2 Samuel 18:14
2 Samuel 18:14 in Multiple Translations
But Joab declared, “I am not going to wait like this with you!” And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak tree.
Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak.
Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak.
Then Joab said, I would have made it safe for you. And he took three spears in his hand, and put them through Absalom's heart, while he was still living, in the branches of the tree.
“I'm not going to waste time waiting around like this with you!” Joab told him. He grabbed three spears and drove them into Absalom's heart while he was still alive, hanging from the oak tree.
Then saide Ioab, I will not thus tary with thee. And he tooke three dartes in his hande, and thrust them through Absalom, while he was yet aliue in the middes of the oke.
And Joab saith, 'Not right — I tarry before thee;' and he taketh three darts in his hand, and striketh them into the heart of Absalom, while he [is] alive, in the midst of the oak.
Then Joab said, “I’m not going to wait like this with you.” He took three darts in his hand and thrust them through Absalom’s heart while he was still alive in the middle of the oak.
Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak.
And Joab said: Not as thou wilt, but will set upon him in thy sight. So he took three lances in his hand, and thrust them into the heart of Absalom: and whilst he yet panted for life, sticking on the oak,
Joab said, “I am not going to waste time talking to you!” Then he took three spears and went to where Absalom was, and thrust them into Absalom’s chest/heart while he was still alive, dangling from the oak tree.
Joab was angry, and he said, “I can’t wait for you all day.” And he got 3 spears and went to Absalom. He was still alive and hanging there in that tree. Joab went and stabbed him 3 times in the chest.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 18:14
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 18:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
יוֹאָ֔ב
לֹא
כֵ֖ן
אֹחִ֣ילָה
לְ/פָנֶ֑י/ךָ
וַ/יִּקַּח֩
שְׁלֹשָׁ֨ה
שְׁבָטִ֜ים
בְּ/כַפּ֗/וֹ
וַ/יִּתְקָעֵ/ם֙
בְּ/לֵ֣ב
אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם
עוֹדֶ֥/נּוּ
חַ֖י
בְּ/לֵ֥ב
הָ/אֵלָֽה
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יוֹאָ֔ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
Joab
N-proper
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
כֵ֖ן
kên
H3651
right
Adv
אֹחִ֣ילָה
yâchal
H3176
to wait
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
לְ/פָנֶ֑י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
וַ/יִּקַּח֩
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שְׁלֹשָׁ֨ה
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Adj
שְׁבָטִ֜ים
shêbeṭ
H7626
tribe
N-mp
בְּ/כַפּ֗/וֹ
kaph
H3709
palm
Prep | N-fs | Suff
וַ/יִּתְקָעֵ/ם֙
tâqaʻ
H8628
to blow
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
בְּ/לֵ֣ב
lêb
H3820
heart
Prep | N-ms
אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
Absalom
N-proper
עוֹדֶ֥/נּוּ
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv | Suff
חַ֖י
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
בְּ/לֵ֥ב
lêb
H3820
heart
Prep | N-ms
הָ/אֵלָֽה
ʼêlâh
H424
oak
Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 18:14
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.
יוֹאָ֔ב
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.
לֹא
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.
כֵ֖ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
אֹחִ֣ילָה
yâchal
H3176
"to wait"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
To wait or be patient is the meaning of this verb, used to describe hoping or trusting in something, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : wait[for_time] 1) to wait, hope, expect 1a) (Niphal) to wait 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to wait, await, tarry 1b2) to wait for, hope for 1c) (Hiphil) to wait, tarry, wait for, hope for Also means: ya.chal (יָחַל ": hope" H3176H)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, have, make to) hope, be pained, stay, tarry, trust, wait. See also: Genesis 8:12; Psalms 69:4; Psalms 31:25.
לְ/פָנֶ֑י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
וַ/יִּקַּח֩
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
שְׁלֹשָׁ֨ה
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
שְׁבָטִ֜ים
shêbeṭ
H7626
"tribe"
N-mp
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
בְּ/כַפּ֗/וֹ
kaph
H3709
"palm"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
וַ/יִּתְקָעֵ/ם֙
tâqaʻ
H8628
"to blow"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
This word means to blow or strike something, like a trumpet or a nail. In the Bible, it is used to describe making a loud noise or driving something into place. The KJV translates it as blow, clap, or strike.
Definition: 1) to blow, clap, strike, sound, thrust, give a blow, blast 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to thrust, drive (of weapon) 1a2) to give a blast, give a blow 1a3) to strike or clap hands 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be blown, blast (of horn) 1b2) to strike or pledge oneself
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: blow (a trumpet), cast, clap, fasten, pitch (tent), smite, sound, strike, [idiom] suretiship, thrust. See also: Genesis 31:25; 1 Kings 1:34; Psalms 47:2.
בְּ/לֵ֣ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Prep | N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
"Absalom"
N-proper
Absalom was a son of King David, mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:3, and had several half-brothers. He is also referred to as Abishalom in some translations. Absalom played a significant role in the United Monarchy period.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.3.3; son of: David (H1732) and Maacah (H4601I); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), 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); father of: Tamar (H8559I); also called Abishalom at 1Ki.15.2,10; § Absalom or Abishalom = "my father is peace" 1) father-in-law of Rehoboam 2) third son of David, killer of first-born son Amnon, also leader of revolt against his father-David
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: Abishalom, Absalom. See also: 2 Samuel 3:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 3:1.
עוֹדֶ֥/נּוּ
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv | Suff
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
חַ֖י
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
בְּ/לֵ֥ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Prep | N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
הָ/אֵלָֽה
ʼêlâh
H424
"oak"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a strong tree, like an oak or elm. It is the type of tree where David fought Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. The word is used to describe a sturdy and reliable tree.
Definition: 1) terebinth, terebinth tree 2) valley where David killed Goliath
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: elm, oak, teil-tree. See also: Genesis 35:4; 1 Kings 13:14; Isaiah 1:30.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 18:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 18:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:14
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:14
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:14
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 18:14
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:14
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 18:14
Context — Absalom Killed
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.”
14But Joab declared, “I am not going to wait like this with you!” And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak tree.
15And ten young men who carried Joab’s armor surrounded Absalom, struck him, and killed him. 16Then Joab blew the ram’s horn, and the troops broke off their pursuit of Israel because Joab had restrained them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 45:5 | Your arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s foes; the nations fall beneath your feet. |
| 2 | Matthew 12:40 | For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 14:30 | Then Absalom said to his servants, “Look, Joab’s field is next to mine, and he has barley there. Go and set it on fire!” And Absalom’s servants set the field on fire. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 18:5 | Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, “Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” And all the people heard the king’s orders to each of the commanders regarding Absalom. |
| 5 | Judges 5:26 | She reached for the tent peg, her right hand for the workman’s hammer. She struck Sisera and crushed his skull; she shattered and pierced his temple. |
| 6 | 1 Thessalonians 5:3 | While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. |
| 7 | Judges 4:21 | But as he lay sleeping from exhaustion, Heber’s wife Jael took a tent peg, grabbed a hammer, and went silently to Sisera. She drove the peg through his temple and into the ground, and he died. |
| 8 | Judges 5:31 | So may all your enemies perish, O LORD! But may those who love You shine like the sun at its brightest.” And the land had rest for forty years. |
2 Samuel 18:14 Summary
[This verse tells us that Joab, one of King David's generals, decided to kill Absalom, who was rebelling against his father, despite King David's orders to protect him. This was a difficult and complex situation, and Joab's actions had serious consequences. As we reflect on this verse, we can see that it highlights the importance of seeking guidance from God and following His commands, even in difficult situations, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. We can also learn from Joab's example, both positively and negatively, and apply those lessons to our own lives and decisions.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joab decide to kill Absalom despite King David's orders to protect him?
Joab likely decided to kill Absalom because he realized that Absalom's rebellion was a threat to the kingdom and to King David himself, as seen in 2 Samuel 18:6-8, and he may have also been motivated by a desire to prevent further bloodshed and to restore order, as hinted at in 2 Samuel 18:16.
Was Joab's actions justified in killing Absalom?
While Joab's actions may have seemed justified in the context of the rebellion, they were still a direct disobedience to King David's orders, as stated in 2 Samuel 18:12, and this highlights the complexity of the situation and the difficult choices that had to be made.
What can we learn from Joab's actions in this verse?
We can learn that sometimes, even with the best of intentions, our actions can have serious consequences, and it is essential to seek guidance from God and to follow His commands, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, rather than relying solely on our own understanding or motivations.
How does this event relate to the broader story of King David and his kingdom?
This event marks a turning point in the story of King David, as it brings an end to Absalom's rebellion and allows David to begin the process of restoring his kingdom, as seen in 2 Samuel 19:1-43, and it also highlights the complexities and challenges that David faced as a leader, as discussed in 1 Samuel 30:6 and Psalm 38:9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have had to make a difficult choice, and how did I seek guidance from God?
- How can I balance my desire to follow God's commands with the complexities and challenges of real-life situations?
- What are some ways that I can prioritize obedience to God, even when it is difficult or unpopular, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:22-23?
- How can I learn from Joab's example, both positively and negatively, and apply those lessons to my own life and decisions?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:14
Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee,.... It is not worth while to talk with thee any longer, nor must I lose time, and neglect my opportunity; I do not desire you to go and smite him, I
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:14
Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:14
I may not tarry thus with thee; I must not lose time in contending with thee till I let the occasion slip. Through the heart of Absalom; not properly so called, for he was yet alive after these wounds, and was slain, ; but through his middle, as the word heart is oft used, as , and that too not exactly, but more largely understood, as ; or through his body; which might be, and yet the wounds not mortal. While he was yet alive, or, yet he continued alive, i.e. the darts did not despatch him, and therefore they smite him again, and kill him, .
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:14
2 Samuel 18:14 Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he [was] yet alive in the midst of the oak.Ver. 14. And thrust them through the heart of Absalom.] In which execution of this arch-rebel, contrary to David’ s charge, whether Joab did well or ill, the doctors are divided. I think he did well for the main; though he might have some mixed motives in it. Absalom was incorrigible, a great murderer, and a parricide, whom though he had now escaped, yet vengeance would not have suffered long to have lived. Selymus, the great Turk, struck with a most loathsome and incurable disease, ended his days at Chiurbus with an untimely and tormenting death, where he had joined battle with his own father, Bajazet, A.D. 1511; God in the same place with revenging hand taking just punishment for his detestable disloyalty towards his aged father. Turk. Hist.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:14
(14) I may not tarry thus.—Joab evidently feels the home-thrusts made by the man in the argument, but, determined on his deed of violence, he sees that it is worse than useless to delay. His act was simply murder. In a lawless age it was defensible as the one act which terminated the rebellion and made a renewal of it impossible, and destroyed a traitor and would-be parricide who was likely otherwise to escape punishment; but it was a distinct disobedience of express orders, and Joab’s taking the execution into his own hands was wilful and deliberate murder. Three darts.—The word means a rod or staff. Also the word heart is the same as the following word midst, and is not therefore to be taken too literally. Joab seized such sticks as were at hand in the wood and thrust them into Absalom, giving him most painful and probably mortal wounds, but not instantly killing him. Then (2 Samuel 18:15) the ten men who had Joab’s armour and weapons came up and finally killed Absalom.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:14
Verse 14. I may not tarry thus with thee] He had nothing to say in vindication of the purpose he had formed. Thrust them through the heart of Absalom] He was determined to make sure work, and therefore he pierced his heart. Joab should have obeyed the king's commandment: and yet the safety of the state required the sacrifice of Absalom. But independently of this, his life was quadruply forfeited to the law: - 1. In having murdered his brother Amnon. 2. In having excited an insurrection in the state. 3. In having taken up arms against his own father, Deuteronomy 21:18; Deuteronomy 21:21. 4. In having lain with his father's concubines, Leviticus 18:29. Long ago he should have died by the hand of justice; and now all his crimes are visited on him in his last act of rebellion.
Yet, in the present circumstances, Joab's act was base and disloyal, and a cowardly murder.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:14
14. three darts] Since the word used means elsewhere rods or staves (Exodus 21:20; 2 Samuel 23:21), and the wounds inflicted were not at once mortal, it seems that Joab struck Absalom brutally with pointed wooden staves, the first weapons which came to hand, in fact in a kind of way impaled him as a traitor, and left his squires to give him the coup de grâce. through the heart] Not literally through his heart, for the blows did not kill him outright; but into the midst of his body.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 18:14
I may not tarry ... - i. e., lose time in such discourse.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:14
14. I may not tarry — I have no time to lose in thus talking with thee, and am not thus careful to obey the king in this matter. Absalom’s life, says Clarke, “was quadruply forfeited to the law.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 18:14
| Sermon | Description | |
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Healing Broken Hearts by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of Jesus to set people free from the bondage of sin. He highlights that sin often starts with a curious thought and can lead to de |
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Psalm 45 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the beauty and majesty of Christ as the spiritual Bridegroom, emphasizing the believer's fervent commendation of Jesus and the eloquence in expressing due pra |
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(Through the Bible) Jonah & Micah by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the book of Jonah, highlighting the story of God's tremendous love for all people, the narrow-heartedness of the Jewish people, and the large-heartedness of |
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The Cross, the Crown, the King by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the significance of the cross, the crown, and the King in his sermon, urging believers to recognize the importance of fasting and spiritual discipline in a |
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Mandatory Nine-Count by Jack Hayford | Jack Hayford preaches about the importance of trusting in God's timing and plan, using Jesus' resurrection as a powerful example of waiting for God's miracle deliverance. He emphas |
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Why Did Jonah Run? by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson explores the reasons behind Jonah's flight from God's command to preach to Nineveh, emphasizing Jonah's struggle with God's mercy and judgment. Despite being chosen |
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Of the Burial of Christ. by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the significance of Christ's burial as the final act of His humiliation, fulfilling scriptural prophecies and types. He explains that Christ's burial was neces |