2 Samuel 18:8

2 Samuel 18:8 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The battle spread over the whole countryside, and that day the forest devoured more people than the sword.

King James Version KJV

For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.

American Standard Version ASV

For the battle was there spread over the face of all the country; and the forest devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the fighting went on over all the face of the country: and the woods were responsible for more deaths than the sword.

Free Bible Version FBV

The battle covered the whole countryside, and that day more died because of the forest than were killed by the sword.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For the battel was skattered ouer all the countrey: and the wood deuoured much more people that day, then did the sworde.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and the battle is there scattered over the face of all the land, and the forest multiplieth to devour among the people more than those whom the sword hath devoured in that day.

World English Bible WEB

For the battle was there spread over the surface of all the country, and the forest devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the battle there was scattered over the face of all the country, and there were many more of the people whom the forest consumed, than whom the sword devoured that day.

Translation for Translators T4T

The battle was fought {They fought the battle} all over that area, and the number of men who died because of dangerous things in the forest [PRS] was greater than the number of men who were killed ◄in the battle/by swords►.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 18:8

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 18:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/תְּהִי שָׁ֧ם הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֛ה נפצית נָפֹ֖צֶת עַל פְּנֵ֣י כָל הָ/אָ֑רֶץ וַ/יֶּ֤רֶב הַ/יַּ֨עַר֙ לֶ/אֱכֹ֣ל בָּ/עָ֔ם מֵ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָכְלָ֛ה הַ/חֶ֖רֶב בַּ/יּ֥וֹם הַ/הֽוּא

וַ/תְּהִי hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

שָׁ֧ם shâm H8033 there Adv

הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֛ה milchâmâh H4421 battle Art | N-fs

נפצית pûwts H6327 to scatter V-Niphal-Inf-c

נָפֹ֖צֶת pûwts H6327 to scatter V-Niphal-Inf-c

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

פְּנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 face N-cp

כָל kôl H3605 all N-ms

הָ/אָ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

וַ/יֶּ֤רֶב râbâh H7235 to multiply Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

הַ/יַּ֨עַר֙ yaʻar H3293 Jaar Art | N-ms

לֶ/אֱכֹ֣ל ʼâkal H398 to eat Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

בָּ/עָ֔ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Prep | N-ms

מֵ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel

אָכְלָ֛ה ʼâkal H398 to eat V-Qal-Perf-3fs

הַ/חֶ֖רֶב chereb H2719 sword Art | N-fs

בַּ/יּ֥וֹם yôwm H3117 day Prep | N-ms

הַ/הֽוּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Art | Pron

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 18:8

וַ/תְּהִי 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.

שָׁ֧ם shâm H8033 "there" Adv

The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֛ה 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.

נפצית pûwts H6327 "to scatter" V-Niphal-Inf-c

To shatter means to break something into pieces, either physically or figuratively. It can also mean to disperse or scatter people or things, as seen in various Bible translations.

Definition: 1) to scatter, be dispersed, be scattered 1a) (Qal) to be dispersed, be scattered 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be scattered 1b2) to be spread abroad 1c) (Hiphil) to scatter 1d) Hithpael) scatter

Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break (dash, shake) in (to) pieces, cast (abroad), disperse (selves), drive, retire, scatter (abroad), spread abroad. See also: Genesis 10:18; Jeremiah 10:21; Psalms 18:15.

נָפֹ֖צֶת pûwts H6327 "to scatter" V-Niphal-Inf-c

To shatter means to break something into pieces, either physically or figuratively. It can also mean to disperse or scatter people or things, as seen in various Bible translations.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

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.

פְּנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

כָל kôl H3605 "all" 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.

הָ/אָ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

וַ/יֶּ֤רֶב râbâh H7235 "to multiply" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.

Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)

Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.

הַ/יַּ֨עַר֙ yaʻar H3293 "Jaar" Art | 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.

לֶ/אֱכֹ֣ל ʼâkal H398 "to eat" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)

Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.

בָּ/עָ֔ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Prep | 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.

מֵ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

אָכְלָ֛ה ʼâkal H398 "to eat" V-Qal-Perf-3fs

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

הַ/חֶ֖רֶב chereb H2719 "sword" Art | N-fs

A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.

Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone

Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.

בַּ/יּ֥וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

הַ/הֽוּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Art | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 18:8

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Samuel 18:8 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:8
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:8
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:8
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:8
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:8
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:8
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:8
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 18:8
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:8
Sermons on 2 Samuel 18:8

Context — Absalom Killed

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.

9Now Absalom was riding on his mule when he met the servants of David, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s head was caught fast in the tree. The mule under him kept going, so that he was suspended in midair. 10When one of the men saw this, he told Joab, “I just saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree!”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 15:10	But You blew with Your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters.
2	Joshua 10:11	As they fled before Israel along the descent from Beth-horon to Azekah, the LORD cast down on them large hailstones from the sky, and more of them were killed by the hailstones than by the swords of the Israelites.
3	Psalms 43:1	Vindicate me, O God, and plead my case against an ungodly nation; deliver me from deceitful and unjust men.
4	Psalms 3:7	Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.
5	1 Kings 20:30	The rest of them fled into the city of Aphek, where the wall fell on twenty-seven thousand of the remaining men. Ben-hadad also fled to the city and hid in an inner room.
6	Judges 5:20–21	From the heavens the stars fought; from their courses they fought against Sisera. The River Kishon swept them away, the ancient river, the River Kishon. March on, O my soul, in strength!

2 Samuel 18:8 Summary

[This verse means that during the battle, many soldiers got hurt or died because of the forest, not just from fighting. It's like when we face challenges in life, sometimes the things around us can be just as difficult to deal with as the challenges themselves, as seen in (Job 23:10). The forest becoming a factor in the battle reminds us that life is full of unexpected things, and we need to trust in God to help us through them, just like David did, and as we're encouraged to do in (Psalm 37:3-4). It's also a reminder that even in the midst of war and conflict, God is still in control, and we can trust in His sovereignty, as noted in (Psalm 46:1-3).]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that the forest devoured more people than the sword in 2 Samuel 18:8?

This phrase suggests that many people died accidentally in the forest, such as by getting lost, falling, or being trampled, rather than directly from sword wounds, as seen in the fate of Absalom in 2 Samuel 18:9, where he gets caught in a tree, illustrating the unpredictable nature of war, much like the description in Proverbs 21:31 which notes the unpredictability of battle outcomes.

Is this verse saying that the forest was a more deadly enemy than the armies fighting?

In a sense, yes, this verse highlights that the environment itself became a significant factor in the battle, causing more casualties than the actual fighting, a reminder that in war, there are often unforeseen circumstances that can lead to harm, as also noted in Ecclesiastes 9:11 where it talks about the unpredictable nature of life and death.

How does this verse relate to the larger story of David and Absalom?

This verse is part of the narrative of the rebellion of Absalom against his father David, and it sets the stage for the eventual defeat and death of Absalom, as told in 2 Samuel 18:9-10, showing how David's faith in God and his military strategy ultimately led to his victory, as prophesied in 2 Samuel 17:14.

What spiritual lesson can we learn from this verse?

One lesson is the unpredictability of life and the importance of trusting in God, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, as David did, and as encouraged in Psalm 23:4, where it says God is with us even in the valley of the shadow of death.

Reflection Questions

How do you think the soldiers felt as they realized the forest was becoming a deadly trap for them?
What does this verse teach us about the nature of war and its unpredictability?
In what ways can we apply the lesson of trusting in God despite uncertainty to our own lives?
How does this verse contribute to the overall story of David's faith and perseverance in the face of adversity?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 18:8

For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country,.... Or the warriors were scattered, as the Targum; Absalom's soldiers, their ranks were broken, and they were thrown into the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 18:8

For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured. The wood devoured more people ... than the sword.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:8

The battle was there scattered, i. e. the warriors being beaten in the fight, fled, and were dispersed; the abstract being put for the concrete, as poverty is put for poor men, , and deceit for the deceiver, and dreams for dreamers, 13:6. The wood devoured more people, i.e. more people died in the wood, either through hunger, and thirst, and weariness; or by the wild beasts, whereof great numbers were there, which, though they were driven away by noise and clamour from the place of the main battle, yet might easily meet with them when they fled several ways, which also might be directed and sent to them by God’ s providence and just judgment to punish them for their rebellion; or by falling into ditches and pits, which were in that place, , and probably were covered with grass or wood, so as they could not see them till they fell into them; or by being hanged in trees, as Absalom was, ; and especially by David’ s men, who pursued them, and killed them in the wood: and the wood is rightly said to have devoured them, because it gave the occasion to their destruction, inasmuch as the trees, and ditches, and pits, entangled them, and stopped their flight, and made them an easy prey to David’ s men, who followed them, and slew them in the pursuit, being therein directed and assisted by the people of that country, who, after the manner, fell in with the victorious side. Than the sword devoured, to wit, in the main battle; the sword being put for the battle, by a common metonymy.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:8

2 Samuel 18:8 For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.Ver. 8. And the wood devoured more people that day.] While in running from death, they ran to it; sive in stipites impegerint, sive in arbores illisetint, sive in scrobes, praecipitia aut etiam feras inciderint; whether they fell upon the stubs, or fell into the ditches, or were hanged in the trees, or devoured by wild beasts, or were slain there in the pursuit, or knocked on the head by the country people; quod arguit hanc divinam esse vindictam, saith Jerome.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:8

(8) The wood devoured more.—The battle and the pursuit covered a wide range of country; more were slain in the pursuit through the wood, both by accident and by the sword, than in the actual battle itself.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:8

Verse 8. The wood devoured more people] It is generally supposed that, when the army was broken, they betook themselves to the wood, fell into pits, swamps, c., and, being entangled, were hewn down by David's men but the Chaldee, Syriac, and Arabic, state that they were devoured by wild beasts in the wood.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 18:8

8. the wood devoured more, &c.] The explanation generally given is that they perished in the pits and precipices and morasses of the forest: but this seems unlikely. More probably it means that owing to the nature of the ground more were slain in the pursuit through the forest, than in the actual battle.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 18:8

The battle was scattered - Probably Absalom’s forces were far more numerous than David’s; but, most likely by Joab’s skillful generalship, the field of battle was such that numbers did not tell, and

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:8

8. Scattered — For they could not march en masse through the tangled forests.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 18:8

	Sermon	Description
	Deliverance in the Stormy Winds by Charles E. Cowman	Charles E. Cowman reflects on the story of the Lord bringing an east wind to bring locusts upon Egypt, and how the stormy winds were used by God to deliver Israel from the cruel Ph
	Testimonies From Asia Harvest 05 by Paul Hattaway	In the video, the eyewitnesses describe the arrival of Major Thomas to the village of Sendinu. The villagers were instructed to greet him by shaking his hand and singing hymns as t
	Joshua Leading the People in God's Victory by Bob Hoekstra	Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of fully yielding to the Lord as the divine Commander in our battles, just as Joshua did before the first battle at Jericho. Joshua's encoun
	Prayer in the Time of Trouble by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith addresses the issue of seeking righteous judgment from God in the face of an ungodly nation. He begins by acknowledging the sad reality of a nati
	Psalm 43: A Cry of Distress by Art Katz	Art Katz explores Psalm 43, emphasizing the psalmist's deep distress and his struggle to reconcile his experiences with his understanding of God's character. The psalmist's cry for
	Peace in the Midst of the Storm by David Guzik	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Psalm 3, where David laments the increase of his enemies, including his own son Absalom. David is troubled by the lack of loyalty from those
	Psalm 5 by Carl Armerding	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and devotion to God. He shares personal experiences and insights from his 60 years of knowing the Lord. The speaker