King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 18:17 Mean?

2 Samuel 18:17 in the King James Version says “And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to his tent.

2 Samuel 18:17 · KJV


Context

15

And ten young men that bare Joab's armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him.

16

And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people.

17

And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to his tent.

18

Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which is in the king's dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom's place.

19

Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king tidings, how that the LORD hath avenged him of his enemies . avenged: Heb. judged him from the hand, etc


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to his tent.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Absalom's Death, emphasizing tragedy of rebellion. Absalom's death despite David's orders demonstrates the tragic consequences of rebellion against God's anointed. The graphic description of Absalom caught in oak branches suggests divine judgment. David's overwhelming grief ("O my son Absalom") reveals parental love even for rebellious children. Theological themes include the tragedy of rebellion, the reality that sin leads to death, parental love's persistence, and the danger of prioritizing family over kingdom responsibilities.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 18 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding tragedy of rebellion provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of tragedy of rebellion?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיִּקְח֣וּ1 of 20

And they took

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת2 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אַבְשָׁל֗וֹם3 of 20

Absalom

H53

abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite

וַיַּשְׁלִ֨כוּ4 of 20

and cast

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

אֹת֤וֹ5 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בַיַּ֙עַר֙6 of 20

in the wood

H3293

a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

אֶל7 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַפַּ֣חַת8 of 20

pit

H6354

a pit, especially for catching animals

גָּד֣וֹל9 of 20

great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וַיַּצִּ֧בוּ10 of 20

and laid

H5324

to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)

עָלָ֛יו11 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

גַּל12 of 20

heap

H1530

something rolled, i.e., a heap of stone or dung (plural ruins), by analogy, a spring of water (plural waves)

אֲבָנִ֖ים13 of 20

of stones

H68

a stone

גָּד֣וֹל14 of 20

great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

מְאֹ֑ד15 of 20

a very

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

וְכָל16 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל17 of 20

upon him and all Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

נָ֖סוּ18 of 20

fled

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

אִ֥ישׁ19 of 20

every one

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לְאֹֽהָלָֽו׃20 of 20

to his tent

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 18:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 18:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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