Civil War. II Samuel 18

 

II Samuel 18 – Civil War

 

David wanted to go into battle with his men. The army refused to let David go. Instead, David takes his place at the side of the gate as the army marches out. It marches out under three leaders: Joab, Abishai, and Ittai. David charges all men to deal gently with his son. All the men heard him. David did not want his son to die.

David was a strategist and a general, and Absalom did not have anyone in his group who could match David’s ability or the ability of David’s three captains. Therefore, the children of Israel lost the battle.

The forest became the cause of death for many of them rather than the sword. They had picked the wrong place to battle. Absalom’s head got caught in the forks of an oak tree while he was riding his mule through the woods. When he got caught in the tree, his mule kept going, leaving Absalom hanging. A certain man saw it and said, “I saw Absalom hanged in an oak. The man is shocked that Joab would want to the prince, the son of David killed. The soldier said, “The king told us not to touch his son, and if I had done anything to him, you would have punished me yourself.” Joab did not take the time to argue with him. He took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was still alive in the oak.

When Absalom was dead, the rebellion was over, Joab had no right to kill Absalom, especially after David had told them not to touch him. Joab was weary of all the trouble Absalom caused.

David was siting at the gate of the city, waiting for word to be brought back to him. The only question he had was if Absalom was safe. Ahimaaz came to the king, but he did not know Absalom was dead. He reports all is well.

There are many messengers today telling everyone that God says all is well – but all is not well. Man is a sinner. He needs a Savior. Man needs to know that Christ died on the Cross for him. Man needs to be born again.

Cushi came with the correct information. He gently told David that Absalom is dead. Then David mourns for his son.

 

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J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.