2 Samuel 18:5

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 18:5

And the king commanded Joab, and Abishai, and Ittai ,.... His three generals, to whom he had committed his army divided into three parts: saying, deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom ; he does not call him his son, being in rebellion against him, but the young man, who was young, and rash, and foolish, and so to be pitied; his request is, that they would spare him, and not take away his life, when in their power; that they would not aim at him, and push him... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 18:5

Deal gently - with the young man - David was the father of this worthless young man; and is it to be wondered at that he feels as a father? Who in his circumstances, that had such feelings as every man should have, would have felt, or acted otherwise? 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 18:5

All the people heard. The king spake so earnestly and strongly to the generals that the words ran from rank to rank as they marched forward. So in 2 Samuel 18:12 the man says to Joab, "In our hearing the king charged thee and Abishai," etc. It does not follow that each one heard the sound of the king's voice, but only that the command was given publicly again and again, and in the presence of the army. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 18:5

2 Samuel 18:5. Deal gently for my sake, &c. If you conquer, (which he expected they would, from God’s gracious answer to his prayer, in turning Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness,) take him prisoner, but do not kill him. Which desire proceeded from his great indulgence toward his children; from his consciousness that he himself was the meritorious cause of this rebellion, Absalom being given up to it for the punishment of David’s sins; from the consideration of Absalom’s youth, which... 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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 18:5

heard. this explains 2 Samuel 18:12 read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 2 Samuel 18:5

2 Samuel 18:5. Deal gently for my sake with the young man, &c.— The king yielded to the affectionate entreaties of the people, that he should not hazard his life in the battle; and, no doubt, he did it with less reluctance, upon a reflection that he must otherwise go against his own subjects, and draw his sword against a rebel son, whom he could not think of but with too much tenderness, in spite of all his crimes: and as a proof of this, he here gives the kindest charge concerning him to... read more

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