2 Samuel 18:17
2 Samuel 18:17 in Multiple Translations
They took Absalom, cast him into a large pit in the forest, and piled a huge mound of stones over him. Meanwhile, all the Israelites fled, each to his home.
And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to his tent.
And they took Absalom, and cast him into the great pit in the forest, and raised over him a very great heap of stones: and all Israel fled every one to his tent.
And they took Absalom's body and put it into a great hole in the wood, and put a great mass of stones over it: and every man of Israel went in flight to his tent.
They took Absalom and threw him into a deep pit in the forest, and piled a large heap of stones over him. All the Israelites ran away to their homes.
And they tooke Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and layed a mightie great heape of stones vpon him: and all Israel fled euery one to his tent.
and they take Absalom and cast him in the forest unto the great pit, and set up over him a very great heap of stones, and all Israel have fled — each to his tent.
They took Absalom and cast him into a great pit in the forest, and raised over him a very great heap of stones. Then all Israel fled, each to his own tent.
And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to his tent.
And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the forest, and they laid an exceeding great heap of stories upon him: but all Israel fled to their own dwellings.
They took Absalom’s body and threw it into a huge pit in the forest, and covered it with a huge pile of stones. Then all the remaining Israeli soldiers who had been with Absalom fled to their own towns.
They got Absalom and threw him into a deep hole in the middle of the bush. Then they covered his body with lots of stones. At the same time, the Israel mob ran away and went back to their homes.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 18:17
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 18:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקְח֣וּ
אֶת
אַבְשָׁל֗וֹם
וַ/יַּשְׁלִ֨יכוּ
אֹת֤/וֹ
בַ/יַּ֨עַר֙
אֶל
הַ/פַּ֣חַת
הַ/גָּד֔וֹל
וַ/יַּצִּ֧בוּ
עָלָ֛י/ו
גַּל
אֲבָנִ֖ים
גָּד֣וֹל
מְאֹ֑ד
וְ/כָל
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
נָ֖סוּ
אִ֥ישׁ
ל/אהל/ו
לְ/אֹהָלָֽי/ו
וַ/יִּקְח֣וּ
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אַבְשָׁל֗וֹם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
Absalom
N-proper
וַ/יַּשְׁלִ֨יכוּ
shâlak
H7993
to throw
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֹת֤/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
בַ/יַּ֨עַר֙
yaʻar
H3293
Jaar
Prep | N-ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/פַּ֣חַת
pachath
H6354
pit
Art | N-ms
הַ/גָּד֔וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Art | Adj
וַ/יַּצִּ֧בוּ
nâtsab
H5324
to stand
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
עָלָ֛י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
גַּל
gal
H1530
heap
N-ms
אֲבָנִ֖ים
ʼeben
H68
stone
N-fp
גָּד֣וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
מְאֹ֑ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
נָ֖סוּ
nûwç
H5127
to flee
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
ל/אהל/ו
ʼôhel
H168
tent
Prep | N-ms | Suff
לְ/אֹהָלָֽי/ו
ʼôhel
H168
tent
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 18:17
וַ/יִּקְח֣וּ
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
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.
אַבְשָׁל֗וֹם
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.
וַ/יַּשְׁלִ֨יכוּ
shâlak
H7993
"to throw"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
To throw or cast away is the meaning of this Hebrew verb. It is used in various contexts, including throwing lots or casting out something unwanted. The word appears in stories like Jonah being thrown into the sea.
Definition: 1) to throw, cast, hurl, fling 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to throw, cast, throw away, cast off, shed, cast down 1a2) to cast (lots) (fig) 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be thrown, be cast 1b2) to be cast forth or out 1b3) to be cast down 1b4) to be cast (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: adventure, cast (away, down, forth, off, out), hurl, pluck, throw. See also: Genesis 21:15; Nehemiah 9:11; Psalms 2:3.
אֹת֤/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
בַ/יַּ֨עַר֙
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/פַּ֣חַת
pachath
H6354
"pit"
Art | N-ms
This word means a pit or hole, often used to catch animals. In the Bible, it can also refer to a trap or snare. The KJV translates it as 'hole' or 'pit'.
Definition: pit, hole
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: hole, pit, snare. See also: 2 Samuel 17:9; Jeremiah 48:28; Isaiah 24:17.
הַ/גָּד֔וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
וַ/יַּצִּ֧בוּ
nâtsab
H5324
"to stand"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
To stand or station oneself, either physically or as an appointed official. This word is used in various contexts, including setting up a monument or establishing a leader. It can also mean to stand firm or be established in a position.
Definition: 1) to stand, take one's stand, stand upright, be set (over), establish 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to station oneself, take one's stand 1a2) to stand, be stationed 1a3) to stand, take an upright position 1a4) to be stationed, be appointed 1a5) deputy, prefect, appointed, deputed (subst) 1a6) to stand firm 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to set up, erect 1b3) to cause to stand erect 1b4) to fix, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be fixed, be determined, be stationary
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: appointed, deputy, erect, establish, [idiom] Huzzah (by mistake for a proper name), lay, officer, pillar, present, rear up, set (over, up), settle, sharpen, establish, (make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright), best state. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 39:6.
עָלָ֛י/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
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.
גַּל
gal
H1530
"heap"
N-ms
A gal is a heap of stones, a spring of water, or a wave, used in various contexts like ratifying a covenant or describing God's chastisement.
Definition: : heap/pile 1) heap, spring, wave, billow 1a) heap (of stones) 1a1) over dead body 1a2) alone 1a3) used in ratifying a covenant 1b) waves (fig. of chastisement of Jehovah) 1c) spring Also means: gal (גַּל ": wave" H1530H)
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: billow, heap, spring, wave. See also: Genesis 31:46; Psalms 107:29; Psalms 42:8.
אֲבָנִ֖ים
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
גָּד֣וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
מְאֹ֑ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
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.
נָ֖סוּ
nûwç
H5127
"to flee"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.
Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
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.
ל/אהל/ו
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
לְ/אֹהָלָֽי/ו
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 18:17
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- 2 Samuel 18:17 Summary
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- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:17
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- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:17
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:17
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:17
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 18:17
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:17
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 18:17
Context — Absalom Killed
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.
17They took Absalom, cast him into a large pit in the forest, and piled a huge mound of stones over him. Meanwhile, all the Israelites fled, each to his home.
18During his lifetime, Absalom had set up for himself a pillar in the King’s Valley, for he had said, “I have no son to preserve the memory of my name.” So he gave the pillar his name, and to this day it is called Absalom’s Monument. 19Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 7:26 | And they heaped over Achan a large pile of rocks that remains to this day. So the LORD turned from His burning anger. Therefore that place is called the Valley of Achor to this day. |
| 2 | Joshua 8:29 | He hung the king of Ai on a tree until evening, and at sunset Joshua commanded that they take down the body from the tree and throw it down at the entrance of the city gate. And over it they raised a large pile of rocks, which remains to this day. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 19:8 | So the king got up and sat in the gate, and all the people were told: “Behold, the king is sitting in the gate.” So they all came before the king. Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled, each man to his home. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 20:1 | Now a worthless man named Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite, happened to be there, and he blew the ram’s horn and shouted: “We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son. Every man to his tent, O Israel!” |
| 5 | 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. |
| 6 | Joshua 10:27 | At sunset Joshua ordered that they be taken down from the trees and thrown into the cave in which they had hidden. Then large stones were placed against the mouth of the cave, and the stones are there to this day. |
| 7 | Proverbs 10:7 | The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 22:18–19 | Therefore this is what the LORD says concerning Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah: “They will not mourn for him: ‘Alas, my brother! Alas, my sister!’ They will not mourn for him: ‘Alas, my master! Alas, his splendor!’ He will be buried like a donkey, dragged away and thrown outside the gates of Jerusalem. |
2 Samuel 18:17 Summary
This verse tells us what happened to Absalom after he was killed, and how the Israelites responded to his death. The fact that they cast his body into a pit and piled stones over him shows that they rejected him as a leader and were ashamed of his actions, much like the shame and regret that comes from sin (Romans 6:23). The Israelites then returned to their homes, indicating that they were no longer united in their rebellion against King David. This verse reminds us that our actions have consequences, and that rejecting God's authority can lead to shame and defeat, but that forgiveness and restoration are always available through faith in Him (1 John 1:9).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did they pile a huge mound of stones over Absalom's body in 2 Samuel 18:17?
The act of piling stones over Absalom's body was likely a sign of disgrace and contempt, as seen in other biblical accounts such as Joshua 7:26 and Joshua 8:29, where stones were used to mark the graves of those who had brought shame or disobedience to the community of faith.
What can we learn from the fact that all the Israelites fled to their homes after Absalom's death?
The Israelites' decision to return home suggests that they were no longer united in their rebellion against King David, and that the death of Absalom had broken their spirit and will to fight, much like the scattering of the Israelites after the death of their leader in 1 Samuel 31:1-7.
Is there any spiritual significance to the large pit in the forest where Absalom was cast?
The use of a pit to dispose of Absalom's body may symbolize the depths of sin and rebellion, as seen in Psalm 40:2, where the psalmist describes being lifted out of a pit of destruction, and Psalm 55:23, where the wicked are said to fall into the depths of the pit.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of King David and his reign?
The death of Absalom and the subsequent return of the Israelites to their homes marks a significant turning point in King David's reign, as seen in 2 Samuel 19:1-8, where David is restored to power and begins to rebuild his kingdom, much like the restoration promised in Deuteronomy 30:1-10.
Reflection Questions
- What can I learn from the way the Israelites responded to the death of their leader, and how can I apply that to my own life when faced with disappointment or defeat?
- In what ways can I identify with Absalom's rebellion against God's appointed leader, and how can I turn from my own sinful tendencies?
- How does the image of the large pit in the forest speak to the consequences of sin and rebellion in my own life, and what hope can I find in the promise of restoration and forgiveness?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of submitting to God's authority and leadership in my life, and how can I prioritize obedience to His will?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:17
And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood,.... In the wood of Ephraim, near to which the battle was fought, and into which Absalom fled, and where he was slain: and laid a very
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:17
And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to his tent.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:17
Laid a very great heap of stones upon him, as a lasting monument of Absalom’ s sin and shame, and of the righteous judgment of God upon him. Compare 8:29 10:27. He was first hanged, after a sort, which was an accursed death, ; and then thrust through with darts and swords; and, after all, in a manner stoned, which was the proper punishment of a rebellious son, . Every one to his tent; to their houses and dwellings, to avoid the shame and punishment of their rebellion.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:17
2 Samuel 18:17 And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to his tent.Ver. 17. And laid a very great heap of stones upon him.] Other disobedient sons were by the law to be stoned alive; so was Absalom when dead: and still, as Adrichomius reporteth, every one that goeth by throweth a stone to add to the rest; in detestation of that horrid sin, saying, Cursed be the parricide Absalom.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:17
(17) Every one to his tent.—An expression derived from the life in the wilderness, and meaning every one to his home. (Comp. Deuteronomy 16:7; Joshua 22:4-8; 1 Samuel 13:2; 2 Samuel 19:8; 2 Samuel 20:1; 2 Samuel 20:22.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:17
Verse 17. And laid a very great heap of stones] This was the method of burying heroes, and even traitors, the heap of stones being designed to perpetuate the memory of the event, whether good or bad. The ancient cairns or heaps of stones, in different parts of the world, are of this kind. The various tumuli or barrows in England are the same as the cairns in different parts of Ireland and Scotland. In the former, stones were not plenty; hence they heaped up great mounds of earth.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:17
17. a very great heap of stones] A monument of shame over the rebel’s grave, as over that of Achan (Joshua 7:26), and the king of Ai (Joshua 8:29). Some think it was symbolic of the stoning which was the penalty of a rebel son (Deuteronomy 21:20-21). It is still a custom in the East for passers by to cast stones on the grave of a malefactor. See The Land and the Book, p. 490. fled every one to his tent] To his home. The use of the word tent is a relic of primitive nomad life. Cp. ch. 2 Samuel 20:1; 2 Samuel 20:22.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 18:17
A great heap of stones - See the marginal reference. This kind of monument is common to almost all early nations.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:17
17. Heap of stones upon him — As in the case of Achan and the king of Ai. Joshua 7:26; Joshua 8:29.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 18:17
| Sermon | Description | |
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Jonathan Edwards by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill reflects on the life and impact of Jonathan Edwards, highlighting him as a profound preacher and theologian whose passionate sermons ignited spiritual awakenings. |
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The Future Life - Personal Recognition in Heaven by W.B. Dunkum | W.B. Dunkum preaches about the composition of individuality symbolizing two worlds, with the body representing the present world and the soul representing the spiritual world. He d |
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Death-Beds by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot reflects on the blessed memory of the righteous, especially in their peaceful and triumphant death-beds, which serve as a powerful testimony to God's faithfulness and |
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Enduring Monuments by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot speaks about the desire for enduring monuments that outlast death, highlighting how individuals seek to be remembered even after they pass away. He contrasts physical |