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2 Samuel 18:5 Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, "Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake." And all the people heard the king's orders to each of the commanders regarding Absalom.
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And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, saying, “<i>Deal</i> gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains orders concerning Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the king commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, saying, “<i>Deal</i> gently with the young man Absalom for my sake.” And all the people heard when the king commanded all the commanders regarding Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The king charged Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king charged all the commanders concerning Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And the king charged Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “<i>Deal</i> gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king charged all the commanders concerning Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “<i>Deal</i> gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king commanded all the commanders concerning Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “<i>Deal</i> gently with the young man Absalom for my sake.” And all the men heard when the king gave orders to all the commanders about Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The king commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, “Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” All the people heard the king’s orders to all the commanders about Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The king commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, “Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” All the people heard the king’s orders to all the commanders about Absalom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The king ordered Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, "Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake." All the troops heard him give all the commanders this order regarding Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He gave orders to Joab, Abishai, and Ittai: "For my sake don't harm the young man Absalom." And all the troops heard David give this command to his officers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />As they were going out, the king ordered Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, "Treat young Absalom gently for my sake." Everyone heard what the king had ordered his commanders about Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, “Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” And all the people heard the king’s orders to each of the commanders regarding Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The king gave this order to Joab, Abishai, and Ittai: "For my sake deal gently with the young man Absalom." Now the entire army was listening when the king gave all the leaders this order concerning Absalom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The king gave this order to Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, "Be gentle for my sake with the young man Absalom." And all the people were listening when the king gave orders to all the commanders concerning Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” All the people heard when the king commanded all the captains concerning Absalom. <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 the king charges Joab, and Abishai, and Ittai, saying, “[Deal] gently—for me, for the youth, for Absalom”; and all the people heard in the king’s charging all the heads concerning Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the king chargeth Joab, and Abishai, and Ittai, saying, 'Gently -- for me, for the youth, for Absalom;' and all the people heard in the king's charging all the heads concerning Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the king will command Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Gently for me to the boy, to Absalom. And all the people heard in the king's commanding all the chiefs for the word of Absalom.<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 the king commanded Joab, and Abisai, and Ethai, saying: Save me the boy Absalom. And all the people heard the king giving charge to all the princes concerning Absalom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the king ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “Preserve for me the boy Absalom.” And all the people heard the king commanding all the leaders on behalf of Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But the king gave this command to Joab, Abishai, and Ittai: “Be gentle with young Absalom for my sake.” All the soldiers heard as the king gave commands to the various leaders with regard to Absalom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The king ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king gave orders to all the commanders concerning Absalom.<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 the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Capture for me the young man Absalom alive. And all the people heard when the king gave orders to all commanders concerning Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the King commanded Yuab and Abishai and Athi: “Seize for me the boy Abishlum alive!" And all the people heard when the King ordered all the Princes concerning the matter of Abishlum<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 the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying: 'Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom.' And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the king commanded Joab and Abessa and Ethi, saying, Spare for my sake the young man Abessalom. And all the people heard the king charging all the commanders concerning Abessalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/18-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=5140" 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">4</span>“I will do whatever seems best to you,” the king replied. So he stood beside the gate, while all the troops marched out by hundreds and by thousands. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">Now the king</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/6680.htm" title="6680: way·ṣaw (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order. A primitive root; to constitute, enjoin.">had commanded</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.">Joab,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></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/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></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.">and Ittai,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5288.htm" title="5288: lan·na·‘ar (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- A boy, lad, youth, retainer. From na'ar; a boy, from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also, a girl.">“Treat the young man</a> <a href="/hebrew/53.htm" title="53: lə·’aḇ·šā·lō·wm (Prep-l:: 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/328.htm" title="328: lə·’aṭ- (Prep-l:: Adv) -- Gentleness. From an unused root perhaps meaning to move softly; a necromancer, gently.">gently</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">for my sake.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: wə·ḵāl (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">And all</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 people</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: šā·mə·‘ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">heard</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king’s</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/6680.htm" title="6680: bə·ṣaw·wōṯ (Prep-b:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order. A primitive root; to constitute, enjoin.">orders</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">to each</a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: haś·śā·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">of the commanders</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.">regarding</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: də·ḇar (N-msc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause."></a> <a href="/hebrew/53.htm" title="53: ’aḇ·šā·lō·wm (N-proper-ms) -- Or babshalowm; from 'ab and shalowm; father of peace; Abshalom, a son of David; also a later Israelite.">Absalom.</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>So David’s army marched into the field to engage Israel in the battle, which took place in the forest of Ephraim.…<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/14-11.htm">2 Samuel 14:11</a></span><br />“Please,” she replied, “may the king invoke the LORD your God to prevent the avenger of blood from increasing the devastation, so that my son may not be destroyed!” “As surely as the LORD lives,” he vowed, “not a hair of your son’s head will fall to the ground.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/17-12.htm">2 Samuel 17:12-14</a></span><br />Then we will attack David wherever we find him, and we will descend on him like dew on the ground. And of all the men with him, not even one will remain. / If he retreats to a city, all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it down to the valley until not even a pebble can be found there.” / Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-9.htm">1 Kings 2:9</a></span><br />Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You know what you ought to do to him to bring his gray head down to Sheol in blood.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-52.htm">1 Kings 1:52</a></span><br />And Solomon replied, “If he is a man of character, not a single hair of his will fall to the ground. But if evil is found in him, he will die.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-6.htm">1 Samuel 24:6</a></span><br />So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-9.htm">1 Samuel 26:9</a></span><br />But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/45-24.htm">Genesis 45:24</a></span><br />Then Joseph sent his brothers on their way, and as they were leaving, he said to them, “Do not quarrel on the way!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-4.htm">Exodus 23:4-5</a></span><br />If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him. / If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-17.htm">Proverbs 24:17</a></span><br />Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-21.htm">Proverbs 25:21-22</a></span><br />If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a></span><br />But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-28</a></span><br />But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19-21</a></span><br />Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” / On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” / Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-32.htm">Ephesians 4:32</a></span><br />Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-12.htm">Colossians 3:12-13</a></span><br />Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.</p><p class="hdg">Deal gently</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/16-11.htm">2 Samuel 16:11</a></b></br> And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now <i>may this</i> Benjamite <i>do it</i>? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">2 Samuel 17:1-4,14</a></b></br> Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/21-18.htm">Deuteronomy 21:18-21</a></b></br> If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and <i>that</i>, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them: … </p><p class="hdg">all the people</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/18-12.htm">1 Samuel 18:12</a></b></br> And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/18-2.htm">Abishai</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-9.htm">Abi'shai</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-26.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-1.htm">Captains</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-8.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-19.htm">Charged</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-29.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-2.htm">Deal</a> <a href="/ruth/3-7.htm">Gently</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-21.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-2.htm">Ittai</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-2.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-33.htm">Jo'ab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-29.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-25.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-8.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/18-12.htm">Abishai</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-21.htm">Abi'shai</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-9.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-8.htm">Captains</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-24.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-1.htm">Charged</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-12.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-13.htm">Deal</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-27.htm">Gently</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-2.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-12.htm">Ittai</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-10.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-10.htm">Jo'ab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-18.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-41.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-12.htm">Young</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'; 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David's kingship is a fulfillment of God's promise and a testament to his anointed leadership over Israel. Historically, David is a complex character, a man after God's own heart, yet flawed and deeply human. His role as king is both a divine appointment and a heavy burden, especially in the context of familial strife.<p><b>had commanded</b><br />The Hebrew root for "commanded" is "tsavah," which implies a directive given with authority and expectation of obedience. David's command here is not just a suggestion but a royal decree, reflecting his authority and the seriousness with which he views the situation. It underscores the weight of his words and the expectation that they will be followed.<p><b>Joab, Abishai, and Ittai</b><br />These three men are key military leaders under David. Joab, David's nephew, is a seasoned and sometimes ruthless commander. Abishai, Joab's brother, is also a formidable warrior. Ittai the Gittite, though a foreigner, has shown loyalty to David. Their inclusion highlights the gravity of the situation and the trust David places in them. Historically, these figures represent the diverse and sometimes contentious alliances within David's reign.<p><b>Treat the young man Absalom gently</b><br />The phrase "treat gently" comes from the Hebrew "at," which conveys a sense of softness or leniency. David's request is deeply personal, reflecting his paternal love and heartbreak over Absalom, despite Absalom's rebellion. This plea for gentleness is a poignant reminder of David's humanity and the complexities of love and justice. Absalom, though a threat to David's throne, is still his beloved son.<p><b>for my sake</b><br />David's appeal "for my sake" underscores the personal nature of his request. It is not merely a strategic decision but a deeply emotional one. This phrase reveals David's internal conflict and the tension between his roles as king and father. It highlights the personal cost of leadership and the sacrifices inherent in David's position.<p><b>And all the troops heard</b><br />This indicates that David's command was public and unequivocal. The troops' awareness of the king's orders suggests the widespread dissemination of his wishes, emphasizing the importance of the command. It also sets the stage for the unfolding events, where the tension between obedience and military necessity will play out.<p><b>the king's orders concerning Absalom</b><br />The specificity of "the king's orders concerning Absalom" highlights the focus of David's concern. Absalom is not just any adversary; he is the king's son. This phrase encapsulates the central conflict of the narrative: the clash between familial love and political duty. It foreshadows the tragic outcome of the battle and the personal devastation that will follow.<p><b>to each of the commanders</b><br />This final phrase underscores the chain of command and the expectation of obedience from the military leaders. It reflects the structured hierarchy within David's army and the importance of following orders. The mention of "each of the commanders" suggests a comprehensive and deliberate communication of David's wishes, leaving no room for misunderstanding.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">All the people heard.</span> The king spake so earnestly and strongly to the generals that the words ran from rank to rank as they marched forward. So in ver. 12 the man says to Joab, "In our hearing the king charged thee and Abishai," etc. It does not follow that each one heard the sound of the king's voice, but only that the command was given publicly again and again, and in the presence of the army. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/18-5.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">Now the king</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֡לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had commanded</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְצַ֣ו</span> <span class="translit">(way·ṣaw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6680.htm">Strong's 6680: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Joab,</span><br /><span class="heb">י֠וֹאָב</span> <span class="translit">(yō·w·’āḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3097.htm">Strong's 3097: </a> </span><span class="str2">Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Abishai,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבִישַׁ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇî·šay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_52.htm">Strong's 52: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abishai -- 'my father is Jesse', an Israelite name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Ittai,</span><br /><span class="heb">אִתַּי֙</span> <span class="translit">(’it·tay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_863.htm">Strong's 863: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ithai -- perhaps 'companionable', an Israelite, also a Philistine</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Treat the young man</span><br /><span class="heb">לַנַּ֣עַר</span> <span class="translit">(lan·na·‘ar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5288.htm">Strong's 5288: </a> </span><span class="str2">A boy, lad, youth, retainer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Absalom</span><br /><span class="heb">לְאַבְשָׁל֑וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(lə·’aḇ·šā·lō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_53.htm">Strong's 53: </a> </span><span class="str2">Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">gently</span><br /><span class="heb">לְאַט־</span> <span class="translit">(lə·’aṭ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_328.htm">Strong's 328: </a> </span><span class="str2">A necromancer, gently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for my sake.”</span><br /><span class="heb">לִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">And all</span><br /><span class="heb">וְכָל־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the people</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֣ם</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">heard</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁמְע֗וּ</span> <span class="translit">(šā·mə·‘ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the king’s</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">orders</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּצַוֺּ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ṣaw·wōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6680.htm">Strong's 6680: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to each</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the commanders</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשָּׂרִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(haś·śā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<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">regarding</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<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">Absalom.</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבְשָׁלֽוֹם׃</span> <span class="translit">(’aḇ·šā·lō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_53.htm">Strong's 53: </a> </span><span class="str2">Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/18-5.htm">2 Samuel 18:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/18-5.htm">2 Samuel 18:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/18-5.htm">2 Samuel 18:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/18-5.htm">2 Samuel 18:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/18-5.htm">2 Samuel 18:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/18-5.htm">2 Samuel 18:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/18-5.htm">2 Samuel 18:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/18-5.htm">2 Samuel 18:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/18-5.htm">2 Samuel 18:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/18-5.htm">2 Samuel 18:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/18-5.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 18:5 The king commanded Joab and Abishai (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/18-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 18:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 18:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/18-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 18:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 18:6" /></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>