2 Samuel 18:2

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:1-8

Which way David raised an army here, and what reinforcements were sent him, we are not told; many, it is likely, from all the coasts of Israel, at least from the neighbouring tribes, came in to his assistance, so that, by degrees, he was able to make head against Absalom, as Ahithophel foresaw. Now here we have, I. His army numbered and marshalled, 2 Sam. 18:1, 2. He had, no doubt, committed his cause to God by prayer, for that was his relief in all his afflictions; and then he took an account... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:2

And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab ,.... Very likely that which made the centre of the army, since Joab was the general of the army; though this distribution was made when David thought to have headed the army himself, and so made with respect to that: and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother ; who was next to Joab in the army, and fought with him against the Syrians and Ammonites, 2 Samuel 10:10 , and a third... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:1-8

( MAHANAIM .) David's victory over his rebellious subjects. Having found refuge in the fortified city of Mahanaim ( 2 Samuel 2:8 ), and recruited their exhausted energies, David and those who were with him prepared for the conflict which now seemed inevitable. Meanwhile (during several weeks) Absalom collected a great army ( 2 Samuel 17:11 ), appointed Amasa captain, crossed the Jordan, and encamped in the land of Gilead ( 2 Samuel 17:24-27 ). Here, "in the wood of Ephraim" ( 2... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:1-18

The facts are: 1 . David, refreshed by the aid sent him, sets himself to the work of organizing his followers, and divides them into three corps, under Joab, Abishai, and Ittai respectively. 2 . On his proposing to head the force, the people urge him to desist from doing so, pointing out that, in case of a conflict, the enemy would be sure to make an endeavour to kill him rather than to fight a regular battle. 3 . The king yields to their persuasions, and, as they suggest, abides... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:2

A third part. Armies are usually divided into three divisions: a centre and two wings when drawn up for battle; a van, the main body. and a rearguard when on the march. But the Israelites had no settled rule upon the point, and. when occasion required, Joab divided his army into two parts ( 2 Samuel 10:9 , 2 Samuel 10:10 ). The reason of the threefold division in this case was that Ittai had brought his clan, or taf, with him, and as these would certainly not have fought under an... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 18:2

A third part - This seems to have been a favorite division with the Hebrew commanders (see Judges 7:16; Judges 9:43; 1 Samuel 11:11; 2 Kings 11:5-6) and with the Philistines also 1 Samuel 13:17. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 18:1-3

2 Samuel 18:1-3. David numbered the people that were with him Which had flocked to him thither, so as to make up a small army. And finding himself sufficiently strong to go against the enemy, he resolved not to wait their coming, but to give the assault; and accordingly marched his forces out of the city, dividing them into three parts, and setting a captain over each, one of whom, however, Joab, was, doubtless, also general of the whole army. I will surely go forth with you myself also ... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:1-33

War between Absalom and David (17:1-19:8)Ahithophel advised Absalom that he needed to do only one thing to make his throne secure, and that was kill David. If he did this swiftly, without war or unnecessary bloodshed, the people would soon be fully behind him (17:1-4). Hushai, wishing to gain time for David to escape and organize his troops, advised against such a risky operation, for David was a very experienced soldier. He recommended that the whole Israelite army be assembled and Absalom... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Samuel 18:1-5

The mustering of David’s troops 18:1-5The writer referred to David no less than five times in this section as "the king," leaving no doubt as to who was the legitimate ruler and who was really in charge. Perhaps David instructed his three commanders to deal gently with Absalom, not only because he was his son, but because God had dealt gently with David for his sins."The truth was that David acted as a father but not as a king-as if he and Absalom had had some minor domestic quarrel which could... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Samuel 18:1-18

The end of Absalom 18:1-18"In the overall structure of 2 Samuel 15:1 to 2 Samuel 20:22, the story of Absalom’s death (2 Samuel 18:1-18) provides a counterpoise to that of Shimei’s curse (2 Samuel 16:5-14 . . .). Just as in the earlier narrative an adversary of David (Shimei) curses him (2 Samuel 16:5, 2 Samuel 16:7-8, 2 Samuel 16:13), so also here an adversary of David (Absalom) opposes him in battle (2 Samuel 18:6-8); just as in the earlier account David demands that Shimei be spared (2 Samuel... read more

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