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id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_samuel/18-5.htm" title="2 Samuel 18:5">◄</a> 2 Samuel 18:6 <a href="/2_samuel/18-7.htm" title="2 Samuel 18:7">►</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="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </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&#8217s army marched out of the city to fight Israel, and the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So the battle began in the forest of Ephraim,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So the army went out into the field against Israel, and the battle was fought in the forest of Ephraim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So David’s army marched into the field to engage Israel in the battle, which took place in the forest of Ephraim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So the people went out into the field of battle against Israel. And the battle was in the woods of Ephraim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the people went out to the field against Israel, and the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the people went out into the field against Israel, and the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the people went out into the field against Israel, and the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then the people went out into the field to meet Israel, and the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So the men went out into the field against Israel, and the battle was <i>fought</i> in the forest of Ephraim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then David’s forces marched into the field to engage Israel in battle, which took place in the forest of Ephraim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then David&#8217s forces marched into the field to engage Israel in battle, which took place in the forest of Ephraim. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the forest of Ephraim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the forest of Ephraim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So the troops went out to the country to fight Israel in the forest of Ephraim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />David's army went out into the countryside and fought the Israelites in Ephraim Forest. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />David's army left for the battlefield to fight Absalom and his Israeli followers, and they also fought in the Ephraim forest, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So David’s army marched into the field to engage Israel in the battle, which took place in the forest of Ephraim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then the army marched out to the field to fight against Israel. The battle took place in the forest of Ephraim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />So the people went out into the field against Israel, and the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />So the people went out into the field against Israel; and the battle was in the forest of Ephraim. <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 people go out into the field to meet Israel, and the battle is in a forest of Ephraim;<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 people goeth out into the field to meet Israel, and the battle is in a forest of Ephraim;<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 people will go forth to the field to the meeting of Israel: and the war will be in the forest of Ephraim;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />So the people went out into the field against Israel and the battle was fought in the forest of Ephraim. <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, the people departed into the field against Israel. And the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />David’s army then took the field against Israel, and a battle was fought in the forest near Mahanaim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So the army went out into the field against Israel; and the battle was fought in the forest of Ephraim.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So the people went out into the field against Israel;<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 people went out to the field to meet Israel<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />So the people went out into the field against Israel; and the battle was in the forest of Ephraim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And all the people went out into the wood against Israel; and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/18-6.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=5155" 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">5</span>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="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><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.">So David’s army</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: way·yê·ṣê (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">marched</a> <a href="/hebrew/7704.htm" title="7704: haś·śā·ḏeh (Art:: N-ms) -- Field, land. Or saday; from an unused root meaning to spread out; a field.">into the field</a> <a href="/hebrew/7122.htm" title="7122: liq·raṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To encounter, befall. A primitive root: to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner.">to engage</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: ham·mil·ḥā·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war.">in the battle,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wat·tə·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">which took place</a> <a href="/hebrew/3293.htm" title="3293: bə·ya·‘ar (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- From an unused root probably meaning to thicken with verdure; a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb.">in the forest</a> <a href="/hebrew/669.htm" title="669: ’ep̄·rā·yim (N-proper-ms) -- Dual of masculine form of 'Ephraath; double fruit; Ephrajim, a son of Joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">of Ephraim.</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>There the people of Israel were defeated by David’s servants, and the slaughter was great that day—twenty thousand men.…<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/15-13.htm">2 Samuel 15:13-14</a></span><br />Then a messenger came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.” / And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/16-15.htm">2 Samuel 16:15</a></span><br />Then Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">2 Samuel 17:1-2</a></span><br />Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. / I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/17-11.htm">2 Samuel 17:11-12</a></span><br />Instead, I advise that all Israel from Dan to Beersheba—a multitude like the sand on the seashore—be gathered to you, and that you yourself lead them into battle. / 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-28.htm">1 Kings 2:28-34</a></span><br />When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/20-1.htm">1 Chronicles 20:1</a></span><br />In the spring, at the time when kings march out to war, Joab led out the army and ravaged the land of the Ammonites. He came to Rabbah and besieged it, but David remained in Jerusalem. And Joab attacked Rabbah and demolished it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/21-1.htm">1 Chronicles 21:1-2</a></span><br />Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. / So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, “Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan and bring me a report, so that I may know their number.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/3-1.htm">Psalm 3:1-2</a></span><br />A Psalm of David, when he fled from his son Absalom. O LORD, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me! / Many say of me, “God will not deliver him.” Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/55-12.htm">Psalm 55:12-14</a></span><br />For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. / But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. / We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/41-9.htm">Psalm 41:9</a></span><br />Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-47.htm">Matthew 26:47-50</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="/matthew/27-3.htm">Matthew 27:3-5</a></span><br />When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. / “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.” / So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-43.htm">Mark 14:43-46</a></span><br />While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, scribes, and elders. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away securely.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-47.htm">Luke 22:47-48</a></span><br />While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him. / But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/17-15.htm">Joshua 17:15,18</a></b></br> And Joshua answered them, If thou <i>be</i> a great people, <i>then</i> get thee up to the wood <i>country</i>, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/12-4.htm">Judges 12:4-6</a></b></br> Then Jephthah gathered together all the men of Gilead, and fought with Ephraim: and the men of Gilead smote Ephraim, because they said, Ye Gileadites <i>are</i> fugitives of Ephraim among the Ephraimites, <i>and</i> among the Manassites… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/18-4.htm">Army</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-11.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-23.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-23.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-8.htm">Field</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-6.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-19.htm">Forest</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-29.htm">Fought</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-26.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-4.htm">Marched</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-32.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-5.htm">Wood</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-26.htm">Woods</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/18-7.htm">Army</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-8.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-21.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-8.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-29.htm">Field</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-10.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-8.htm">Forest</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-15.htm">Fought</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-7.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-7.htm">Marched</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-9.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-8.htm">Wood</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-8.htm">Woods</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 /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/2_samuel/18.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>So the troops went out</b><br />This phrase marks the beginning of a significant military engagement. The Hebrew word for "troops" here is "עַם" (am), which can refer to a people or nation, emphasizing the collective effort and unity of David's forces. The act of going out signifies readiness and obedience to leadership, reflecting the disciplined nature of David's army. Historically, this moment is a culmination of strategic planning and divine guidance, as David's forces prepare to confront Absalom's rebellion.<p><b>to the field</b><br />The "field" represents the open space where battles were traditionally fought, away from the confines of city walls. In Hebrew, "field" is "שָׂדֶה" (sadeh), often symbolizing a place of labor and struggle. This setting contrasts with the forest mentioned later, highlighting the unpredictability and challenges of warfare. Theologically, it can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual battlegrounds believers face, where faith and obedience are tested.<p><b>to meet Israel</b><br />Here, "Israel" refers to the forces loyal to Absalom, David's son, who has usurped the throne. The Hebrew root "יִשְׂרָאֵל" (Yisra'el) means "God prevails," a poignant reminder of the nation's divine heritage despite its internal conflict. This confrontation is not just a physical battle but a clash of loyalties and ideologies within God's chosen people. It underscores the tragic division within the kingdom and the consequences of rebellion against God's anointed king.<p><b>and the battle was fought</b><br />The phrase indicates the commencement of combat, with "battle" in Hebrew being "מִלְחָמָה" (milchamah), which conveys the idea of struggle and warfare. This battle is a pivotal moment in the narrative, reflecting the broader spiritual warfare that believers face. It serves as a reminder of the constant vigilance required in the Christian life, where spiritual battles are fought not with physical weapons but with faith and righteousness.<p><b>in the forest of Ephraim</b><br />The "forest of Ephraim" is a significant geographical and symbolic location. Ephraim, one of the tribes of Israel, is often associated with strength and leadership. The Hebrew "אֶפְרַיִם" (Ephraim) means "fruitful," yet the forest setting introduces an element of chaos and danger, as forests were places of uncertainty and ambush. This setting highlights the unexpected nature of God's deliverance and judgment, as the dense forest becomes a tool in God's hand to bring about His purposes. Historically, it reminds us of the unpredictable nature of life and the assurance that God is sovereign over all circumstances.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) <span class= "bld">The wood of Ephraim.</span>--No <span class= "ital">wood of Ephraim </span>on the eastern side of the Jordan happens to be elsewhere mentioned in Scripture. Yet it is plain that the battle must have been on that side of the river for the following reasons: (1) both armies were on that side beforehand, and there is no mention of their crossing; (2) David remained in Mahanaim (<a href="/context/2_samuel/18-3.htm" title="But the people answered, You shall not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now you are worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that you succor us out of the city.">2Samuel 18:3-4</a>) with the reserves, for the purpose of succouring the army in case of need; (3) he there received the news of Absalom's death (<a href="/context/2_samuel/18-24.htm" title="And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate to the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone.">2Samuel 18:24-33</a>); (4) the army returned thither after the battle (<a href="/2_samuel/19-3.htm" title="And the people got them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.">2Samuel 19:3</a>); and (5) David was obliged to cross the Jordan on his final return to Jerusalem, and was met at the crossing by the tribes (<a href="/2_samuel/18-15.htm" title="And ten young men that bore Joab's armor compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him.">2Samuel 18:15</a>, &c.). There is really no difficulty but such as arises from our ignorance of local names. The narrative clearly implies that there was a "wood of Ephraim," otherwise unknown, on the east of the Jordan.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The wood of Ephraim.</span> There is a diversity of opinion as to the locality thus described. It might mean the large forest tract in the highlands of Ephraim; but if so, the battle must have been fought on the west of the Jordan, whereas the general tenor of the narrative makes it plain that it took place on the eastern side, near Mahanaim. It is true that no wood of Ephraim is ever mentioned elsewhere in the Bible as situated in Gilead, and those who cannot believe in such a wood except within the borders of the tribe, argue that, after the three divisions had marched out to battle, there was long skirmishing, in which Absalom drew David's men across the Jordan, and there gave battle. But Absalom's army was evidently surprised, and as we are told that "he pitched in the land of Gilead" (<a href="/2_samuel/17-26.htm">2 Samuel 17:26</a>), for him to have retired would have been a confession of weakness; and Joab, after seeing him cross the Jordan, would not have followed him, but let this retrograde movement have its effect upon his followers. Such a movement is absolutely incredible on the part of an army at least three times as numerous as those whom they attacked, and confident of victory. Moreover, armies in those days were not composed of men receiving pay, and bound to remain with their colours, but of yeomen unwilling to be kept long absent from their farms, and liable, therefore, rapidly to melt away. A quick decision was plainly necessary for Absalom, while David could afford to wait. But besides this, when his forces moved out of Mahanaim, David took his post at the gate with the reserves, and he was still there, sitting "between the two gates," when news was brought him of the victory (ver. 24). The only real argument in support of the view that the battle was fought on the west of the Jordan is that "Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain" (ver. 23), Hebrew, the <span class="accented">kikkar -</span> a name specially given to the valley of the Jordan near Jericho. But then Cushi must also have run through the same valley, and it is evident that his route was in this very respect different from that taken by Ahimaaz. Really, <span class="accented">kikkar</span>, which in Hebrew means "circuit," may be used of the country round any city, and is applied in <a href="/nehemiah/12-28.htm">Nehemiah 12:28</a> to the environs of Jerusalem. Here the meaning probably is that, while the Cushite took the route back over the battlefield through the wood, Ahimaaz went to the left of it, over the more level ground, nearer the Jordan. And though the name is chiefly used of that part near Jericho, it was probably applied popularly to every stretch of level ground near the river. This argument, therefore, is inconclusive; while, on the other side, it is plain that David's army returned that same day to Mahanaim, that they knew at once of his distress, and that they were beginning to steal away home when Joab made David come forth to thank them, and encourage them to remain with him. The most probable explanation of the difficulty is that "the wood of Ephraim" was so called because it was the spot where Jephthah defeated the Ephraimites when they invaded Gilead to punish him for daring to go to war without their consent, they being then the dominant tribe, to whose arbitrament belonged all imperial matters (<a href="/judges/12-4.htm">Judges 12:4-6</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/18-6.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">So David’s army</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֛ם</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">marched</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּצֵ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·ṣê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">into the field</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(haś·śā·ḏeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7704.htm">Strong's 7704: </a> </span><span class="str2">Field, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to engage</span><br /><span class="heb">לִקְרַ֣את</span> <span class="translit">(liq·raṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7125.htm">Strong's 7125: </a> </span><span class="str2">Against he come, help, meet, seek, to, in the way </span><br /><br /><span class="word">Israel</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the battle,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mil·ḥā·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4421.htm">Strong's 4421: </a> </span><span class="str2">A battle, war</span><br /><br /><span class="word">which took place</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתְּהִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tə·hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the forest</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּיַ֥עַר</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ya·‘ar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3293.htm">Strong's 3293: </a> </span><span class="str2">A copse of bushes, a forest, honey in the comb</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Ephraim.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶפְרָֽיִם׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ep̄·rā·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_669.htm">Strong's 669: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/18-6.htm">2 Samuel 18:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/18-6.htm">2 Samuel 18:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/18-6.htm">2 Samuel 18:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/18-6.htm">2 Samuel 18:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/18-6.htm">2 Samuel 18:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/18-6.htm">2 Samuel 18:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/18-6.htm">2 Samuel 18:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/18-6.htm">2 Samuel 18:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/18-6.htm">2 Samuel 18:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/18-6.htm">2 Samuel 18:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/18-6.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 18:6 So the people went out into (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/18-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 18:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 18:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/18-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 18:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 18:7" /></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>