2 Samuel 18:2
2 Samuel 18:2 in Multiple Translations
He sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the troops, “I will surely march out with you as well.”
And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.
And David sent forth the people, a third part under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.
And David sent the people out, a third of them under the orders of Joab, and a third under the orders of Abishai, son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the people, And I myself will certainly go out with you.
David sent the army out divided into three sections. One third was commanded by Joab, one third was commanded by Abishai, son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and one third was commanded by Ittai the Gittite. The king told the men, “I myself will go out to battle with you.”
And Dauid sent foorth the third part of the people vnder the hand of Ioab, and the thirde part vnder the hand of Abishai Ioabs brother the sonne of Zeruiah: and the other third part vnder the hand of Ittai the Gittite. and the King said vnto the people, I will go with you my selfe also.
and David sendeth the third of the people by the hand of Joab, and the third by the hand of Abishai, son of Zeruiah, brother of Joab, and the third by the hand of Ittai the Gittite, and the king saith unto the people, 'I certainly go out — I also — with you.'
David sent the people out, a third part under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. The king said to the people, “I will also surely go out with you myself.”
And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.
And sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abisai the son of Sarvia Joab’s brother, and a third part under the hand of Ethai, who was of Geth: and the king said to the people: I also will go forth with you.
He sent them out in three groups. Joab commanded one group, Joab’s brother Abishai commanded a second group, and Ittai from Gath commanded the third group. David said to them, “I myself will go with you to the battle.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 18:2
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2 Samuel 18:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 18:2
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 18:2
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 18:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:2
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:2
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:2
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 18:2
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:2
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 18:2
Context — Absalom Killed
2He sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the troops, “I will surely march out with you as well.”
3But the people pleaded, “You must not go out! For if we have to flee, they will not care about us. Even if half of us die, they will not care. But you are worth ten thousand of us. It is better now if you support us from the city.” 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 7:16 | And he divided the three hundred men into three companies and gave each man a ram’s horn in one hand and a large jar in the other, containing a torch. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 15:19–22 | Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you also go with us? Go back and stay with the new king, since you are both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland. In fact, you arrived only yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I do not know where I am going? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness. ” But Ittai answered the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be!” “March on then,” said David to Ittai. So Ittai the Gittite marched past with all his men and all the little ones who were with him. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 10:7–10 | On hearing this, David sent Joab and the entire army of mighty men. The Ammonites marched out and arrayed themselves for battle at the entrance of the city gate, while the Arameans of Zobah and Rehob and the men of Tob and Maacah were by themselves in the open country. When Joab saw the battle lines before him and behind him, he selected some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Arameans. And he placed the rest of the forces under the command of his brother Abishai, who arrayed them against the Ammonites. |
| 4 | Psalms 118:6–8 | The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The LORD is on my side; He is my helper. Therefore I will look in triumph on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. |
| 5 | Judges 9:43 | So he took his men, divided them into three companies, and lay in wait in the fields. When he saw the people coming out of the city, he rose up against them and attacked them. |
| 6 | Psalms 3:6 | I will not fear the myriads set against me on every side. |
| 7 | Judges 7:19 | Gideon and the hundred men with him reached the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after the changing of the guard. They blew their horns and broke the jars that were in their hands. |
| 8 | Psalms 27:1–3 | The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— whom shall I dread? When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell. Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust. |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 17:11 | Instead, I advise that all Israel from Dan to Beersheba—a multitude like the sand on the seashore—be gathered to you, and that you yourself lead them into battle. |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 11:11 | The next day Saul organized the troops into three divisions, and during the morning watch they invaded the camp of the Ammonites and slaughtered them, until the hottest part of the day. And the survivors were so scattered that no two of them were left together. |
2 Samuel 18:2 Summary
In 2 Samuel 18:2, King David sends out his troops to battle, dividing them into three groups under different commanders. He also wants to march out with them, showing his bravery and loyalty. This decision is similar to the way that Jesus led his disciples, as seen in Matthew 4:18-22, where he called them to follow him and be part of his mission. By reading this verse, we can learn about the importance of leadership, bravery, and trust in God's plan, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King David want to march out with his troops?
King David wanted to march out with his troops because he was a brave and loyal leader who wanted to be with his men in battle, as seen in 2 Samuel 18:2. This decision was likely motivated by his desire to lead by example and to be close to the action, much like King Asa in 2 Chronicles 14:8-12.
Who were the commanders of the troops in this verse?
The commanders of the troops in this verse were Joab, Abishai son of Zeruiah, and Ittai the Gittite, as stated in 2 Samuel 18:2. These men were likely chosen for their bravery and military skill, similar to the commanders chosen by Moses in Numbers 31:14.
What can we learn from King David's decision to send out his troops in thirds?
King David's decision to send out his troops in thirds likely indicates that he was trying to divide his forces in a way that would give them the best chance of success, similar to the strategy used by Joshua in Joshua 8:1-2. This decision may also have been motivated by a desire to minimize losses and protect his men.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in 2 Samuel 18?
This verse sets the stage for the rest of the story in 2 Samuel 18, which tells the story of the battle between David's troops and the forces of his son Absalom. The decision made by King David in this verse has significant consequences for the outcome of the battle, as seen in 2 Samuel 18:6-14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate bravery and loyalty in my own life, like King David did in this verse?
- How can I balance my desire to be involved in the action with the need to prioritize my own safety and well-being, as King David's troops advised him to do in 2 Samuel 18:3?
- What are some strategies that I can use to divide my tasks and responsibilities in a way that gives me the best chance of success, like King David did with his troops in this verse?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, like King David did in this story?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:2
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:2
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:2
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:2
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 18:2
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:2
Sermons on 2 Samuel 18:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Walking in the Wind (Conclusion) by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the story of Gideon from the Bible. Gideon had to defeat a mighty army with only 300 men. He used earthen vessels with lights inside them t |
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(Elijah Legacy) 6. Restoring the Altar of the Lord by David Davis | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of brokenness as a crucial aspect of one's relationship with God. He refers to various biblical examples, such as the story of G |
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God's Choice of Instruments (I. Cor. I. 27, 28) by Seth Rees | Seth Rees preaches about how God chooses the foolish, weak, despised, base, and things that are not to confound the wise and mighty. He emphasizes the importance of being willing t |
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I Don't Know How to Go On by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and strength of God in overcoming challenges and obstacles. He encourages the audience to thank God for the victory and to trust i |
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This Is the Day by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the anticipation of the day when God would send his only begotten Son into the world to redeem mankind from sin. The sermon emphasizes the spi |
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The Consequences of Preaching the Truth by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of enduring through trials and attacks from the enemy, focusing on the need to keep one's eyes on God and find strength in His Word. It highli |
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Exposition on Psalm 118 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the importance of praising the Lord and confessing His goodness, emphasizing that God's mercy endures forever. He encourages all, from Israel to those who |







