2 Samuel 18:11
2 Samuel 18:11 in Multiple Translations
“You just saw him!” Joab exclaimed. “Why did you not strike him to the ground right there? I would have given you ten shekels of silver and a warrior’s belt!”
And Joab said unto the man that told him, And, behold, thou sawest him, and why didst thou not smite him there to the ground? and I would have given thee ten shekels of silver, and a girdle.
And Joab said unto the man that told him, And, behold, thou sawest it, and why didst thou not smite him there to the ground? and I would have given thee ten pieces of silver, and a girdle.
And Joab said to the man who had given him the news, If you saw this, why did you not put your sword through him, and I would have given you ten bits of silver and a band for your robe?
“What! You saw him like that?” Joab said to the man. “Why didn't you kill him right then and there? I would have given you ten shekels of silver and a soldier's belt as a reward!”
Then Ioab saide vnto the man that tolde him, And hast thou in deede seene? why then diddest thou not there smite him to the grounde, and I woulde haue giuen thee ten shekels of siluer, and a girdle?
And Joab saith to the man who is declaring [it] to him, 'And lo, thou hast seen — and wherefore didst thou not smite him there to the earth — and on me to give to thee ten silverlings and one girdle?'
Joab said to the man who told him, “Behold, you saw it, and why didn’t you strike him there to the ground? I would have given you ten pieces of silver and a sash.”
And Joab said to the man that told him, And behold, thou sawest him , and why didst thou not smite him there to the ground? and I would have given thee ten shekels of silver, and a girdle.
And Joab said to the man that told him: If thou sawest him, why didst thou not stab him to the ground, and I would have given thee ten sicles of silver, and belt?
Joab said to the man, “What? You say that you saw him hanging there, so why did you not kill him immediately [RHQ]? If you had killed him, I would have given you ten pieces of silver and a belt!”
Joab said, “What? You really saw him like that? Why didn’t you kill him dead straight away? I will give lots of money and a boss soldier’s belt to a man that does something like that.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 18:11
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 18:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
יוֹאָ֗ב
לָ/אִישׁ֙
הַ/מַּגִּ֣יד
ל֔/וֹ
וְ/הִנֵּ֣ה
רָאִ֔יתָ
וּ/מַדּ֛וּעַ
לֹֽא
הִכִּית֥/וֹ
שָׁ֖ם
אָ֑רְצָ/ה
וְ/עָלַ֗/י
לָ֤/תֶת
לְ/ךָ֙
עֲשָׂ֣רָה
כֶ֔סֶף
וַ/חֲגֹרָ֖ה
אֶחָֽת
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יוֹאָ֗ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
Joab
N-proper
לָ/אִישׁ֙
ʼîysh
H376
man
Prep | N-ms
הַ/מַּגִּ֣יד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Art | V-Hiphil
ל֔/וֹ
Prep | Suff
וְ/הִנֵּ֣ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
רָאִ֔יתָ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
וּ/מַדּ֛וּעַ
maddûwaʻ
H4069
why?
Conj | Part
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
הִכִּית֥/וֹ
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms | Suff
שָׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
אָ֑רְצָ/ה
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs | Suff
וְ/עָלַ֗/י
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep | Suff
לָ֤/תֶת
nâthan
H5414
to give
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לְ/ךָ֙
Prep | Suff
עֲשָׂ֣רָה
ʻeser
H6235
ten
Adj
כֶ֔סֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
N-ms
וַ/חֲגֹרָ֖ה
chăgôwr
H2290
belt
Conj | N-fs
אֶחָֽת
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 18:11
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יוֹאָ֗ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
"Joab"
N-proper
Joab was a prominent Israelite, his name means Jehovah is father. He was King David's nephew and army general, playing a key role in the Bible, including in the books of Samuel and Kings.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.8.9 § Joab = "Jehovah is father" 1) son of David's sister Zeruiah and general of David's army 2) a Judaite descendant of Kenaz 3) a post exilic family
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: Joab. See also: 1 Samuel 26:6; 2 Samuel 19:2; Psalms 60:2.
לָ/אִישׁ֙
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
הַ/מַּגִּ֣יד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Art | V-Hiphil
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
ל֔/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/הִנֵּ֣ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
רָאִ֔יתָ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
וּ/מַדּ֛וּעַ
maddûwaʻ
H4069
"why?"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is used to ask questions like why or how, seeking to understand the reason behind something. It appears in various forms in the Bible, often in contexts of inquiry or curiosity.
Definition: why?, on what account?, wherefore?
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: how, wherefore, why. See also: Genesis 26:27; 2 Kings 8:12; Isaiah 5:4.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הִכִּית֥/וֹ
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
שָׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
אָ֑רְצָ/ה
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וְ/עָלַ֗/י
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | 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.
לָ֤/תֶת
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לְ/ךָ֙
""
Prep | Suff
עֲשָׂ֣רָה
ʻeser
H6235
"ten"
Adj
This Hebrew word means the number ten, often used in combination with other numbers to describe larger quantities, such as in the story of the ten commandments in Exodus 20. It is commonly translated as 'ten' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) ten 1a) ten 1b) with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ten, (fif-, seven-) teen. See also: Genesis 5:14; 1 Kings 6:3; Isaiah 5:10.
כֶ֔סֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
וַ/חֲגֹרָ֖ה
chăgôwr
H2290
"belt"
Conj | N-fs
A belt or girdle worn around the waist, serving as a loin-covering or armor. It can also refer to a type of clothing or armor. This term is used to describe a piece of clothing or equipment.
Definition: girdle, belt Another spelling of ha.go.rah (חֲגוֹרָה "belt" H2290B)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: apron, armour, gird(-le). See also: Genesis 3:7; 2 Samuel 20:8; Isaiah 3:24.
אֶחָֽת
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 18:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- 2 Samuel 18:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:11
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:11
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:11
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 18:11
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:11
Context — Absalom Killed
9Now Absalom was riding on his mule when he met the servants of David, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s head was caught fast in the tree. The mule under him kept going, so that he was suspended in midair.
10When one of the men saw this, he told Joab, “I just saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree!”
11“You just saw him!” Joab exclaimed. “Why did you not strike him to the ground right there? I would have given you ten shekels of silver and a warrior’s belt!”
12The man replied, “Even if a thousand shekels of silver were weighed out into my hands, I would not raise my hand against the son of the king. For we heard the king command you and Abishai and Ittai, ‘Protect the young man Absalom for my sake. ’ 13If I had jeopardized my own life —and nothing is hidden from the king—you would have abandoned me.”2 Samuel 18:11 Summary
In this verse, Joab is upset that one of his men did not kill Absalom when he had the chance, and he offers a reward to the man if he had done so. However, the man refuses, citing the king's command to protect Absalom, as seen in 2 Samuel 18:12. This verse shows how important it is to obey authority and follow God's commands, even when it is difficult or unpopular, as seen in Romans 13:1-2. It also highlights the importance of being patient and waiting on God's timing, rather than taking matters into our own hands, as seen in Psalm 27:14.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joab want the man to strike down Absalom?
Joab wanted the man to strike down Absalom because he saw an opportunity to eliminate a threat to King David's rule, as seen in 2 Samuel 18:11, and possibly gain a reward, but the man refused, citing the king's command to protect Absalom, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 18:12.
What was the significance of the ten shekels of silver and the warrior's belt that Joab offered?
The ten shekels of silver and the warrior's belt that Joab offered were likely a significant reward for a soldier, similar to the rewards given to soldiers in 1 Samuel 17:25, and would have been a substantial incentive for the man to strike down Absalom.
Why did the man refuse to strike down Absalom despite the potential reward?
The man refused to strike down Absalom because he was aware of King David's command to protect his son, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 18:12, and he did not want to disobey the king or jeopardize his own life, as seen in 2 Samuel 18:13.
What does this verse reveal about Joab's character?
This verse reveals that Joab was a pragmatic and cunning military leader who was willing to do whatever it took to achieve his goals, including disregarding the king's commands, as seen in 2 Samuel 18:11, and this is consistent with his character as described in other parts of the Bible, such as 1 Kings 2:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have been tempted to take matters into my own hands, rather than waiting on God's timing?
- How can I balance my desire for justice with the need to obey authority and follow God's commands, as seen in Romans 13:1-2?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate loyalty and obedience to God, even when it is difficult or unpopular, as seen in Acts 5:29?
- How can I cultivate a sense of reverence and respect for authority, as seen in Hebrews 13:17, and avoid the temptation to disobey or disregard commands?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:11
And Joab said unto the man that told him,.... That gave the above account of him: and, behold, thou sawest [him]; in reality; or, "didst thou see him?" is it a fact?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:11
And Joab said unto the man that told him, And, behold, thou sawest him, and why didst thou not smite him there to the ground? and I would have given thee ten shekels of silver, and a girdle.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:11
Why didst thou not smite him down from the oak, and with thy spear nail him to the ground? A girdle; a military belt of more than ordinary price, as a testimony of thy valour and good service. See Poole on "".
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:11
2 Samuel 18:11 And Joab said unto the man that told him, And, behold, thou sawest [him], and why didst thou not smite him there to the ground? and I would have given thee ten [shekels] of silver, and a girdle.Ver. 11. And I would have given thee.] And will do still, if thou wilt yet do it: for though Joab wished Absalom slain as a public pest; yet he had rather it should have been done by another, than by himself, or by his command. Politicians use to put others before them in dangerous actions, and, with the ape, to take nuts out of the fire with the paw of the cat. Ten shekels of silver, and a girdle,] i.e., A purse, as Mark 6:8, or a military belt, as an ensign of honour.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:11
Verse 11. And a girdle.] The military belt was the chief ornament of a soldier, and was highly prized in all ancient nations; it was also a rich present from one chieftain to another. Jonathan gave his to David, as the highest pledge of his esteem and perpetual friendship, 1 Samuel 18:4. And Ajax gave his to Hector, as a token of the highest respect. - Hom. Il. vii., ver. 305.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:11
11. ten shekels] Shekels is rightly supplied, as in 1 Kings 10:29, and elsewhere. The shekel weighed about half an ounce; but its real value at the time cannot be fixed. a girdle] An essential article of Oriental dress, often of costly materials and highly ornamented. Cp. 1 Samuel 18:4.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 18:11
Ten shekels - (About 25 shillings.) The word “shekel” is understood, as in Genesis 20:16; Genesis 37:28. See the Exodus 38:24 note.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:11
11. Go to battle in thine own person — Literally, thy presence going into the battle. Unlike Ahithophel, who counselled him to stay at Jerusalem, (2 Samuel 18:3,) Hushai advises him to go himself to the war.