2 Samuel 18:1
2 Samuel 18:1 in Multiple Translations
Then David reviewed his troops and appointed over them commanders of hundreds and of thousands.
And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.
And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.
And David had the people who were with him numbered, and he put over them captains of thousands and captains of hundreds.
David organized the men who were with him and put commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds in charge of them.
Then Dauid numbred the people that were with him, and set ouer them captaines of thousands and captaines of hundreths.
And David inspecteth the people who [are] with him, and setteth over them heads of thousands and heads of hundreds,
David counted the people who were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.
And David numbered the people that were with him, and set over them captains of thousands and captains of hundreds.
And David having reviewed his people, appointed over them captains of thousands and of hundreds,
David arranged his soldiers for the battle. He divided them into groups, and appointed a commander for each 100 soldiers and a commander for each 1,000 soldiers.
David gathered his soldiers together, and he split them into 3 big groups. He picked a boss soldier to lead each group. They were Joab, and his brother Abishai, and Ittai, a man that used to live in a town called Gath. David told each big group to split into mobs with 1,000 men in each. And he picked one boss soldier for each mob of 1,000 soldiers. Then he told each of those mobs to do it again. This time each of them split into little groups with 100 men in each. David picked a boss soldier for each group of 100 soldiers. Then David said to everybody, “Let’s go and fight Absalom’s mob. I will go with you mob.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 18:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 18:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּפְקֹ֣ד
דָּוִ֔ד
אֶת
הָ/עָ֖ם
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
אִתּ֑/וֹ
וַ/יָּ֣שֶׂם
עֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם
שָׂרֵ֥י
אֲלָפִ֖ים
וְ/שָׂרֵ֥י
מֵאֽוֹת
וַ/יִּפְקֹ֣ד
pâqad
H6485
to reckon
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִ֔ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אִתּ֑/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
וַ/יָּ֣שֶׂם
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
שָׂרֵ֥י
sar
H8269
ruler
N-mp
אֲלָפִ֖ים
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
וְ/שָׂרֵ֥י
sar
H8269
ruler
Conj | N-mp
מֵאֽוֹת
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 18:1
וַ/יִּפְקֹ֣ד
pâqad
H6485
"to reckon"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.
Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.
דָּוִ֔ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אִתּ֑/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
וַ/יָּ֣שֶׂם
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
עֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
שָׂרֵ֥י
sar
H8269
"ruler"
N-mp
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
אֲלָפִ֖ים
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
וְ/שָׂרֵ֥י
sar
H8269
"ruler"
Conj | N-mp
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
מֵאֽוֹת
mêʼâh
H3967
"hundred"
Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 18:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 18:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:1
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:1
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:1
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:1
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 18:1
Context — Absalom Killed
1Then David reviewed his troops and appointed over them commanders of thousands and of hundreds.
2He sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the troops, “I will surely march out with you as well.” 3But the people pleaded, “You must not go out! For if we have to flee, they will not care about us. Even if half of us die, they will not care. But you are worth ten thousand of us. It is better now if you support us from the city.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 8:10 | Joshua got up early the next morning and mobilized his men, and he and the elders of Israel marched before them up to Ai. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 8:12 | He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, to make his weapons of war, and to equip his chariots. |
| 3 | Exodus 17:9 | So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with the staff of God in my hand.” |
2 Samuel 18:1 Summary
[In this verse, David is getting his army ready for battle by appointing leaders over them. This shows that David is a responsible and prepared leader, who wants to make sure his troops are organized and ready to fight. Just like David, we need to be prepared for the challenges we face in life, and trust in God's power and provision, as seen in verses like Psalm 23:1-4 and Ephesians 6:10-18. By doing so, we can be confident in God's care for us, just as David was.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David review his troops and appoint commanders?
David reviewed his troops and appointed commanders to prepare for battle, as seen in 2 Samuel 18:1, which is a sign of wise leadership, similar to the example of Moses in Exodus 18:13-27, where he appointed leaders to help him govern the people.
What can we learn from David's leadership in this verse?
We can learn the importance of delegation and trust in leadership, as David entrusted his commanders with responsibility, much like Jesus taught his disciples in Matthew 10:1-4, giving them authority to carry out his work.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual warfare?
This verse can be seen as a physical representation of spiritual warfare, where believers must be prepared to stand against the enemy, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18, and trust in God's power and provision for victory.
What does this verse reveal about David's character?
This verse reveals David's character as a responsible and prepared leader, who takes initiative to organize his troops, much like a good shepherd cares for his flock, as described in Psalm 23:1-4, where David writes about God's care for him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to take initiative and prepare for challenges, just like David prepared his troops for battle?
- How can I apply the principle of delegation and trust in my own relationships, whether at work, in my family, or in my church?
- What are some spiritual battles that I am facing, and how can I prepare myself to stand against them, using the armor of God described in Ephesians 6:10-18?
- In what ways can I demonstrate responsible leadership in my own sphere of influence, whether at home, at work, or in my community?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:1
And David numbered the people that [were] with him,.... Which Josephus says (d) were four thousand; but one would think there should be more by what follows: and set captains of thousands and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:1
And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them. David numbered the people that were with him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:1
2 SAMUEL CHAPTER 18 David viewing the armies in their march, giveth them charge of Absalom, ; whose men are smitten: he hanging by his hair on an oak, is slain by Joab, and cast into a pit: his pillar and monument, . David hearing hereof, , mourneth for Absalom, . The people that were with him; which flocked to him thither, so as to make up a small army.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:1
2 Samuel 18:1 And David numbered the people that [were] with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.Ver. 1. And David numbered the people.] Which seem to be by this time not so few as four thousand, as Josephus reporteth them, or seven thousand, as Comestor, but many more; so that he was confident of the victory, and gave charge concerning Absalom, that his life should be spared.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:1
XVIII.(1) Numbered the people.—The word means rather mustered. David was some time at Mahanaim, organising the forces which continually gathered to him there.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:1
CHAPTER XVIII David reviews and arranges the people, and gives the command to Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, 1, 2. On his expressing a desire to accompany them to the battle, they will not permit him, 3. He reviews them as they go out of the city, and gives commandment to the captains to save Absalom, 4, 5. They join battle with Absalom and his army, who are discomfited with the loss of twenty thousand men, 6-8. Absalom, fleeing away, is caught by his head in an oak; Joab finds him, and transfixes him with three darts, 9-15. The servants of David are recalled, and Absalom buried, 16-18. Ahimaaz and Cushi bring the tidings to David, who is greatly distressed at hearing of the death of Absalom, and makes bitter lamentation for him, 19-33. NOTES ON CHAP. XVIII Verse 1. And set captains of thousands] By this time David's small company was greatly recruited; but what its number was we cannot tell.
Josephus says it amounted to four thousand men. Others have supposed that they amounted to ten thousand; for thus they understand a clause in 2 Samuel 18:3, which they think should be read, We are now ten thousand strong.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:1
Ch. 2 Samuel 18:1-8. The battle in the forest of Ephraim 1. And David, &c.] The events here recorded cannot have followed immediately on David’s arrival at Mahanaim. An interval of a few weeks must be assumed, during which the rival armies were mustered and organized. Cp. note on ch. 2 Samuel 17:24. numbered] The word means not merely to count, but to muster and review. captains of thousands and captains of hundreds] The usual military divisions (1 Samuel 22:7; Numbers 31:14; and see note on 1 Samuel 8:12); corresponding originally to the civil divisions instituted by Moses (Exodus 18:25). See note on 1 Samuel 10:19.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:1
THE BATTLE IN THE WOOD OF EPHRAIM, AND DEATH OF ABSALOM, 2 Samuel 18:1-33. 1. Numbered the people — Josephus says he found them to be about four thousand. Others have inferred, from 2 Samuel 18:3, that they were ten thousand.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 18:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(2 Samuel) Counselors and Comfort by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of David and his trusted advisors during a time of conflict with Absalom. Jonathan and Ahimaz risk their lives to gather informati |
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(Exodus) Exodus 17:8-12 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of the battle between the Israelites and the Amalekites, which represents the conflict between the flesh and the spirit. The Amale |
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Steadfastness in Conflict by Duncan Campbell | Duncan Campbell emphasizes the necessity of steadfastness in the face of conflict, drawing parallels between Israel's battle against Amalek and the spiritual struggles Christians f |
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Leadership and Ministry (Judges 5:2) by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical role of leadership in both spiritual and practical realms, asserting that effective leadership is essential for overcoming challenges and g |
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Zeal by William MacDonald | William MacDonald emphasizes the critical importance of zeal in the life of a disciple, arguing that without a passionate commitment to Christ, one stands condemned. He illustrates |
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Discipline in the School of God - Part 2 by J.B. Stoney | J.B. Stoney preaches about the life and lessons of Joshua, highlighting his journey from a warrior chief leading the people in battle against their enemies to a faithful servant le |