King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 18:4 Mean?

2 Samuel 18:4 in the King James Version says “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 ca... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Samuel 18:4 · KJV


Context

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.

5

And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.

6

So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 17 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 17

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיהֶם֙2 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙3 of 17

And the king

H4428

a king

אֲשֶׁר4 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִיטַ֥ב5 of 17

you best

H3190

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

בְּעֵֽינֵיכֶ֖ם6 of 17

unto them What seemeth

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֑ה7 of 17

I will do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וַיַּֽעֲמֹ֤ד8 of 17

stood

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙9 of 17

And the king

H4428

a king

אֶל10 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יַ֣ד11 of 17

side

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

הַשַּׁ֔עַר12 of 17

by the gate

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

וְכָל13 of 17
H3605

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

הָעָם֙14 of 17

and all the people

H5971

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

יָֽצְא֔וּ15 of 17

came out

H3318

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

לְמֵא֖וֹת16 of 17

by hundreds

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וְלַֽאֲלָפִֽים׃17 of 17

and by thousands

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand


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 18:4 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 18:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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