23. Death of Absalom ( 2Samuel 18:1 – 18)

Now the battle broke up between Absalom’s men and David’s men. David gave an order not to kill his son, but Joab killed him.

πŸ‘‰ Read 2Samuel 18:1 - 18


Q1. (1–8) David reorganized the army, dividing it under (     ) commanders rather than placing it solely under Joab. Although David wanted to lead the battle, his men urged him to remain in the (      ) (vv. 1–4). He publicly ordered all the troops to deal gently with (      ) (v. 5). The army of (      ) was defeated by David’s men, and the (      ) claimed more soldiers than the sword (vv. 6–8).

David reorganized the army, dividing it under ( three ) commanders rather than placing it solely under Joab. Although David wanted to lead the battle, his men urged him to remain in the ( city ) (vv. 1–4). He publicly ordered all the troops to deal gently with ( Absalom ) (v. 5). The army of ( Israel ) was defeated by David’s men, and the ( forest ) claimed more soldiers than the sword (vv. 6–8).

David may have wanted to lead the army out of concern for his son’s safety. Aware that Joab might act presumptuously, he placed the army under three commanders instead of only Joab.

The Bible describes the conflict as a battle between the army of Israel and the men of David—does this imply that the rebellion extended beyond Absalom to the whole nation? On the other hand, though all Israel stands against David, but the Lord doesn't allow it.

The text notes that the forest claimed more soldiers than the sword—could this indicate God’s intervention?


Q2. How was Absalom caught in trouble?

His head got caught in the oak.
His hair was appraised for its beauty (14:26), but it now caused him to dangle in midair. 

This symbolizes that his pride became a snare, leading to his fall.


Q3. A soldier found Absalom hanging from an oak tree and reported it to Joab (vv. – ). Respecting the king’s command, he explained that he would not violate the order (vv. – ). But Joab went to the spot and killed Absalom without hesitation (vv. – ).

A soldier found Absalom hanging from an oak tree and reported it to Joab (vv. 10–11). Respecting the king’s command, he explained that he would not violate the order (vv. 12–13). But Joab went to the spot and killed Absalom without hesitation (vv. 14–15).

Here, the Bible contrasts the soldier’s loyalty with Joab’s presumption. Joab could have captured him alive or at least wounded him, but instead, he finished him off.


Q4. What does the Bible say about the final destiny of Absalom? (vv. 17–18)

• His body was thrown into a pit and buried under a huge pile of stones.
• He died without leaving an heir.



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