifetime, Absalom had set up for himself a pillar in the King?s Valley, for he had said, ?I have no son to preserve the memory of my name.? So he gave the pillar his name, and to this day it is called Absalom?s Monument. <a href="/net/2_samuel/18.htm">NET Bible</a> Prior to this Absalom had set up a monument and dedicated it to himself in the King's Valley, reasoning "I have no son who will carry on my name." He named the monument after himself, and to this day it is known as Absalom's Memorial. <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself the pillar, which is in the King's Valley; for he said, "I have no son to keep my name in memory." He called the pillar after his own name; and it is called Absalom's monument, to this day. <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Now Absalom in his life-time had taken and raised 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 to this day, Absalom's place. <a href="/web/2_samuel/18.htm">World English Bible</a> Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself the pillar which is in the king’s valley, for he said, “I have no son to keep my name in memory.” He called the pillar after his own name. It is called Absalom’s monument, to this day. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Absalom has taken, and sets up for himself in his life, the standing-pillar that [is] in the king’s valley, for he said, “I have no son to cause my name to be remembered”; and he calls the standing-pillar by his own name, and it is called “The Monument of Absalom” to this day. <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Absalom hath taken, and setteth up for himself in his life, the standing-pillar that is in the king's valley, for he said, 'I have no son to cause my name to be remembered;' and he calleth the standing-pillar by his own name, and it is called 'The monument of Absalom' unto this day. <a href="/slt/2_samuel/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Absalom took and set up for him in his living, a pillar in the valley of the king; for he said, Not to me a son to call my name to mind: and he will call the pillar by his name, and he will call it The Hand of Absalom, even to this day.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now Absalom had reared up for himself, in his lifetime, a pillar, which is in the king's valley: for he said: I have no son, and this shall be the monument of my name. And he called the pillar by is own name, and it is called the hand of Absalom, to this day. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now Absalom had raised up for himself, when he was still alive, a monument, which is in the Valley of the King. For he said, “I have no son, and so this shall be the memorial to my name.” And he called the monument by his own name. And it is called the Hand of Absalom, even to this day. <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/18.htm">New American Bible</a> During his lifetime Absalom had taken a pillar and set it up for himself in the King’s Valley, for he said, “I have no son to perpetuate my name.” The pillar which he named for himself is called Absalom’s Monument to the present day. <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and set up for himself a pillar that is in the King’s Valley, for he said, “I have no son to keep my name in remembrance”; he called the pillar by his own name. It is called Absalom’s Monument to this day.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and set up for himself a monument in the valley of the kings; for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance; and he called the monument by his own name; and it is called the work of Absalom to this day. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Abishlum, while he lived, had taken and set up for himself a statue in the Valley of the Kings, because he had said, “There is no one for me who will make my name.” And he called the statue by his name, and it is called “The hand of Abishlum” until today<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Now Absalom in his life-time had taken and reared up for himself the 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 Absalom's monument unto this day. <a href="/sep/2_samuel/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Now Abessalom while yet alive had taken and set up for himself the pillar near which he was taken, and set it up so as to have the pillar in the king's dale; for he said he had no son to keep his name in remembrance: and he called the pillar, Abessalom's hand, until this day. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/18-18.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=5287" 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> …17They took Absalom, cast him into a large pit in the forest, and piled a huge mound of stones over him. Meanwhile, all the Israelites fled, each to his home. 18<a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḇə·ḥay·yå̄w (Prep-b:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">During his lifetime,</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/53.htm" title="53: wə·’aḇ·šā·lōm (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Or babshalowm; from 'ab and shalowm; father of peace; Abshalom, a son of David; also a later Israelite.">Absalom</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: lā·qaḥ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5324.htm" title="5324: way·yaṣ·ṣeḇ- (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To take one's stand, stand. A prim root; to station, in various applications.">had set up</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">for himself</a> <a href="/hebrew/4678.htm" title="4678: maṣ·ṣe·ḇeṯ (N-fs) -- From natsab; something stationary, i.e. A monumental stone; also the stock of a tree.">a pillar</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">in the King’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/6010.htm" title="6010: bə·‘ê·meq- (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A vale. From amaq; a vale.">Valley,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">he had said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ên- (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">“I have no</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇên (N-ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/5668.htm" title="5668: ba·‘ă·ḇūr (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Or rabur; passive participle of abar; properly, crossed, i.e. transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/2142.htm" title="2142: haz·kîr (V-Hifil-Inf) -- Remember. A primitive root; properly, to mark, i.e. To remember; by implication, to mention; also to be male.">preserve the memory</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: šə·mî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">of my name.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: way·yiq·rā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">So he gave</a> <a href="/hebrew/4678.htm" title="4678: lam·maṣ·ṣe·ḇeṯ (Prep-l, Art:: N-fs) -- From natsab; something stationary, i.e. A monumental stone; also the stock of a tree.">the pillar</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: šə·mōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">his name,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">and to</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">day</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: way·yiq·qā·rê (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">it is called</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/53.htm" title="53: ’aḇ·šā·lōm (N-proper-ms) -- Or babshalowm; from 'ab and shalowm; father of peace; Abshalom, a son of David; also a later Israelite.">Absalom’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yaḏ (N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">Monument.</a> <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="/genesis/28-18.htm">Genesis 28:18-22</a> Early the next morning, Jacob took the stone that he had placed under his head, and he set it up as a pillar. He poured oil on top of it, / and he called that place Bethel, though previously the city had been named Luz. / Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and watch over me on this journey, and if He will provide me with food to eat and clothes to wear, ... <a href="/joshua/4-20.htm">Joshua 4:20-24</a> And there at Gilgal Joshua set up the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan. / Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future, when your children ask their fathers, ‘What is the meaning of these stones?’ / you are to tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ ... <a href="/1_samuel/15-12.htm">1 Samuel 15:12</a> Early in the morning Samuel got up to confront Saul, but he was told, “Saul has gone to Carmel, and behold, he has set up a monument for himself and has turned and gone down to Gilgal.” <a href="/2_samuel/14-27.htm">2 Samuel 14:27</a> Three sons were born to Absalom, and a daughter named Tamar, who was a beautiful woman. <a href="/1_kings/9-15.htm">1 Kings 9:15-19</a> This is the account of the forced labor that King Solomon imposed to build the house of the LORD, his own palace, the supporting terraces, and the wall of Jerusalem, as well as Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer. / Pharaoh king of Egypt had attacked and captured Gezer. He had set it on fire, killed the Canaanites who lived in the city, and given it as a dowry to his daughter, Solomon’s wife. / So Solomon rebuilt Gezer, Lower Beth-horon, ... <a href="/1_kings/18-31.htm">1 Kings 18:31-32</a> And Elijah took twelve stones, one for each tribe of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come and said, “Israel shall be your name.” / And with the stones, Elijah built an altar in the name of the LORD. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold two seahs of seed. <a href="/2_kings/23-17.htm">2 Kings 23:17</a> Then the king asked, “What is this monument I see?” And the men of the city replied, “It is the tomb of the man of God who came from Judah and proclaimed these things that you have done to the altar of Bethel.” <a href="/2_chronicles/16-14.htm">2 Chronicles 16:14</a> And he was buried in the tomb that he had cut out for himself in the City of David. They laid him on a bier that was full of spices and various blended perfumes; then they made a great fire in his honor. <a href="/esther/9-28.htm">Esther 9:28</a> These days should be remembered and celebrated by every generation, family, province, and city, so that these days of Purim should not fail to be observed among the Jews, nor should the memory of them fade from their descendants. <a href="/job/18-17.htm">Job 18:17</a> The memory of him perishes from the earth, and he has no name in the land. <a href="/psalms/49-11.htm">Psalm 49:11</a> Their graves are their eternal homes—their dwellings for endless generations—even though their lands were their namesakes. <a href="/isaiah/56-5.htm">Isaiah 56:5</a> I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off. <a href="/matthew/23-29.htm">Matthew 23:29</a> Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous. <a href="/matthew/26-13.htm">Matthew 26:13</a> Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” <a href="/mark/14-9.htm">Mark 14:9</a> And truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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 to this day, Absalom's place.reared up<a href="/1_samuel/15-12.htm">1 Samuel 15:12</a> And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal.the king's<a href="/genesis/14-17.htm">Genesis 14:17</a> And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.I have no son<a href="/2_samuel/14-27.htm">2 Samuel 14:27</a> And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance.<a href="/job/18-16.htm">Job 18:16,17</a> His roots shall be dried up beneath, and above shall his branch be cut off… <a href="/psalms/109-13.htm">Psalm 109:13</a> Let his posterity be cut off; and in the generation following let their name be blotted out.he called<a href="/genesis/11-4.htm">Genesis 11:4</a> And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.<a href="/1_samuel/15-12.htm">1 Samuel 15:12</a> And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal.<a href="/psalms/49-11.htm">Psalm 49:11</a> Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.<a href="/1_samuel/15-12.htm">1 Samuel 15:12</a> And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal.<a href="/genesis/11-9.htm">Genesis 11:9</a> Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.<a href="/acts/1-18.htm">Acts 1:18,19</a> Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/18-17.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-17.htm">Ab'salom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-17.htm">Absalom's</a> <a href="/genesis/14-17.htm">Dale</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-12.htm">King's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-13.htm">Lifetime</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-26.htm">Memory</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-12.htm">Monument</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-5.htm">Pillar</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-23.htm">Preserve</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-17.htm">Raised</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-3.htm">Reared</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-26.htm">Remembrance</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/18-29.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-29.htm">Ab'salom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-4.htm">Absalom's</a> <a href="/genesis/14-17.htm">Dale</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-20.htm">King's</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-13.htm">Lifetime</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-18.htm">Memory</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-17.htm">Monument</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-15.htm">Pillar</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/29-18.htm">Preserve</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-24.htm">Raised</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-32.htm">Reared</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-18.htm">Remembrance</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>During his lifetime This phrase indicates that the actions described were taken by Absalom while he was still alive, suggesting a premeditated effort to establish a legacy. It reflects the human desire for remembrance and legacy, a theme seen throughout Scripture, such as in <a href="/genesis/11-4.htm">Genesis 11:4</a> with the Tower of Babel.Absalom had set up for himself a pillar Absalom's act of setting up a pillar is significant in the ancient Near Eastern context, where monuments were often erected to commemorate individuals or events. This self-commemoration contrasts with the biblical ideal of God establishing one's legacy, as seen in <a href="/2_samuel/7-12.htm">2 Samuel 7:12-13</a> with God's promise to David.in the King’s Valley The King’s Valley is traditionally identified with the Kidron Valley, located near Jerusalem. This location is significant as it is close to the city of David, highlighting Absalom's desire to be remembered in association with royal authority and proximity to the seat of power.for he had said, “I have no son to preserve the memory of my name.” This statement reveals Absalom's concern for his legacy. Although <a href="/2_samuel/14-27.htm">2 Samuel 14:27</a> mentions that Absalom had sons, it is possible they died young or were otherwise unable to carry on his name. This reflects the cultural importance of male offspring in ancient Israel for the continuation of one's lineage and name.So he gave the pillar his name Naming the pillar after himself underscores Absalom's self-centeredness and desire for personal glory. This act can be contrasted with the biblical principle of seeking God's glory rather than one's own, as seen in passages like <a href="/isaiah/42-8.htm">Isaiah 42:8</a>.and to this day it is called Absalom’s Monument The phrase "to this day" suggests that the monument was still known by this name at the time the text was written, indicating its lasting impact. This enduring name serves as a reminder of Absalom's rebellion and tragic end, paralleling the fate of those who seek their own glory rather than God's, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/absalom.htm">Absalom</a> The third son of King David, known for his handsome appearance and rebellious nature. He led a revolt against his father, King David. 2. <a href="/topical/k/king's_valley.htm">King’s Valley</a> A location near Jerusalem, traditionally associated with the Kidron Valley. It was a place of significance for monuments and memorials. 3. <a href="/topical/a/absalom's_monument.htm">Absalom’s Monument</a> A pillar erected by Absalom to commemorate himself, reflecting his desire for legacy and remembrance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_pride.htm">The Danger of Pride</a> Absalom's actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and self-exaltation. Pride can lead to destructive decisions and ultimately to downfall. <a href="/topical/l/legacy_and_remembrance.htm">Legacy and Remembrance</a> True legacy is not built on monuments or self-promotion but on righteous living and obedience to God. Consider how you are building your legacy. <a href="/topical/t/the_illusion_of_control.htm">The Illusion of Control</a> Absalom attempted to control his legacy through a physical monument, yet his life and actions were ultimately in God's hands. Trust in God's sovereignty over your life and future. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_humility.htm">The Importance of Humility</a> Absalom's account reminds us of the value of humility. Seek to serve others and glorify God rather than seeking personal glory.<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/what_is_absalom's_monument.htm">What is Absalom's Monument?</a> <a href="/q/can_ldrs_succeed.htm">What is Absalom's Monument?</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/is_absalom's_hair_in_the_tree_plausible.htm">How did Absalom become caught by his head or hair in the oak tree (2 Samuel 18:9), and does this detail conflict with scientific plausibility?</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>(18) The king's dale.--Called also in <a href="/genesis/14-17.htm" title="And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.">Genesis 14:17</a> "the valley of Shaveh." Its site has not been identified, and writers differ as to whether it was near Jerusalem, in the valley of the Kidron, which seems probable, or was near the site of Sodom. On Absalom's statement that he had no son, see note on 14:27.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 18. - Absalom... had taken and reared up for himself a pillar. In contrast with the heap of stones cast over his dishonoured body, the narrator calls attention to the costly memorial erected by Absalom in his lifetime. The three unnamed sons mentioned in <a href="/2_samuel/14-27.htm">2 Samuel 14:27</a> seem to have died in their infancy, and probably also their mother; and Absalom, instead of taking other wives to bear him sons, which would have been in unison with the feelings of the time, manifested his grief by raising this monument. We have no reason for supposing that it was the result of vanity and ostentation. Ostentatious he was, and magnificent, but his not marrying again is a sign of genuine sorrow. The king's dale is "the Valley of Shaveh," mentioned in <a href="/genesis/14-17.htm">Genesis 14:17</a>; but whether it was near Jerusalem, as Josephus asserts, or near Sodom, is uncertain. The pillar was probably an obelisk, or possibly a pyramid, and certainly was not the Ionic column of Roman workmanship shown in the Middle Ages and at the present time as "Absalom's grave." This is in the Kidron valley, about two furlongs from Jerusalem. Absalom's place; literally, Absalom's hand; that is, memorial (see note on 1 Samuel 15:12). <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/18-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>During his lifetime, בְחַיָּיו֙ (ḇə·ḥay·yāw) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life Absalom וְאַבְשָׁלֹ֣ם (wə·’aḇ·šā·lōm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_53.htm">Strong's 53: </a> Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites had set up וַיַּצֶּב־ (way·yaṣ·ṣeḇ-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5324.htm">Strong's 5324: </a> To take one's stand, stand for himself ל֤וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> a pillar מַצֶּ֙בֶת֙ (maṣ·ṣe·ḇeṯ) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4678.htm">Strong's 4678: </a> Something stationary, a monumental stone, the stock of a, tree in the King’s הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king Valley, בְּעֵֽמֶק־ (bə·‘ê·meq-) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6010.htm">Strong's 6010: </a> A vale for כִּ֤י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction he had said, אָמַר֙ (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “I have no אֵֽין־ (’ên-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle son בֵ֔ן (ḇên) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son to בַּעֲב֖וּר (ba·‘ă·ḇūr) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5668.htm">Strong's 5668: </a> Crossed, transit, on account of, in order that preserve the memory הַזְכִּ֣יר (haz·kîr) Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2142.htm">Strong's 2142: </a> To mark, to remember, to mention, to be male of my name.” שְׁמִ֑י (šə·mî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> A name So he gave וַיִּקְרָ֤א (way·yiq·rā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> To call, proclaim, read the pillar לַמַּצֶּ֙בֶת֙ (lam·maṣ·ṣe·ḇeṯ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4678.htm">Strong's 4678: </a> Something stationary, a monumental stone, the stock of a, tree his name, שְׁמ֔וֹ (šə·mōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> A name and to this הַזֶּֽה׃ (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that day הַיּ֥וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day it is called וַיִּקָּ֤רֵא (way·yiq·qā·rê) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> To call, proclaim, read Absalom's אַבְשָׁלֹ֔ם (’aḇ·šā·lōm) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_53.htm">Strong's 53: </a> Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites Monument. יַ֣ד (yaḏ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/18-18.htm">2 Samuel 18:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/18-18.htm">2 Samuel 18:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/18-18.htm">2 Samuel 18:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/18-18.htm">2 Samuel 18:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/18-18.htm">2 Samuel 18:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/18-18.htm">2 Samuel 18:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/18-18.htm">2 Samuel 18:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/18-18.htm">2 Samuel 18:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/18-18.htm">2 Samuel 18:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/18-18.htm">2 Samuel 18:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-18.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 18:18 Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/18-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 18:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 18:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/18-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 18:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 18:19" /></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>