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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 18:4 "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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/18-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/10_2Sa_18_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 18:4 - Absalom Killed" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><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/18-4.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/18-4.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 4</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="/ad4.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/18-3.htm" title="2 Samuel 18:3">◄</a> 2 Samuel 18:4 <a href="/2_samuel/18-5.htm" title="2 Samuel 18:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/18.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/18.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The king answered, &#8220I will do whatever seems best to you.&#8221 So the king stood beside the gate while all his men marched out in units of hundreds and of thousands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“If you think that’s the best plan, I’ll do it,” the king answered. So he stood alongside the gate of the town as all the troops marched out in groups of hundreds and of thousands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The king said to them, “Whatever seems best to you I will do.” So the king stood at the side of the gate, while all the army marched out by hundreds and by thousands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“I will do whatever seems best to you,” the king replied. So he stood beside the gate, while all the troops marched out by hundreds and by thousands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then the king said to them, “Whatever seems best to you I will do.” So the king stood beside the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands.<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 king said to them, “Whatever seems best to you I will do.” So the king stood beside the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and thousands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the king said to them, &#8220Whatever seems best to you I will do.&#8221 So the king stood beside the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and thousands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the king said to them, “Whatever seems best to you I will do.” So the king stood beside the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and thousands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then the king said to them, “Whatever is good in your sight I will do.” So the king stood beside the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and thousands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then the king said to them, “I will do whatever seems best to you.” So the king stood beside the gate [of Mahanaim], and all the army went out in groups of hundreds and of thousands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“I will do whatever you think is best,” the king replied to them. So he stood beside the city gate while all the troops marched out by hundreds and thousands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I will do whatever you think is best,&#8221 the king replied to them. So he stood beside the gate while all the troops marched out by hundreds and thousands. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate-side, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"I'll do what you think best," the king responded. So the king stood by the gate while all the troops marched out by battalions and regiments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"I will do whatever you think best," the king answered. Then he stood by the side of the gate as his men marched out in units of a thousand and of a hundred. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So David responded, "I'll do what you think best." Then he stood alongside the city gate as the army went out in battle array by hundreds and thousands. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?I will do whatever seems best to you,? the king replied. So he stood beside the gate, while all the troops marched out by hundreds and by thousands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then the king said to them, "I will do whatever seems best to you." So the king stayed beside the city gate, while all the army marched out by hundreds and by thousands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The king said to them, "I will do what seems best to you." The king stood beside the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the king said to them, What seemeth to you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The king said to them, “I will do what seems best to you.” The king stood beside the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the king says to them, “That which is good in your eyes I do”; and the king stands at the side of the gate, and all the people have gone out by hundreds and by thousands,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the king saith unto them, 'That which is good in your eyes I do;' and the king standeth at the side of the gate, and all the people have gone out by hundreds and by thousands,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the king will say to them, What will be good in your eyes I will do. And the king will stand at the hand of the gate, and all the people will go forth, by hundreds and by thousands.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the king said to them: What seemeth good to you, that will I do. And the king stood by the gate: and all the people went forth by their troops, by hundreds and by thousands. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the king said to them, “I will do whatever seems good to you.” Therefore, the king stood beside the gate. And the people went out by their troops, by hundreds and by thousands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The king said to them, “I will do what you think best.” So the king stood by the gate as all the soldiers marched out in units of a hundred and a thousand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The king said to them, “Whatever seems best to you I will do.” So the king stood at the side of the gate, while all the army marched out by hundreds and by thousands.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the servants of David said to him, We will go forth quickly to fight against them. And the king said to them, Whatever seems good to you, do it. Then the king stood by the side of the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands.<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 Servants of David said to him: “We shall go out and we shall be quick to fight with them.” The King said to them: “Whatever is pleasing in your eyes, do.” and the King stood at the side of the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the king said unto them: 'What seemeth you best I will do.' And the king stood by the gate-side, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the king said to them, Whatsoever shall seem good in your eyes I will do. And the king stood by the side of the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/18-4.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=5127" 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">3</span>But the people pleaded, “You must not go out! For if we have to flee, they will pay no attention to us. Even if half of us die, they will not care; but you are worth ten thousand of us. It is better for now if you support us from the city.” <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ’e·‘ĕ·śeh (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">“I will do</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">whatever</a> <a href="/hebrew/3190.htm" title="3190: yî·ṭaḇ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To be good, well, glad, or pleasing. A primitive root; to be make well, literally or figuratively.">seems best</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: bə·‘ê·nê·ḵem (Prep-b:: N-cdc:: 2mp) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">to you,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">replied.</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">So he</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: way·ya·‘ă·mōḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">stood</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">beside</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yaḏ (N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)"></a> <a href="/hebrew/8179.htm" title="8179: haš·ša·‘ar (Art:: N-ms) -- A gate. From sha'ar in its original sense; an opening, i.e. Door or gate.">the gate,</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.">while 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 troops</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: yā·ṣə·’ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">marched out</a> <a href="/hebrew/3967.htm" title="3967: lə·mê·’ō·wṯ (Prep-l:: Number-fp) -- Hundred. Or metyah; properly, a primitive numeral; a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction.">by hundreds</a> <a href="/hebrew/505.htm" title="505: wə·la·’ă·lā·p̄îm (Conj-w, Prep-l:: Number-mp) -- A thousand. Prop, the same as 'eleph; hence a thousand.">and by thousands.</a> </span><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.…<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="/1_samuel/18-12.htm">1 Samuel 18:12-16</a></span><br />So Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul. / Therefore Saul sent David away and gave him command of a thousand men. David led the troops out to battle and back, / and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-25.htm">2 Samuel 15:25-26</a></span><br />Then the king said to Zadok, “Return the ark of God to the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, He will bring me back and let me see both it and His dwelling place again. / But if He should say, ‘I do not delight in you,’ then here I am; let Him do to me whatever seems good to Him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-36.htm">1 Kings 1:36-37</a></span><br />“Amen,” replied Benaiah son of Jehoiada. “May the LORD, the God of my lord the king, so declare it. / Just as the LORD was with my lord the king, so may He be with Solomon and make his throne even greater than that of my lord King David.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/23-2.htm">1 Samuel 23:2-5</a></span><br />So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” / But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” / Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: “Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/16-10.htm">2 Samuel 16:10-12</a></span><br />But the king replied, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses me because the LORD told him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why did you do this?’” / Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son, my own flesh and blood, seeks my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone and let him curse me, for the LORD has told him so. / Perhaps the LORD will see my affliction and repay me with good for the cursing I receive today.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/28-21.htm">1 Chronicles 28:21</a></span><br />The divisions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the service of the house of God, and every willing man of every skill will be at your disposal for the work. The officials and all the people are fully at your command.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/17-14.htm">2 Samuel 17:14</a></span><br />Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/30-7.htm">1 Samuel 30:7-8</a></span><br />Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought it to him, / and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/3-36.htm">2 Samuel 3:36</a></span><br />All the people took note and were pleased. In fact, everything the king did pleased them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-38.htm">1 Kings 2:38</a></span><br />“The sentence is fair,” Shimei replied. “Your servant will do as my lord the king has spoken.” And Shimei lived in Jerusalem for a long time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/19-8.htm">2 Samuel 19:8</a></span><br />So the king got up and sat in the gate, and all the people were told: “Behold, the king is sitting in the gate.” So they all came before the king. Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled, each man to his home.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/14-36.htm">1 Samuel 14:36-37</a></span><br />And Saul said, “Let us go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them until dawn, leaving no man alive!” “Do what seems good to you,” the troops replied. But the priest said, “We must consult God here.” / So Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You give them into the hand of Israel?” But God did not answer him that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/5-19.htm">2 Samuel 5:19</a></span><br />So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/22-5.htm">1 Kings 22:5-7</a></span><br />But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.” / So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, about four hundred men, and asked them, “Should I go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.” / But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/10-12.htm">2 Samuel 10:12</a></span><br />Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the king said to them, What seems you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands.</p><p class="hdg">by the gate</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/18-24.htm">2 Samuel 18:24</a></b></br> And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/28-6.htm">Isaiah 28:6</a></b></br> And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/18-1.htm">2 Samuel 18:1</a></b></br> And David numbered the people that <i>were</i> with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/29-2.htm">1 Samuel 29:2</a></b></br> And the lords of the Philistines passed on by hundreds, and by thousands: but David and his men passed on in the rereward with Achish.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/17-25.htm">Army</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-16.htm">Best</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-18.htm">Door</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-4.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-2.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-14.htm">Good</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-1.htm">Hundreds</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-22.htm">Marched</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-26.htm">Seemeth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-26.htm">Seems</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-13.htm">Side</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-22.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-2.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-1.htm">Thousands</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-2.htm">Units</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-35.htm">Whatever</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/18-6.htm">Army</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-15.htm">Best</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-26.htm">Door</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-24.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-24.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-25.htm">Good</a> <a href="/2_kings/11-4.htm">Hundreds</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-6.htm">Marched</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-22.htm">Seemeth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-27.htm">Seems</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-30.htm">Side</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-18.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-13.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-20.htm">Thousands</a> <a href="/2_kings/11-9.htm">Units</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-22.htm">Whatever</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>“I will do whatever seems best to you,” the king replied.</b><br>This phrase reflects King David's humility and willingness to listen to the counsel of his commanders. In the context of <a href="/2_samuel/18.htm">2 Samuel 18</a>, David is preparing for battle against his son Absalom, who has led a rebellion against him. David's response shows his trust in his military leaders, particularly Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, who have advised him not to go into battle personally. This decision is significant as it demonstrates David's understanding of his role as king and the importance of preserving his life for the sake of the kingdom. It also highlights the biblical principle of seeking wise counsel, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Proverbs 11:14</a>, which states, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."<p><b>So he stood beside the gate,</b><br>The gate of a city in ancient times was not only a place of entry and exit but also a central location for legal matters, public announcements, and military organization. David standing beside the gate signifies his role as the leader and judge of Israel, overseeing the departure of his troops. This position also allowed him to be visible to his men, providing them with encouragement and a sense of unity. The gate's strategic importance is seen throughout the Bible, such as in <a href="/ruth/4.htm">Ruth 4:1</a>, where Boaz goes to the town gate to settle legal matters.<p><b>while all the troops marched out by hundreds and by thousands.</b><br>The organization of troops into hundreds and thousands indicates a well-structured military force, reflecting the administrative capabilities of David's kingdom. This military organization is consistent with the structure described in <a href="/exodus/18-21.htm">Exodus 18:21</a>, where Moses is advised to appoint leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. The marching out of the troops in such an orderly fashion demonstrates the discipline and readiness of David's army. It also underscores the gravity of the situation, as they are preparing to engage in a civil war against Absalom's forces. This moment is a poignant reminder of the internal strife within Israel, a nation chosen by God, and the consequences of sin and rebellion, as seen in the broader narrative of David's life and reign.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_david.htm">King David</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, David is the king of Israel. At this point in the account, he is dealing with the rebellion of his son Absalom.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_gate.htm">The Gate</a></b><br>A significant location in ancient cities, the gate was not only a place of entry and exit but also a place of judgment and decision-making. Here, David stands by the gate as his troops march out.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_troops.htm">The Troops</a></b><br>These are the soldiers of Israel, organized into units of hundreds and thousands, preparing to confront Absalom's forces.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/absalom.htm">Absalom</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Absalom is the instigator of the rebellion against David, which is the context for the military action.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_battle.htm">The Battle</a></b><br>The event unfolding is the preparation for the battle between David's forces and those loyal to Absalom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_delegation.htm">Leadership and Delegation</a></b><br>David's willingness to listen to his commanders and stand by the gate shows the importance of trusting and empowering others in leadership roles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a></b><br>While David prepares for battle, his actions reflect a trust in God's sovereignty, reminding us to balance practical action with spiritual faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_obedience.htm">The Role of Obedience</a></b><br>David's response, "I will do whatever seems best to you," demonstrates humility and obedience, qualities essential for godly leadership.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_significance_of_position.htm">The Significance of Position</a></b><br>Standing by the gate, David takes a position of oversight and support, illustrating the importance of being present and available in times of crisis.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_unity.htm">Community and Unity</a></b><br>The organization of troops into hundreds and thousands underscores the need for unity and structure within the community of believers.<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/evidence_of_nehushtan's_existence.htm">2 Kings 18:4 - Is there any archaeological or historical evidence that the Nehushtan ever existed?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_condemn_ishbosheth's_killers.htm">2 Samuel 4:5-7 - If God intended David to become king, why would these assassins be condemned for eliminating Ishbosheth, who was hindering David's rule?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_2_sam_10_18_and_1_chr_19_18.htm">How do we reconcile the discrepant figures between 2 Samuel 10:18 and 1 Chronicles 19:18 regarding the number of charioteers and horsemen defeated by David?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/david's_horsemen_capture__1,700_or_7,000.htm">When David defeated the King of Zobah, how many horsemen did he capture? One thousand and seven hundred (2 Samuel 8:4) Seven thousand (I Chronicles 18:4)</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>(4) <span class= "bld">What seemeth you best.</span>--David was nothing loth to avoid the personal encounter with his son, and readily yielded, He, however, encouraged the troops by reviewing them as they passed out, and improved the opportunity to give his generals special and public charge concerning Absalom. He speaks of him tenderly as "the young man" (<a href="/2_samuel/18-5.htm" title="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.">2Samuel 18:5</a>; comp. <a href="/2_samuel/18-29.htm" title="And the king said, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Ahimaaz answered, When Joab sent the king's servant, and me your servant, I saw a great tumult, but I knew not what it was.">2Samuel 18:29</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/18-32.htm" title="And the king said to Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against you to do you hurt, be as that young man is.">2Samuel 18:32</a>), to imply that his sin was a youthful indiscretion.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/18-4.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">“I will do</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶעֱשֶׂ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(’e·‘ĕ·śeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">whatever</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁר־</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">seems best</span><br /><span class="heb">יִיטַ֥ב</span> <span class="translit">(yî·ṭaḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3190.htm">Strong's 3190: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be good, well, glad, or pleasing</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to you,”</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּעֵינֵיכֶ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(bə·‘ê·nê·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the king</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">replied.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">So he</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">stood</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּעֲמֹ֤ד</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘ă·mōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stand, in various relations</span><br /><br /><span class="word">beside</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the gate,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשַּׁ֔עַר</span> <span class="translit">(haš·ša·‘ar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8179.htm">Strong's 8179: </a> </span><span class="str2">An opening, door, gate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">while all</span><br /><span class="heb">וְכָל־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the troops</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָם֙</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 out</span><br /><span class="heb">יָֽצְא֔וּ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ṣə·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come or go down, descend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by hundreds</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמֵא֖וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(lə·mê·’ō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Number - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3967.htm">Strong's 3967: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hundred</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and thousands.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלַאֲלָפִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(wə·la·’ă·lā·p̄îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Number - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_505.htm">Strong's 505: </a> </span><span class="str2">A thousand</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/18-4.htm">2 Samuel 18:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/18-4.htm">2 Samuel 18:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/18-4.htm">2 Samuel 18:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/18-4.htm">2 Samuel 18:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/18-4.htm">2 Samuel 18:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/18-4.htm">2 Samuel 18:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/18-4.htm">2 Samuel 18:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/18-4.htm">2 Samuel 18:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/18-4.htm">2 Samuel 18:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/18-4.htm">2 Samuel 18:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/18-4.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 18:4 The king said to them What seems (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/18-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 18:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 18:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/18-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 18:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 18:5" /></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>