2 Samuel 18:6
2 Samuel 18:6 in Multiple Translations
So David’s army marched into the field to engage Israel in the battle, which took place in the forest of Ephraim.
¶ So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;
So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the forest of Ephraim.
So the people went out into the field against Israel, and the fight took place in the woods of Ephraim.
David's army marched out to face the Israelites in battle, which was fought in the forest of Ephraim.
So the people went out into the fielde to meete Israel, and the battell was in the wood of Ephraim:
And the people goeth out into the field to meet Israel, and the battle is in a forest of Ephraim;
So the people went out into the field against Israel; and the battle was in the forest of Ephraim.
So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;
So the people went out into the field against Israel and the battle was fought in the forest of Ephraim.
So the army went out to fight against the Israeli soldiers who were with Absalom. They fought the battle in the forest where people from the tribe of Ephraim lived.
David’s mob went away from the town, and they met the Israel mob in the bush at a place called Ephraim.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 18:6
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 18:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּצֵ֥א
הָ/עָ֛ם
הַ/שָּׂדֶ֖ה
לִ/קְרַ֣את
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
וַ/תְּהִ֥י
הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֖ה
בְּ/יַ֥עַר
אֶפְרָֽיִם
וַ/יֵּצֵ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/עָ֛ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
הַ/שָּׂדֶ֖ה
sâdeh
H7704
field
Art | N-ms
לִ/קְרַ֣את
qirʼâh
H7125
befall
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וַ/תְּהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֖ה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
Art | N-fs
בְּ/יַ֥עַר
yaʻar
H3293
Jaar
Prep | N-ms
אֶפְרָֽיִם
ʼEphrayim
H669
Ephraim
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 18:6
וַ/יֵּצֵ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
הָ/עָ֛ם
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.
הַ/שָּׂדֶ֖ה
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
Art | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
לִ/קְרַ֣את
qirʼâh
H7125
"befall"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To encounter or meet someone or something, either by accident or on purpose, as seen in the story of Joseph meeting his brothers in Genesis 37:23. This word can also mean to befall or happen to someone. It is used in various contexts, including friendly or hostile encounters.
Definition: 1) (BDB) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against (he come), help, meet, seek, [idiom] to, [idiom] in the way. See also: Genesis 14:17; 2 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 35:3.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וַ/תְּהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֖ה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
Art | N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
בְּ/יַ֥עַר
yaʻar
H3293
"Jaar"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word Yaar refers to a forest or a copse of bushes, and also to a honeycomb. It is associated with Kiriath-jearim, a place name in the Bible. This word is used to describe natural environments.
Definition: honeycomb Another name of qir.yat ye.a.rim (קִרְיַת יְעָרִים "Kiriath-jearim" H7157)
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: (honey-) comb, forest, wood. See also: Deuteronomy 19:5; Isaiah 10:18; Psalms 29:9.
אֶפְרָֽיִם
ʼEphrayim
H669
"Ephraim"
N-proper
Ephraim means doubly fruitful, referring to Joseph's son and the tribe that descended from him. The tribe of Ephraim was a significant part of Israel's history. Ephraim is also the name of a region in the Bible.
Definition: Ephraim = "double ash-heap: I shall be doubly fruitful" the country of the tribe of Ephraim Also named: Ephraim (Ἐφραίμ "Ephraim" G2187)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Ephraim, Ephraimites. See also: Genesis 41:52; 1 Chronicles 27:20; Psalms 60:9.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 18:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 18:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:6
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:6
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:6
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 18:6
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:6
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 18:6
Context — Absalom Killed
4“I will do whatever seems best to you,” the king replied. So he stood beside the gate, while all the troops marched out by hundreds and by thousands.
5Now 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.
6So David’s army marched into the field to engage Israel, and the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim.
7There the people of Israel were defeated by David’s servants, and the slaughter was great that day—twenty thousand men. 8The battle spread over the whole countryside, and that day the forest devoured more people than the sword.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 17:18 | because the hill country will be yours as well. It is a forest; clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours. Although the Canaanites have iron chariots and although they are strong, you can drive them out.” |
| 2 | Joshua 17:15 | Joshua answered them, “If you have so many people that the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go to the forest and clear for yourself an area in the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaim.” |
| 3 | Judges 12:4–6 | Jephthah then gathered all the men of Gilead and fought against Ephraim. And the men of Gilead struck them down because the Ephraimites had said, “You Gileadites are fugitives in Ephraim, living in the territories of Ephraim and Manasseh.” The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan leading to Ephraim, and whenever a fugitive from Ephraim would say, “Let me cross over,” the Gileadites would ask him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” If he answered, “No,” they told him, “Please say Shibboleth.” If he said, “Sibboleth,” because he could not pronounce it correctly, they seized him and killed him at the fords of the Jordan. So at that time 42,000 Ephraimites were killed. |
2 Samuel 18:6 Summary
In 2 Samuel 18:6, David's army goes to fight against the army of Israel, led by his son Absalom, in a forest called Ephraim. This was a very sad and difficult time for David, as seen in verses like 2 Samuel 18:5 and 2 Samuel 19:4. The battle shows how sin and rebellion can lead to conflict and pain, but it also points to the importance of obedience and trust in God, as seen in verses like Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6. By reflecting on this verse, we can learn more about the importance of following God's will, even in difficult circumstances, and trusting in His sovereignty, as noted in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the location of the battle in 2 Samuel 18:6?
The battle took place in the forest of Ephraim, as noted in 2 Samuel 18:6, which was a significant location in the history of Israel, as seen in other biblical accounts such as Joshua 17:15 and 1 Kings 12:25.
Who were the main parties involved in the battle of 2 Samuel 18:6?
The main parties involved were David's army and the army of Israel, which was led by Absalom, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 18:5 and 2 Samuel 15:13.
What was the significance of David's army marching into the field in 2 Samuel 18:6?
David's army marching into the field signified the beginning of the battle against Israel, which was a pivotal moment in David's reign as king, as seen in the broader context of 2 Samuel 15-18 and supported by verses like 1 Samuel 16:13.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of David and Absalom?
This verse is a crucial part of the narrative of David and Absalom, as it shows the culmination of Absalom's rebellion against his father, which began in 2 Samuel 15:1 and is further explained in verses like 2 Samuel 18:9 and 2 Samuel 19:1-8.
Reflection Questions
- What can we learn from David's decision to go into battle against his own son, and how does this relate to our own relationships and conflicts?
- How does the location of the battle in the forest of Ephraim add to the significance of the event, and what can we learn from the geography of biblical stories?
- What role does obedience play in the story of David and Absalom, and how can we apply the lessons of obedience from this passage to our own lives?
- How does this verse contribute to our understanding of the character of David, and what can we learn from his strengths and weaknesses as a leader?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:6
So the people went out into the field against Israel,.... Josephus (e) calls it a great field, with a wood behind it: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim; or near it (f) rather; not in a wood
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:6
So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim; The battle was in the wood of Ephraim , [ ya`ar (H3293), a forest, or dense growth of trees].
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:6
So called, not from its situation in the tribe of Ephraim, which was on the other side Jordan, as is evident; but from some memorable action or occurrent of the Ephraimites beyond, Jordan; whether it was their killing of Oreb and Zeeb there, 8:3, or their slaughter by Jephthah, ,6, or some other not mentioned in sacred Scripture.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:6
2 Samuel 18:6 So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;Ver. 6. And the battle was in the wood of Ephraim.] So called, because it was opposite Ephraim; or because forty-two thousand Ephraimites there once lost their lives.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:6
(6) The wood of Ephraim.—No wood of Ephraim on the eastern side of the Jordan happens to be elsewhere mentioned in Scripture. Yet it is plain that the battle must have been on that side of the river for the following reasons: (1) both armies were on that side beforehand, and there is no mention of their crossing; (2) David remained in Mahanaim (2 Samuel 18:3-4) with the reserves, for the purpose of succouring the army in case of need; (3) he there received the news of Absalom’s death (2 Samuel 18:24-33); (4) the army returned thither after the battle (2 Samuel 19:3); and (5) David was obliged to cross the Jordan on his final return to Jerusalem, and was met at the crossing by the tribes (2 Samuel 18:15, &c.). There is really no difficulty but such as arises from our ignorance of local names. The narrative clearly implies that there was a “wood of Ephraim,” otherwise unknown, on the east of the Jordan.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:6
6. in the wood of Ephraim] “The forest of Ephraim” might naturally be expected to mean the great forest covering the high lands of central Palestine in which the tribe of Ephraim settled (Joshua 17:15-18). But all the circumstances are in favour of supposing the battle to have been fought on the eastern side of the Jordan. (a) Absalom marched into Gilead and encamped there (ch. 2 Samuel 17:26); David was at Mahanaim; and there is not the slightest hint that either army crossed the Jordan. (b) It is implied beforehand that the battle would be in the neighbourhood of Mahanaim (ch. 2 Samuel 18:3). (c) The return of the army to Mahanaim on the same day (ch. 2 Samuel 19:2-5), would scarcely have been possible, had the battle been fought on the west of the Jordan. These considerations make it all but certain that “the wood of Ephraim” was some part of the great forests of Gilead. The origin of the name can only be conjectured. It may possibly have been derived from the connexion of Ephraim with the trans-Jordanic Manasseh, or from some incident such as the slaughter of the Ephraimites by Jephthah (Judges 12:6).
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 18:6
Against Israel - Implying that the revolt was in a great measure that of the ten tribes, Saul’s party, against the kingdom. The wood of Ephraim - This would naturally be sought in the west of Jordan (marginal reference).
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:6
6. Against Israel — Alas! It was Israel against Israel. But it had come to pass that strong prejudices were manifest between the people of Israel and the men of Judah.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 18:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Discipline or Hard Places by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of facing hard places in life as opportunities for spiritual growth and discipline. He illustrates this through the stories of the daughter |
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Joshua Chapter 9 the Discipline or Hard Places by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson explores the lessons from Joshua Chapter 9, emphasizing the significance of hard places in our spiritual journey. He highlights the faith of the daughters of Zelopheha |