King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 18:5 Mean?

2 Samuel 18:5 in the King James Version says “And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 18:5 · KJV

Context

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;

7

Where the people of Israel were slain before the servants of David, and there was there a great slaughter that day of twenty thousand men.

Read 2 Samuel 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 24 words
בְּצַוֹּ֥ת1 of 24

“charge”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ2 of 24

“And the king”

H4428

a king

אֶת3 of 24
H853

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

י֠וֹאָב4 of 24

“Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

וְאֶת5 of 24
H853

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

אֲבִישַׁ֤י6 of 24

“and Abishai”

H52

abishai, an israelite

וְאֶת7 of 24
H853

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

אִתַּי֙8 of 24

“and Ittai”

H863

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

לֵאמֹ֔ר9 of 24

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְאַט10 of 24

“Deal gently”

H328

(as an adverb) gently

לִ֖י11 of 24
H0
לַנַּ֣עַר12 of 24

“for my sake with the young man”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

אַבְשָׁלֽוֹם׃13 of 24

“Absalom”

H53

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

וְכָל14 of 24
H3605

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

הָעָ֣ם15 of 24

“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

שָֽׁמְע֗וּ16 of 24

“heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

בְּצַוֹּ֥ת17 of 24

“charge”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ18 of 24

“And the king”

H4428

a king

אֶת19 of 24
H853

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

כָּל20 of 24
H3605

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

הַשָּׂרִ֖ים21 of 24

“gave all the captains”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

עַל22 of 24
H5921

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

דְּבַ֥ר23 of 24

“concerning”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אַבְשָׁלֽוֹם׃24 of 24

“Absalom”

H53

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

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 18:5 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 18:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 21:18-212 Samuel 17:1-42 Samuel 18:122 Samuel 17:142 Samuel 16:11Psalms 103:13

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 18 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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