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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Samuel 18:16 Then Joab blew the ram's horn, and the troops broke off their pursuit of Israel because Joab had restrained them.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/18-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/10_2Sa_18_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 18:16 - Absalom Killed" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then Joab blew the ram's horn, and the troops broke off their pursuit of Israel because Joab had restrained them." /><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'; 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For Joab held back the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing Israel, for Joab restrained the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing Israel, for Joab restrained the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing Israel, for Joab restrained the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing Israel, for Joab restrained the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Joab blew the trumpet [to signal the end of the combat], and the men returned from pursuing Israel, for Joab held them back.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Joab blew the ram’s horn, and the troops broke off their pursuit of Israel because Joab restrained them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Afterward, Joab blew the ram&#8217s horn, and the troops broke off their pursuit of Israel because Joab restrained them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel; for Joab held back the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Then Joab blew a trumpet to signal his troops to stop chasing Israel's soldiers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Joab blew the ram's horn to stop their [fighting], and the troops returned from pursuing Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Joab had the trumpet blown to stop the fighting, and his troops came back from pursuing the Israelites. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />At this, Joab sounded his battle trumpet and his troops stopped pursuing the other Israelis. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Joab blew the ram?s horn, and the troops broke off their pursuit of Israel because Joab had restrained them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then Joab blew the trumpet and the army turned back from chasing Israel, for Joab had called for the army to halt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then Joab blew the trumpet and the people turned back from pursuing Israel, for Joab had called for the people to halt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing Israel: for Joab restrained the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel; for Joab held the people back. <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 Joab blows with a horn, and the people turn back from pursuing after Israel, for Joab has kept back the people;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Joab bloweth with a trumpet, and the people turneth back from pursuing after Israel, for Joab hath kept back the people;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Joab will strike upon the trumpet, and the people will turn back from pursuing after Israel: for Joab restrained the people.<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 Joab sounded the trumpet, and kept back the people from pursuing after Israel in their flight, being willing to spare the multitude. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then Joab sounded the trumpet, and he held back the people, lest they pursue Israel in their flight, for he was willing to spare the multitude.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Joab then sounded the horn, and the soldiers turned back from the pursuit of the Israelites, because Joab called them to halt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Joab sounded the trumpet, and the troops came back from pursuing Israel, for Joab restrained the troops.<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 Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing Israel; for Joab had held back the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Yuab sounded on the Shophar and he returned all the people who were pursuing after Israel, because Yuab had restrained the people<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 Joab blew the horn, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel; for Joab held back the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing Israel, for Joab spared the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/18-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=5266" 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">15</span>And ten young men who carried Joab’s armor surrounded Absalom, struck him, and killed him. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><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.">Then Joab</a> <a href="/hebrew/8628.htm" title="8628: way·yiṯ·qa‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to clatter, i.e. Slap, clang; by analogy, to drive; by implication, to become bondsman by handclasping).">blew</a> <a href="/hebrew/7782.htm" title="7782: baš·šō·p̄ār (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A horn (for blowing). Or shophar; from shaphar in the original sense of incising; a cornet or curved horn.">the ram’s horn,</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.">and the troops</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: way·yā·šāḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">broke off</a> <a href="/hebrew/7291.htm" title="7291: mir·ḏōp̄ (Prep-m:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To pursue, chase, persecute. A primitive root; to run after (of time) gone by).">their pursuit</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê (Prep) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after."></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.">of Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</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: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2820.htm" title="2820: ḥā·śaḵ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To withhold, refrain. A primitive root; to restrain or Refrain; by implication, to refuse, spare, preserve; also to observe.">had restrained them.</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."></a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>They took Absalom, cast him into a large pit in the forest, and piled a huge mound of stones over him. Meanwhile, all the Israelites fled, each to his home.…<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/2-28.htm">2 Samuel 2:28</a></span><br />So Joab blew the ram’s horn, and all the troops stopped; they no longer pursued Israel or continued to fight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/20-22.htm">2 Samuel 20:22</a></span><br />Then the woman went to all the people with her wise counsel, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bichri and threw it to Joab. So he blew the ram’s horn and his men dispersed from the city, each to his own home. And Joab returned to the king in Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/22-36.htm">1 Kings 22:36</a></span><br />As the sun was setting, the cry rang out in the army: “Every man to his own city, and every man to his own land!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/7-7.htm">Judges 7:7</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men who lapped the water I will save you and deliver the Midianites into your hand. But all the others are to go home.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/8-4.htm">Judges 8:4</a></span><br />Then Gideon and his three hundred men came to the Jordan and crossed it, exhausted yet still in pursuit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/14-19.htm">1 Samuel 14:19</a></span><br />While Saul was talking to the priest, the commotion in the Philistine camp continued to increase. So Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-52.htm">1 Samuel 17:52</a></span><br />Then the men of Israel and Judah charged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of Gath and to the gates of Ekron. And the bodies of the Philistines were strewn along the Shaaraim road to Gath and Ekron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/30-21.htm">1 Samuel 30:21-25</a></span><br />When David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow him and who were left behind at the Brook of Besor, they came out to meet him and the troops with him. As David approached the men, he greeted them, / but all the wicked and worthless men among those who had gone with David said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered, except for each man’s wife and children. They may take them and go.” / But David said, “My brothers, you must not do this with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and delivered into our hands the raiders who came against us. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/9-17.htm">2 Kings 9:17-22</a></span><br />Now the watchman standing on the tower in Jezreel saw Jehu’s troops approaching, and he called out, “I see a company of troops!” “Choose a rider,” Joram commanded. “Send him out to meet them and ask, ‘Have you come in peace?’” / So a horseman rode off to meet Jehu and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” And the watchman reported, “The messenger reached them, but he is not coming back.” / So the king sent out a second horseman, who went to them and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/11-13.htm">2 Kings 11:13-14</a></span><br />When Athaliah heard the noise from the guards and the people, she went out to the people in the house of the LORD. / And she looked out and saw the king standing by the pillar, according to the custom. The officers and trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her clothes and screamed, “Treason! Treason!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/19-16.htm">1 Chronicles 19:16-19</a></span><br />When the Arameans saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they sent messengers to bring more Arameans from beyond the Euphrates, with Shophach the commander of Hadadezer’s army leading them. / When this was reported to David, he gathered all Israel, crossed the Jordan, advanced toward the Arameans, and arrayed for battle against them. When David lined up to engage them in battle, they fought against him. / But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven thousand of their charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also killed Shophach the commander of their army. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/46-9.htm">Psalm 46:9</a></span><br />He makes wars to cease throughout the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields in the fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/31-8.htm">Isaiah 31:8</a></span><br />“Then Assyria will fall, but not by the sword of man; a sword will devour them, but not one made by mortals. They will flee before the sword, and their young men will be put to forced labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/37-36.htm">Isaiah 37:36-37</a></span><br />Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! / So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-6.htm">Matthew 24:6-7</a></span><br />You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. / Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people.</p><p class="hdg">blew the trumpet</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/2-28.htm">2 Samuel 2:28</a></b></br> So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/20-22.htm">2 Samuel 20:22</a></b></br> Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast <i>it</i> out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/10-2.htm">Numbers 10:2-10</a></b></br> Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/2-28.htm">Blew</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-28.htm">Bloweth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-17.htm">Halted</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-22.htm">Held</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-10.htm">Horn</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-7.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-15.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-14.htm">Jo'ab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-13.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-22.htm">Pursuing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-33.htm">Restrained</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-28.htm">Sounded</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-17.htm">Stopped</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-9.htm">Troops</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-10.htm">Trumpet</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-24.htm">Turneth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/20-1.htm">Blew</a> <a href="/isaiah/18-3.htm">Bloweth</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-9.htm">Halted</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-19.htm">Held</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-1.htm">Horn</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-17.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-20.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-20.htm">Jo'ab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-18.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-27.htm">Pursuing</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-21.htm">Restrained</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-39.htm">Sounded</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-12.htm">Stopped</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-2.htm">Troops</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-1.htm">Trumpet</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-30.htm">Turneth</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-1.htm">David viewing the armies in their march gives them charge of Absalom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-6.htm">The Israelites are sorely smitten in the wood of ephraim</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-9.htm">Absalom, hanging in an oak is slain by Joab, and cast into a pit</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-18.htm">Absalom's place</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-19.htm">Ahimaaz and Cushi bring tidings to David</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/18-33.htm">David mourns for Absalom</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then Joab blew the ram’s horn</b><br>The blowing of the ram's horn, or shofar, was a significant act in ancient Israel, often used to signal the end of a battle or to gather people. Joab, as the commander of David's army, used this to communicate with his troops. The shofar is also used in various religious contexts, such as the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah), symbolizing a call to repentance and reflection. In the context of battle, it served as a clear auditory signal that could be heard over the chaos of combat.<p><b>and the troops broke off their pursuit of Israel</b><br>The troops here refer to David's forces, who were pursuing the forces of Absalom, David's son, who had rebelled against him. The pursuit was part of a larger civil conflict within Israel, highlighting the internal strife and division that plagued David's reign. The breaking off of the pursuit indicates a strategic decision to cease further bloodshed, possibly to prevent unnecessary loss of life among fellow Israelites, reflecting a desire for reconciliation and unity.<p><b>because Joab had restrained them</b><br>Joab's restraint of the troops demonstrates his authority and control as a military leader. It also reflects his complex character; while he was often ruthless, he also showed moments of strategic wisdom. Joab's actions here can be seen as a type of Christ, who restrains judgment and offers mercy. This restraint may also have been influenced by David's earlier command to deal gently with Absalom, though Joab ultimately disobeyed this command by killing Absalom. This tension between obedience and personal judgment is a recurring theme in Joab's life and leadership.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/joab.htm">Joab</a></b><br>The commander of King David's army, known for his military prowess and sometimes ruthless decisions. In this passage, he plays a crucial role in halting the pursuit of the Israelites.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, King David is the central figure in the broader account. His leadership and the rebellion led by his son Absalom set the stage for this event.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/absalom.htm">Absalom</a></b><br>David's son, who led a rebellion against his father. His death in this chapter marks a turning point in the conflict.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_trumpet.htm">The Trumpet</a></b><br>A signal used in ancient warfare to communicate commands to troops. Joab's use of the trumpet signifies a strategic decision to stop the pursuit.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_troops.htm">The Troops</a></b><br>Refers to the soldiers under Joab's command, who were pursuing the forces of Absalom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_leadership_and_decision-making.htm">The Importance of Leadership and Decision-Making</a></b><br>Joab's decision to blow the trumpet and stop the pursuit demonstrates the critical role of leadership in guiding and protecting the people. Leaders must discern when to advance and when to hold back.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_restraint.htm">The Power of Restraint</a></b><br>Restraint can be a powerful tool in conflict. Joab's ability to restrain his troops shows wisdom and control, preventing unnecessary bloodshed and potential further division among the Israelites.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_communication_in_unity.htm">The Role of Communication in Unity</a></b><br>The trumpet served as a clear and decisive form of communication. In our lives, clear communication can help maintain unity and prevent misunderstandings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Even in the midst of conflict and chaos, God's sovereign plan is at work. Joab's actions, though strategic, ultimately align with God's unfolding plan for Israel.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_evidence_of_2_sam_2_25-31_conflict.htm">In 2 Samuel 2:25-31, why is there no external evidence or record of this large-scale conflict among the tribes if it truly happened?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_the_forest_'devour'_more_troops.htm">How can the forest 'devour' more troops than swords (2 Samuel 18:8), and is there any historical or natural explanation for such a phenomenon?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_1_chr_21_5_and_2_sam_24_9_differ.htm">Why are the census figures in 1 Chronicles 21:5 different from those in 2 Samuel 24:9?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">Blew the trumpet.</span>--Comp. <a href="/2_samuel/2-28.htm" title="So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.">2Samuel 2:28</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/20-22.htm" title="Then the woman went to all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king.">2Samuel 20:22</a>. With the death of Absalom the rebellion was at an end, and Joab would stop further slaughter.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Joab blew the trumpet.</span> Stem and unscrupulous as he was, yet Joab is always statesmanlike. He had slain Absalom more for public than for private reasons, though he may have grimly remembered his own blazing barley field. But the rebellion being now crushed, further slaughter was impolitic, and would only cause sullen displeasure. <span class="cmt_word">The people,</span> at the end of the verse, are those under Joab's command, and a translation proposed by some, "Joab wished to spare the people," is to be rejected. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/18-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then Joab</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹאָב֙</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">blew</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּתְקַ֤ע</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiṯ·qa‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8628.htm">Strong's 8628: </a> </span><span class="str2">To clatter, slap, clang, to drive, to become bondsman</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the trumpet,</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּשֹּׁפָ֔ר</span> <span class="translit">(baš·šō·p̄ār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7782.htm">Strong's 7782: </a> </span><span class="str2">A cornet, curved horn</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the troops</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֔ם</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">broke off</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֣שָׁב</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·šāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their pursuit</span><br /><span class="heb">מִרְדֹ֖ף</span> <span class="translit">(mir·ḏōp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7291.htm">Strong's 7291: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pursue, chase, persecute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of 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">because</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Joab</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹאָ֖ב</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">had restrained them.</span><br /><span class="heb">חָשַׂ֥ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·śaḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2820.htm">Strong's 2820: </a> </span><span class="str2">To restrain, refrain, to refuse, spare, preserve, to observe</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/18-16.htm">2 Samuel 18:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/18-16.htm">2 Samuel 18:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/18-16.htm">2 Samuel 18:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/18-16.htm">2 Samuel 18:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/18-16.htm">2 Samuel 18:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/18-16.htm">2 Samuel 18:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/18-16.htm">2 Samuel 18:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/18-16.htm">2 Samuel 18:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/18-16.htm">2 Samuel 18:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/18-16.htm">2 Samuel 18:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/18-16.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 18:16 Joab blew the trumpet and the people (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/18-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 18:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 18:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/18-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 18:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 18:17" /></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>