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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.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/17-29.htm" title="2 Samuel 17:29">◄</a> 2 Samuel 18:1 <a href="/2_samuel/18-2.htm" title="2 Samuel 18:2">►</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"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/18.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />David mustered the men who were with him and appointed over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />David now mustered the men who were with him and appointed generals and captains to lead them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then David mustered the men who were with him and set over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then David reviewed his troops and appointed over them commanders of thousands and of hundreds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And David numbered the people that <i>were</i> with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And David numbered the people who <i>were</i> with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then David took a count of the people who were with him and appointed over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then David numbered the people who were with him and set over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then David numbered the people who were with him and set over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then David numbered the people who were with him and set over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />David numbered the men who were with him and set over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />David reviewed his troops and appointed commanders of thousands and of hundreds over them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />David reviewed his troops and appointed commanders of hundreds and of thousands over them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />David divided his soldiers into groups of 100 and groups of 1,000. Then he chose officers to be in command of each group. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />David called together the troops that were with him. He appointed commanders in charge of regiments and battalions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />King David brought all his men together, divided them into units of a thousand and of a hundred, and placed officers in command of them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />David mustered his forces and appointed officers in charge of regiments and companies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then David reviewed his troops and appointed over them commanders of thousands and of hundreds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />David assembled the army that was with him. He appointed leaders of thousands and leaders of hundreds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And David mustered the people who were with him, and appointed commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds over them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And David numbered the people that were with him, and set over them captains of thousands and captains of hundreds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />David counted the people who were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And David inspects the people who [are] with him, and sets over them heads of thousands and heads of hundreds,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And David inspecteth the people who are with him, and setteth over them heads of thousands and heads of hundreds,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And David will review the people which are with him, and he will put over them captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And David having reviewed his people, appointed over them captains of thousands and of hundreds, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And so David, having reviewed his people, appointed over them tribunes and centurions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />After mustering the troops he had with him, David placed officers in command of units of a thousand and units of a hundred.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then David mustered the men who were with him, and set over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />AND David numbered the people who were with him, and set over them commanders of thousands and captains of hundreds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And David numbered the people who were with him, and set up over them Commanders of thousands and Commanders of hundreds<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And David numbered the people with him, and set over them captains of thousands and captains of hundreds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/18-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=5086" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Absalom Killed</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><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.">Then David</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/6485.htm" title="6485: way·yip̄·qōḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To attend to, visit, muster, appoint. A primitive root; to visit; by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc.">reviewed</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.">his troops</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/854.htm" title="854: ’it·tōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: way·yā·śem (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">and appointed</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">over them</a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: śā·rê (N-mpc) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">commanders</a> <a href="/hebrew/3967.htm" title="3967: mê·’ō·wṯ (Number-fp) -- Hundred. Or metyah; properly, a primitive numeral; a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction.">of hundreds</a> <a href="/hebrew/505.htm" title="505: ’ă·lā·p̄îm (Number-mp) -- A thousand. Prop, the same as 'eleph; hence a thousand.">and of thousands.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: wə·śā·rê (Conj-w:: N-mpc) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person."></a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>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.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/17-24.htm">2 Samuel 17:24-26</a></span><br />Then David went to Mahanaim, and Absalom crossed the Jordan with all the men of Israel. / Absalom had appointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Amasa was the son of a man named Ithra, the Ishmaelite who had married Abigail, the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah the mother of Joab. / So the Israelites and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-18.htm">2 Samuel 15:18-19</a></span><br />and all his servants marched past him—all the Cherethites and Pelethites, and six hundred Gittites who had followed him from Gath. / 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-13.htm">1 Samuel 25:13</a></span><br />And David said to his men, “Strap on your swords!” So David and all his men strapped on their swords, and about four hundred men followed David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/30-1.htm">1 Samuel 30:1-10</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-5.htm">1 Kings 2:5-6</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/12-23.htm">1 Chronicles 12:23-40</a></span><br />Now these are the numbers of men armed for battle who came to David at Hebron to turn Saul’s kingdom over to him, in accordance with the word of the LORD: / From Judah: 6,800 armed troops bearing shields and spears. / From Simeon: 7,100 mighty men of valor, ready for battle. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/7-16.htm">Judges 7:16-22</a></span><br />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!’” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/11-11.htm">1 Samuel 11:11</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-33.htm">1 Kings 1:33-40</a></span><br />“Take my servants with you,” said the king. “Set my son Solomon on my own mule and take him down to Gihon. / There Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet are to anoint him king over Israel. You are to blow the ram’s horn and declare, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ / Then you shall go up with him, and he is to come and sit on my throne and reign in my place. For I have appointed him ruler over Israel and Judah.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/27-1.htm">1 Chronicles 27:1-15</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/17-12.htm">2 Chronicles 17:12-19</a></span><br />Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah / and kept vast supplies in the cities of Judah. He also had warriors in Jerusalem who were mighty men of valor. / These are their numbers according to the houses of their fathers: From Judah, the commanders of thousands: Adnah the commander, and with him 300,000 mighty men of valor; ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/26-11.htm">2 Chronicles 26:11-15</a></span><br />Uzziah had an army ready for battle that went out to war by assigned divisions, as recorded by Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the officer under the direction of Hananiah, one of the royal officers. / The total number of family leaders of the mighty men of valor was 2,600. / Under their authority was an army of 307,500 trained for war, a powerful force to support the king against his enemies. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-47.htm">Matthew 26:47-56</a></span><br />While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/18-1.htm">John 18:1-11</a></span><br />After Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples across the Kidron Valley, where they entered a garden. / Now Judas His betrayer also knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with His disciples. / So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/23-23.htm">Acts 23:23-24</a></span><br />Then he called two of his centurions and said, “Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea in the third hour of the night. / Provide mounts for Paul to take him safely to Governor Felix.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds over them.</p><p class="hdg">numbered</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/17-9.htm">Exodus 17:9</a></b></br> And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/8-10.htm">Joshua 8:10</a></b></br> And Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.</p><p class="hdg">captains of thousands</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/8-12.htm">1 Samuel 8:12</a></b></br> And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and <i>will set them</i> to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/17-14.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-2.htm">Captains</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-2.htm">Commanders</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-29.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-30.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-2.htm">Hundreds</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-4.htm">Inspecteth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-29.htm">Mustered</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-4.htm">Numbered</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-5.htm">Thousands</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/20-5.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-5.htm">Captains</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-2.htm">Commanders</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-2.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-13.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-4.htm">Hundreds</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-26.htm">Inspecteth</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-1.htm">Mustered</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-2.htm">Numbered</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-4.htm">Thousands</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-1.htm">David viewing the armies in their march gives them charge of Absalom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-6.htm">The Israelites are sorely smitten in the wood of ephraim</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-9.htm">Absalom, hanging in an oak is slain by Joab, and cast into a pit</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-18.htm">Absalom's place</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-19.htm">Ahimaaz and Cushi bring tidings to David</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-33.htm">David mourns for Absalom</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>Then David reviewed his troops</b><br>David, as king, took on the role of a military leader, which was common for kings in the ancient Near East. Reviewing troops was a strategic and morale-boosting activity, ensuring readiness for battle. This action reflects David's responsibility and leadership, reminiscent of his earlier military successes, such as his victory over Goliath (1 Samuel 17). It also highlights the importance of preparation and organization in warfare, a theme seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in the battles led by Joshua (Joshua 6).<p><b>and appointed over them commanders of thousands and of hundreds.</b><br>The appointment of commanders indicates a structured military hierarchy, which was essential for effective communication and command during battle. This system of organization is similar to the one Moses implemented on the advice of Jethro, his father-in-law, in <a href="/exodus/18-21.htm">Exodus 18:21</a>, where leaders were appointed over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. This structure ensured that the army was well-managed and that orders could be efficiently disseminated. It also reflects the wisdom and administrative skills of David, who, like Moses, was a type of Christ in his role as a shepherd and leader of God's people. The division into thousands and hundreds suggests a sizable force, indicating the seriousness of the conflict David was preparing for, which in this context was the battle against his son Absalom's rebellion.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The King of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who is preparing for battle against his son Absalom's forces.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/troops.htm">Troops</a></b><br>The soldiers loyal to David, who are being organized for the upcoming conflict.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/commanders.htm">Commanders</a></b><br>Leaders appointed by David to oversee groups of hundreds and thousands, indicating a structured military strategy.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/absalom.htm">Absalom</a></b><br>Although not mentioned in this verse, he is the opposing force, David's son who has rebelled against him.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/b/battle.htm">Battle</a></b><br>The impending conflict between David's forces and those of Absalom, which is a pivotal moment in David's reign.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_organization.htm">Leadership and Organization</a></b><br>David's appointment of commanders shows the importance of structured leadership and delegation in achieving goals.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_and_trust.htm">Preparation and Trust</a></b><br>While David prepares his troops, his ultimate trust is in God, teaching us to balance preparation with faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare.htm">Spiritual Warfare</a></b><br>Just as David organized his troops, Christians are called to be spiritually prepared for battles against sin and temptation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite human efforts and strategies, the outcome is in God's hands, reminding us to seek His guidance in all endeavors.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_and_loyalty.htm">Unity and Loyalty</a></b><br>The loyalty of David's troops reflects the importance of unity and faithfulness within the body of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/literal_vs._metaphorical_in_2_samuel_22.htm">(2 Samuel 22) How can we tell which elements of this praise song are meant literally versus those intended as metaphorical or hyperbolic language?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_1_chron_27's_census_align.htm">How does 1 Chronicles 27's census reconcile with other conflicting census figures in the Bible (e.g., 2 Samuel 24)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_the_forest_'devour'_more_troops.htm">How can the forest “devour” more troops than swords (2 Samuel 18:8), and is there any historical or natural explanation for such a phenomenon? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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 name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>XVIII.</span><p>(1) <span class= "bld">Numbered the people.</span>--The word means rather <span class= "ital">mustered. </span>David was some time at Mahanaim, organising the forces which continually gathered to him there.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And David numbered.</span> The verb really means that he organized his army, and arranged it in companies and divisions. As Absalom gathered all Israel to him, there would be some delay; and David, like a wise general, made use of it for training the brave but undisciplined men who had joined him, chiefly from Gilead. Besides these, he had with him numerous veterans, whose skill and experience would be invaluable in such service. The result was that when the rebels came to close quarters, they had a vast body of men, but David a disciplined force, which, under skilful generalship, scattered Absalom's raw levies with ease. The arrangement into thousands and hundreds was in accordance with the civil divisions (<a href="/exodus/18-25.htm">Exodus 18:25</a>), both being, in fact, dictated by nature as multiples of our hands. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/18-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then David</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּוִ֔ד</span> <span class="translit">(dā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">reviewed</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּפְקֹ֣ד</span> <span class="translit">(way·yip̄·qōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6485.htm">Strong's 6485: </a> </span><span class="str2">To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his troops</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and appointed</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֣שֶׂם</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·śem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> </span><span class="str2">Put -- to put, place, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">over them</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·lê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">commanders</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׂרֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(śā·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8269.htm">Strong's 8269: </a> </span><span class="str2">Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of hundreds</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵאֽוֹת׃</span> <span class="translit">(mê·’ō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3967.htm">Strong's 3967: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hundred</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and of thousands.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲלָפִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·lā·p̄îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_505.htm">Strong's 505: </a> </span><span class="str2">A thousand</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/18-1.htm">2 Samuel 18:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/18-1.htm">2 Samuel 18:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/18-1.htm">2 Samuel 18:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/18-1.htm">2 Samuel 18:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/18-1.htm">2 Samuel 18:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/18-1.htm">2 Samuel 18:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/18-1.htm">2 Samuel 18:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/18-1.htm">2 Samuel 18:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/18-1.htm">2 Samuel 18:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/18-1.htm">2 Samuel 18:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/18-1.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 18:1 David numbered the people who were (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/17-29.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 17:29"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 17:29" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/18-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 18:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 18:2" /></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>