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2 Samuel 18:16

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2 Samuel 18:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then Joab blew the ram’s horn, and the troops broke off their pursuit of Israel because Joab had restrained them.

King James Version KJV

And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people.

American Standard Version ASV

And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel; for Joab held back the people.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Joab had the horn sounded, and the people came back from going after Israel, for Joab kept them back.

Free Bible Version FBV

Then Joab blew the ram's horn, and his men stopped chasing the Israelites because Joab had signaled them to stop.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Ioab blewe the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Ioab helde backe the people.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Joab bloweth with a trumpet, and the people turneth back from pursuing after Israel, for Joab hath kept back the people;

World English Bible WEB

Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel; for Joab held the people back.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing Israel: for Joab restrained the people.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Joab sounded the trumpet, and kept back the people from pursuing after Israel in their flight, being willing to spare he multitude.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then Joab blew his trumpet to signal that they should not fight any more, and his soldiers returned from pursuing those Israeli soldiers.

Plain English Version PEV

Straight away, Joab blew the trumpet, to tell David’s mob to stop chasing the Israel mob.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 18:16

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 18:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּתְקַ֤ע יוֹאָב֙ בַּ/שֹּׁפָ֔ר וַ/יָּ֣שָׁב הָ/עָ֔ם מִ/רְדֹ֖ף אַחֲרֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל כִּֽי חָשַׂ֥ךְ יוֹאָ֖ב אֶת הָ/עָֽם
וַ/יִּתְקַ֤ע tâqaʻ H8628 to blow Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יוֹאָב֙ Yôwʼâb H3097 Joab N-proper
בַּ/שֹּׁפָ֔ר shôwphâr H7782 trumpet Prep | N-ms
וַ/יָּ֣שָׁב shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/עָ֔ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
מִ/רְדֹ֖ף râdaph H7291 to pursue Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אַחֲרֵ֣י ʼachar H310 after Prep
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
חָשַׂ֥ךְ châsak H2820 to withhold V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יוֹאָ֖ב Yôwʼâb H3097 Joab N-proper
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הָ/עָֽם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 18:16

וַ/יִּתְקַ֤ע tâqaʻ H8628 "to blow" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
יוֹאָב֙ 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.
בַּ/שֹּׁפָ֔ר shôwphâr H7782 "trumpet" Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a trumpet or cornet, often made from a ram's horn. It was used in the Bible to signal important events or to sound an alarm, and is still used today in some Jewish traditions.
Definition: horn, ram's horn
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: cornet, trumpet. See also: Exodus 19:16; 1 Chronicles 15:28; Psalms 47:6.
וַ/יָּ֣שָׁב shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
הָ/עָ֔ם 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.
מִ/רְדֹ֖ף râdaph H7291 "to pursue" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
אַחֲרֵ֣י ʼachar H310 "after" Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
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.
כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
חָשַׂ֥ךְ châsak H2820 "to withhold" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to withhold or restrain something. It can also mean to spare, preserve, or observe. In the Bible, it is used to describe holding back or keeping something for oneself.
Definition: 1) to withhold, restrain, hold back, keep in check, refrain 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to withhold, keep back, keep for oneself, keep from, hold in check, refrain, spare, reserve 1a2) to restrain, check 1b) (Niphal) to assuage, be spared
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: assuage, [idiom] darken, forbear, hinder, hold back, keep (back), punish, refrain, reserve, spare, withhold. See also: Genesis 20:6; Job 33:18; Psalms 19:14.
יוֹאָ֖ב 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.
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/עָֽם 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.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 18:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Samuel 2:28 So Joab blew the ram’s horn, and all the troops stopped; they no longer pursued Israel or continued to fight.
2 2 Samuel 20:22 Then the woman went to all the people with her wise counsel, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bichri and threw it to Joab. So he blew the ram’s horn and his men dispersed from the city, each to his own home. And Joab returned to the king in Jerusalem.
3 1 Corinthians 14:8 Again, if the trumpet sounds a muffled call, who will prepare for battle?
4 Numbers 10:2–10 “Make two trumpets of hammered silver to be used for calling the congregation and for having the camps set out. When both are sounded, the whole congregation is to assemble before you at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. But if only one is sounded, then the leaders, the heads of the clans of Israel, are to gather before you. When you sound short blasts, the camps that lie on the east side are to set out. When you sound the short blasts a second time, the camps that lie on the south side are to set out. The blasts are to signal them to set out. To convene the assembly, you are to sound long blasts, not short ones. The sons of Aaron, the priests, are to sound the trumpets. This shall be a permanent statute for you and the generations to come. When you enter into battle in your land against an adversary who attacks you, sound short blasts on the trumpets, and you will be remembered before the LORD your God and saved from your enemies. And on your joyous occasions, your appointed feasts, and the beginning of each month, you are to blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to serve as a reminder for you before your God. I am the LORD your God.”

2 Samuel 18:16 Summary

[This verse shows how Joab, the commander of King David's army, made a decision to stop his troops from chasing after the Israelites, now that Absalom was dead. He blew the ram's horn to signal them to stop, and they obeyed, just like we are called to obey God's commands in Deuteronomy 11:1. This act of restraint and mercy helped to prevent further bloodshed and promote peace. By following Joab's example, we can learn to show mercy and kindness to those around us, even in difficult situations, as encouraged in Luke 6:27-28.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Joab blow the ram's horn in 2 Samuel 18:16?

Joab blew the ram's horn to signal his troops to stop pursuing the Israelites, as he had restrained them from further violence, demonstrating his desire to end the conflict and prevent further bloodshed, as seen in the command to love our enemies in Matthew 5:44.

What does the phrase 'Joab had restrained them' mean in this context?

The phrase 'Joab had restrained them' indicates that Joab had given orders to his troops to cease their pursuit of the Israelites, showing his authority and leadership in the situation, much like the apostle Paul's instruction to submit to governing authorities in Romans 13:1-2.

How does this verse relate to the death of Absalom in the preceding verses?

This verse is a direct consequence of Absalom's death, as Joab's actions are a response to the killing of Absalom, and his decision to stop the pursuit of Israel shows that the conflict has been resolved, similar to how Jesus' death on the cross brought an end to the conflict between God and humanity, as described in Colossians 1:20.

What can we learn from Joab's decision to stop the pursuit of Israel in this verse?

We can learn from Joab's decision that sometimes it is necessary to show restraint and mercy, even in the midst of conflict, in order to prevent further harm and promote peace, as encouraged in Proverbs 24:29 and Matthew 5:7.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some situations in my life where I need to show restraint and mercy, just like Joab did in this verse?
  2. How can I balance the need for justice with the need for mercy, as seen in Joab's decision to stop the pursuit of Israel?
  3. What are some ways that I can promote peace and prevent further conflict in my relationships and community, as Joab did in this verse?
  4. How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty and control over human events, as seen in Psalm 103:19 and Isaiah 46:10?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:16

And Joab blew the trumpet,.... As the sign of a retreat: and the people returned from pursuing after Israel; upon the sound of the trumpet, the meaning of which they understood: for Joab held back

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:16

And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people. Joab blew the trumpet, and ... held back the people.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:16

Who otherwise were highly incensed against the rebels, and hotly pursued them. But the head of the rebellion being cut off, and the danger thereby past, be puts a stop to the effusion of Israelitish blood.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:16

2 Samuel 18:16 And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people.Ver. 16. For Joab held back the people.] From pursuing the rebels, as pitying their seduction: he knew as well how to use victory, as to get it, which Hannibal did not.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:16

(16) Blew the trumpet.—Comp. 2 Samuel 2:28; 2 Samuel 20:22. With the death of Absalom the rebellion was at an end, and Joab would stop further slaughter.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:16

Verse 16. Joab blew the trumpet] He knew that the rebellion was now extinguished by the death of Absalom; and was not willing that any farther slaughter should be made of the deluded people.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:16

16. blew the trumpet] Sounded the recall to stop further pursuit. Cp. ch. 2 Samuel 2:28, 2 Samuel 20:22.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 18:16

Blew the trumpet - To stop the pursuit and slaughter 2 Samuel 2:28; 2 Samuel 20:22.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:16

16. Blew the trumpet — The signal for the people to come together: the death of Absalom virtually ending the rebellion.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 18:16

SermonDescription
Corrie Ten Boom Gods Love by Corrie Ten Boom In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of being introduced in Alaska and compares it to the power of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of not standing in the
George Warnock Cranbrook 1993 10-4-93 Am by George Warnock In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the direction and orders of the captain of the hosts of the Lord. He uses the example of Joshua receiving the blu
Rolfe Barnard If the Trumpet Shall Sound by Rolfe Barnard In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the challenges faced in the past and the present regarding the preaching of the word of God. He emphasizes the importance of being God's wi
Stewart Ruch The Holy Spirit and Prophecy by Stewart Ruch In this sermon, the speaker shares two personal experiences related to the prophetic ministry. The first experience involves a woman named Joanna who unexpectedly starts speaking i
Eli Brayley Sonidos Extranos Del Campamento Pretribulacional by Eli Brayley Eli Brayley preaches about the discrepancies and errors of the pretribulational doctrine, highlighting the misinterpretations of key biblical passages and the inconsistency with th
Charles Anderson Israel's Communication by Charles Anderson In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges faced by the Israelites during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. He emphasizes that the Israelites were not skille
T. Austin-Sparks In the Letters to the Corinthians (Continued) by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the parallels between the Corinthian Christians and Israel in the wilderness, highlighting their positional standing in Christ and the need for their sp
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