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And all the people heard the king's orders to each of the commanders regarding Absalom.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/18-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/10_2Sa_18_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 18:5 - Absalom Killed" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><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/18-5.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/18-5.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 5</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="/ad5.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/18-4.htm" title="2 Samuel 18:4">◄</a> 2 Samuel 18:5 <a href="/2_samuel/18-6.htm" title="2 Samuel 18:6">►</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> The king commanded Joab, Abishai and Ittai, &#8220Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake.&#8221 And all the troops heard the king giving orders concerning Absalom to each of the commanders. <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> And the king gave this command to Joab, Abishai, and Ittai: “For my sake, deal gently with young Absalom.” And all the troops heard the king give this order to his commanders. <a href="/esv/2_samuel/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> And the king ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king gave orders to all the commanders about Absalom. <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/18.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/18.htm">New King James Version</a> Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains orders concerning Absalom. <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But the king commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently with the young man Absalom for my sake.” And all the people heard when the king commanded all the commanders regarding Absalom. <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> The king charged Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, &#8220Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.&#8221 And all the people heard when the king charged all the commanders concerning Absalom. <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And 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. <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king commanded all the commanders concerning Absalom. <a href="/amp/2_samuel/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “Deal 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. <a href="/csb/2_samuel/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The king commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, &#8220Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.&#8221 All the people heard the king&#8217s orders to all the commanders about Absalom. <a href="/asv/2_samuel/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/erv/2_samuel/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> 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. <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> 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. <a href="/isv/2_samuel/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/msb/2_samuel/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/2_samuel/18.htm">NET Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> 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. <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/web/2_samuel/18.htm">World English Bible</a> 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">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 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. <a href="/slt/2_samuel/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> 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">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> 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. <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/18.htm">New American Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> 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">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> 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. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> 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">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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. <a href="/sep/2_samuel/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> 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. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/18-5.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=5140" 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> …4“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. 5<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> 6So 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> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_samuel/14-11.htm">2 Samuel 14:11</a> “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.” <a href="/2_samuel/17-12.htm">2 Samuel 17:12-14</a> 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. <a href="/1_kings/2-9.htm">1 Kings 2:9</a> 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.” <a href="/1_kings/1-52.htm">1 Kings 1:52</a> 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.” <a href="/1_samuel/24-6.htm">1 Samuel 24:6</a> 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.” <a href="/1_samuel/26-9.htm">1 Samuel 26:9</a> But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” <a href="/genesis/45-24.htm">Genesis 45:24</a> Then Joseph sent his brothers on their way, and as they were leaving, he said to them, “Do not quarrel on the way!” <a href="/exodus/23-4.htm">Exodus 23:4-5</a> 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. <a href="/proverbs/24-17.htm">Proverbs 24:17</a> Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles, <a href="/proverbs/25-21.htm">Proverbs 25:21-22</a> 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. <a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a> But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, <a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-28</a> 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. <a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19-21</a> 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. <a href="/ephesians/4-32.htm">Ephesians 4:32</a> Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you. <a href="/colossians/3-12.htm">Colossians 3:12-13</a> 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> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.Deal gently<a href="/2_samuel/16-11.htm">2 Samuel 16:11</a> 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 may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him.<a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">2 Samuel 17:1-4,14</a> Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night: … <a href="/deuteronomy/21-18.htm">Deuteronomy 21:18-21</a> 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 that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them: … all the people<a href="/1_samuel/18-12.htm">1 Samuel 18:12</a> And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.<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>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>Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai David, the king, is issuing a direct command to his military leaders. Joab, Abishai, and Ittai are key figures in David's army. Joab, David's nephew, is the commander of the army and has been a central figure in David's military campaigns. Abishai, Joab's brother, is also a seasoned warrior and has shown loyalty to David. Ittai the Gittite, a foreigner from Gath, has recently pledged allegiance to David, demonstrating the king's ability to inspire loyalty beyond his own people. This command highlights the hierarchical structure of ancient Israelite military leadership and the importance of direct orders from the king.“Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” David's instruction to treat Absalom gently reveals his deep paternal love and compassion, despite Absalom's rebellion. Absalom, David's son, has led a revolt against his father, yet David's heart remains tender towards him. This reflects the tension between justice and mercy, a recurring theme in the Bible. David's request can be seen as a type of Christ's intercession for sinners, showing mercy even when justice is warranted. The phrase "for my sake" underscores David's personal plea, emphasizing the relational aspect over the political or military.And all the people heard the king’s orders The public nature of David's command indicates its importance and the expectation that it would be followed. In ancient Israel, the king's word was law, and public declarations were binding. This public announcement also serves to hold Joab, Abishai, and Ittai accountable to the people, ensuring transparency in leadership. The widespread knowledge of the command suggests that David's desire for mercy was well-known, reflecting his character and leadership style.to each of the commanders regarding Absalom. The specific mention of each commander receiving the order highlights the importance of the command and the expectation of obedience. It also indicates the seriousness with which David viewed the situation with Absalom. The focus on Absalom by name personalizes the conflict, reminding the commanders and the people that this is not just a military engagement but a family crisis. This personal dimension adds depth to the narrative, illustrating the complexities of leadership and familial relationships in the biblical context.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The King of Israel, father of Absalom, who is deeply conflicted between his role as a king and his love for his son. 2. <a href="/topical/j/joab.htm">Joab</a> The commander of David's army, known for his military prowess and sometimes ruthless decisions. 3. <a href="/topical/a/abishai.htm">Abishai</a> Brother of Joab and one of David's mighty warriors, loyal to David. 4. <a href="/topical/i/ittai.htm">Ittai</a> A foreigner from Gath who showed loyalty to David and was entrusted with leadership in the battle. 5. <a href="/topical/a/absalom.htm">Absalom</a> David's son, who rebelled against his father, leading to a civil war in Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_conflict_of_love_and_duty.htm">The Conflict of Love and Duty</a> David's command to treat Absalom gently reflects the tension between his love as a father and his responsibilities as a king. This highlights the challenge of balancing personal relationships with leadership duties. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_indulgence.htm">The Consequences of Indulgence</a> David's indulgence of Absalom throughout his life contributed to the rebellion. This serves as a reminder of the importance of setting boundaries and providing guidance to children. <a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_obedience.htm">Leadership and Obedience</a> Joab, Abishai, and Ittai were given a direct command by their king. This illustrates the importance of obedience to authority, even when personal feelings or strategic considerations might suggest otherwise. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_influence.htm">The Power of Influence</a> David's command was heard by all the troops, showing how a leader's words can influence the actions and morale of many. Leaders must be mindful of their words and the impact they have.<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/why_does_joab_defy_david's_order.htm">Why does Joab’s direct killing of Absalom contradict David’s explicit command to spare him (2 Samuel 18:5, 14), and does this create a moral inconsistency? </a> <a href="/q/why_do_1_chr_18_12_and_2_sam_8_13_differ.htm">Why does 1 Chronicles 18:12 credit Abishai with killing 18,000 Edomites, while 2 Samuel 8:13 attributes the same victory to David?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_1_chr_14_8-17_and_2_sam_5.htm">1 Chronicles 14:8-17 - How do we reconcile any discrepancies between this account of David's battles with the Philistines and the parallel text in 2 Samuel 5?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_2_sam_24_9_and_1_chr_21_differ.htm">Why is there a discrepancy between the numbers given in 2 Samuel 24:9 and 1 Chronicles 21 for the same census?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - All the people heard. 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. <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/18-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Now the king הַמֶּ֡לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king had commanded וַיְצַ֣ו (way·ṣaw) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6680.htm">Strong's 6680: </a> To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order Joab, י֠וֹאָב (yō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3097.htm">Strong's 3097: </a> Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites Abishai, אֲבִישַׁ֤י (’ă·ḇî·šay) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_52.htm">Strong's 52: </a> Abishai -- 'my father is Jesse', an Israelite name and Ittai, אִתַּי֙ (’it·tay) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_863.htm">Strong's 863: </a> Ithai -- perhaps 'companionable', an Israelite, also a Philistine “Treat the young man לַנַּ֣עַר (lan·na·‘ar) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5288.htm">Strong's 5288: </a> A boy, lad, youth, retainer Absalom לְאַבְשָׁל֑וֹם (lə·’aḇ·šā·lō·wm) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_53.htm">Strong's 53: </a> Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites gently לְאַט־ (lə·’aṭ-) Preposition-l | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_328.htm">Strong's 328: </a> A necromancer, gently for my sake.” לִ֖י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> And all וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the people הָעָ֣ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock heard שָׁמְע֗וּ (šā·mə·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently the king’s הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king orders בְּצַוֺּ֥ת (bə·ṣaw·wōṯ) Preposition-b | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6680.htm">Strong's 6680: </a> To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order to each כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every of the commanders הַשָּׂרִ֖ים (haś·śā·rîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8269.htm">Strong's 8269: </a> Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince regarding עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against Absalom. אַבְשָׁלֽוֹם׃ (’aḇ·šā·lō·wm) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_53.htm">Strong's 53: </a> Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/18-5.htm">2 Samuel 18:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/18-5.htm">2 Samuel 18:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/18-5.htm">2 Samuel 18:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/18-5.htm">2 Samuel 18:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/18-5.htm">2 Samuel 18:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/18-5.htm">2 Samuel 18:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/18-5.htm">2 Samuel 18:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/18-5.htm">2 Samuel 18:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/18-5.htm">2 Samuel 18:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/18-5.htm">2 Samuel 18:5 Catholic Bible</a> <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>