King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 18:2 Mean?

2 Samuel 18:2 in the King James Version says “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 s... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Samuel 18:2 · KJV


Context

1

And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.

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 it is better that thou succour us out of the city. care: Heb. set their heart on us worth: Heb. as ten thousand of us succour: Heb. be to succour or help

4

And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 27 words
וַיְשַׁלַּ֨ח1 of 27

sent forth

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

דָּוִ֜ד2 of 27

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶת3 of 27
H853

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

הָעָ֔ם4 of 27

of the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְהַ֨שְּׁלִשִׁ֔ת5 of 27

a third part

H7992

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

בְּיַ֖ד6 of 27

under the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

יוֹאָ֔ב7 of 27

Joab's

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

וְהַ֨שְּׁלִשִׁ֔ת8 of 27

a third part

H7992

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

בְּיַ֖ד9 of 27

under the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֲבִישַׁ֤י10 of 27

of Abishai

H52

abishai, an israelite

בֶּן11 of 27

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

צְרוּיָה֙12 of 27

of Zeruiah

H6870

tserujah, an israelitess

אֲחִ֣י13 of 27

brother

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

יוֹאָ֔ב14 of 27

Joab's

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

וְהַ֨שְּׁלִשִׁ֔ת15 of 27

a third part

H7992

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

בְּיַ֖ד16 of 27

under the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אִתַּ֣י17 of 27

of Ittai

H863

ittai or ithai, the name of a gittite and of an israelite

הַגִּתִּ֑י18 of 27

the Gittite

H1663

a gittite or inhabitant of gath

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר19 of 27

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙20 of 27

And the king

H4428

a king

אֶל21 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָעָ֔ם22 of 27

of the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֵצֵ֛א23 of 27

I will surely

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֵצֵ֛א24 of 27

I will surely

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

גַּם25 of 27
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אֲנִ֖י26 of 27

with you myself

H589

i

עִמָּכֶֽם׃27 of 27
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then


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 18:2 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 18:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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