(2) Ittai the Gittite.—Comp. note on Judges 15:19. The arrangement of the army in three divisions was common both among the Israelites (Judges 7:16; Judg. 11:43; 1 Samuel 11:11) and their enemies (1 Samuel 13:17). Comp. also 2 Kings 11:5-6; David proposed to take the chief command in person. read more
The Might-have-been 2 Samuel 18:33 I. Besides the Absalom who was, there is the Absalom who might have been: this is the dead son whom David is lamenting, this is the son he knew, the son he cannot forget, whose image is not blotted out by the shamed figure of the murderer, rebel, traitor, which is the only Absalom visible to all the rest. II. King David has been for Jew and for Christian a type of the Christ. For this once we will make him a type of something else: he shall be an image not... read more
CHAPTER XXIII.ABSALOM’S DEFEAT AND DEATH.2 Samuel 18:1-18.WHATEVER fears of defeat and destruction might occasionally flit across David’s soul between his flight from Jerusalem and the battle in the wood of Ephraim, it is plain both from his actions and from his songs that his habitual frame was one of serenity and trust. The number of psalms ascribed to this period of his life may be in excess of the truth; but that his heart was in near communion with God all the time we cannot doubt.... read more
8. The Civil War and Absalom’s Death CHAPTER 18 1. The battle in the forest of Ephraim (2 Samuel 18:1-8 ) 2. The death of Absalom (2 Samuel 18:9-18 ) 3. The tidings of his death and David’s grief (2 Samuel 18:19-33 ) And now everything is ready for the battle and the victory. The army of David consisted of three divisions, Joab, Abishai and the faithful Ittai had the command. David was ready to go forth with his warriors, but the people refused to let him go. What a testimony they gave... read more
David had taken full advantage of the delay that Hushai had counselled to Absalom, with large numbers of the people being gathered to David. Now the time comes for war with Absalom, who has considered himself strong with support of many of Israel also. David divides his men into three bands, well organized and ready for battle. Joab is in charge of one band, Abishai his brother in charge of a second, and Ittai over the third. David's purpose to go out to battle also was however strongly... read more
O, ABSALOM , MY SON , MY SON ! LUST, MURDER AND DECEIT (2 Samuel 13:0 ) In the preceding lesson judgments were foretold as coming on David, and we are entering on that part of his career when the prediction is fulfilled in earnest. The foulness of this chapter we would not dwell upon more than we can help. Tamar of course, while sister to Absalom, was half-sister to Amnon, the two young men being sons of David by different wives. “A garment of divers colours” (2 Samuel 13:18 ) might be... read more
Pine Traits In the Character of David 2 Samuel 17-19 IT will have been observed that we have not spared king David in our judgment of the evil which he wrought in Israel. We have been careful to mete out to him the full penalty, so that the scoffer should have no advantage over the Christian in condemning the iniquity of the king. We ourselves have trembled under the thunders of the judgment which has been pronounced upon him. Sometimes as the hot sentences fell we almost cried out, Spare the... read more
(2) And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also. (3) But the people answered, Thou shalt 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 thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now... read more
1-8 How does David render good for evil! Absalom would have only David smitten; David would have only Absalom spared. This seems to be a resemblance of man's wickedness towards God, and God's mercy to man, of which it is hard to say which is most amazing. Now the Israelites see what it is to take counsel against the Lord and his anointed. read more
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John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 18:1-33
The Defeat and Death of Absalom1. Numbered] rather, ’mustered.’3. Succour us out of the city] David, holding Mahanaim with a sufficient force, would be of the greatest assistance to the fugitives, if his army were defeated. 5. The people heard] This statement explains 2 Samuel 18:12.6. The wood of Ephraim] LXX reads ’Mahanaim’ here. 8. The battle was there scattered] So Joab was able to destroy Absalom’s forces in detail. The wood devoured, etc.] The thickness of the wood, its swamps,... read more