2 Samuel 18

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 18

This chapter puts a period to Absalom's rebellion and life, and so makes way for David to his throne again, whither the next chapter brings him back in peace and triumph. We have here, I. David's preparations to engage the rebels, 2 Sam. 18:1-5. II. The total defeat of Absalom's party and their dispersion, 2 Sam. 18:6-8. III. The death of Absalom, and his burial, 2 Sam. 18:9-18. IV. The bringing of the tidings to David, who tarried at Mahanaim, 2 Sam. 18:19-32. V. His bitter lamentation for... read more

Matthew Henry

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

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:9-18

Here is Absalom quite at a loss, at his wit's end first, and then at his life's end. He that began the fight, big with the expectation of triumphing over David himself, with whom, if he had had him in his power, he would not have dealt gently, is now in the greatest consternation, when he meets the servants of David, 2 Sam. 18:9. Though they were forbidden to meddle with him, he durst not look them in the face; but, finding they were near him, he clapped spurs to his mule and made the best of... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:19-33

Absalom's business is done; and we are now told, I. How David was informed of it. He staid behind at the city of Mahanaim, some miles from the wood where the battle was, and in the utmost border of the land. Absalom's scattered forces all made homeward toward Jordan, which was the contrary way from Mahanaim, so that his watchmen could not perceive how the battle went, till an express came on purpose to bring advice of the issue, which the king sat in the gate expecting to hear, 2 Sam. 18:24.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 18

INTRODUCTION TO SECOND SAMUEL 18 In this chapter is an account of David's review of his army, preparing it for battle with Absalom, and those with him, 2 Samuel 18:1 ; and of the defeat and flight of the rebels, 2 Samuel 18:6 ; and of the death of Absalom, and the manner of it, and of his burial, 2 Samuel 18:9 ; and of the news of it brought to David by different persons, 2 Samuel 18:19 ; and of his great grief and sorrow on that account, 2 Samuel 18:33 . read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:1

And David numbered the people that were with him ,.... Which Josephus says F4 Antiqu. l. 7. c. 10. sect. 1. were four thousand; but one would think there should be more by what follows: and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them ; he divided his army into companies, which consisted some of a thousand and others of a hundred; over each of which he set captains, to lead them on, direct, and command them in battle. 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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:3

But the people answered, thou shalt not go forth ,.... They were as resolute as David: for if we flee away, they will not care for us ; to pursue after us: neither if half of us die, will they care for us ; they will make no account of the victory; but if they could slay David, or get him into their hands, it would be more to them than if the whole army was routed: but now thou art worth ten thousand of us ; not only in our own esteem, but in the account of the enemy, who had... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 18:4

And the king said unto them, what seemeth you best I will do ,.... Which was an instance of great condescension in him; and it was his wisdom and prudence to yield to them at such a time as this, and especially as their sentiments were founded on affection and loyalty to him: and the king stood by the gate side ; of the city of Mahanaim: and all the people came out by hundreds, and by thousands ; and passed by him, to whom no doubt he gave his blessing and best wishes; and, as... 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

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