In this chapter, Absalom is killed against the wishes of his father, David. The chapter begins, “David now appointed generals and captains to lead his troops. One-third were placed under Joab, one-third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and one-third under Ittai the Gittite. The king told his troops, “I am going out with you.” (2 Samuel 18:1-2)
David’s men objected and urged him to remain in the city, and send help to the troops, if needed. The king finally agreed, and gave this command to Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, “For my sake, deal gently with young Absalom.” and all the troops heard the king give this order to his commanders.” (2 Samuel 18:5)
The battle began and David’s men demonstrated their power over the Israelite troops. “During the battle, Absalom came unexpectedly upon some of David’s men. He tried to escape on his mule, but as he rode beneath the thick branches of a great oak, his head got caught. His mule kept going and left him dangling in the air. One of David’s men saw what had happened and told Joab, “I saw Absalom dangling in a tree.”
“What?” Joab demanded. “You saw him there and didn’t kill him? I would have rewarded you with ten pieces of silver and a hero’s belt!” “I wouldn’t do it for a thousand pieces of silver,” the man replied. “We all heard the king say to you and Abishai and Ittai, ‘For my sake, please don’t harm young Absalom.’ And if I had betrayed the king by killing his son -- and the king would certainly find out who did it -- you yourself would be the first to abandon me.”
“Enough of this nonsense,” Joab said. Then he took three daggers and plunged them into Absalom’s heart as he dangled from the oak still alive. Ten of Joab’s young armor bearers then surrounded Absalom and killed him.” (2 Samuel 18:9-15)
They then threw Absalom’s body into a pit, buried it, and the remainder of the Israelite army fled home. “Then Zadok’s son Ahimaaz said, “Let me run to the king with the good news that the Lord has saved him from his enemy Absalom.” “No,” Joab told him, “it wouldn’t be good news to the king that his son is dead. You can be my messenger some other time, but not today.” Then Joab said to a man from Cush, “Go tell the king what you have seen.” The man bowed and ran off.” (2 Samuel 18:19-21)
When the Cush arrived and said to David he had good news, David responded, “What about young Absalom? Is he all right?” And the Cushite replied, “May all of your enemies, both now and in the future, be as that young man is!”
The king was overcome with emotion. He went up to his room over the gateway and burst into tears. And as he went, he cried, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I could have died instead of you! O Absalom, my son, my son.” (2 Samuel 18:32-33)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us cherish and celebrate our loved ones while we can. We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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