College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
2 Samuel 18 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 18
David's battle plan, David divided his army into three parts, putting one under the leadership of Joab, one under Abishai, and one under Ittai. He strictly warned his commanders against harming his son, Absalom.
The death of Absalom. The terrain where the battle was fought was very rough. The difficulties faced by soldiers caused more deaths than the actual fighting. One casualty of the terrain was Absalom himself. His head was caught in the branches of a tree, and his mule rode out from under him. While he was hanging suspended in this way, Joab drove three darts through his heart.
David's lament for Absalom. David's lamentation over his son is a classical expression of a father's grief over the death of his son. It is hard to imagine any more expressive wording for a man's grief than those recorded in the last verse of the chapter.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
It is folly to make a name for one's self. Absalom had reared a pillar in his own honor. This is about the only remembrance he had in Israel. His action is reminiscent of the wicked men of Babel (Genesis 11:1 ff). These men sought to rear a tower to heaven in order that they might made a name for themselves. A man is much wiser to let others rear a memorial in his honor.
2.
Many run without tidings (2 Samuel 18:22). Ahimaaz wanted to run to tell David the news of the battle. Cushi had already been sent with the news. It was useless for Ahimaaz to run since he had no more news to carry. Many preachers and churches have continued to make a lot of noise, but they have forgotten to tell the good news. They run without tidings.
3.
God mourns for His children. God's children have gone astray and are dying in sin. God did not only say, I would die for you, but He has said, I have died for you.
CHAPTER 18 IN REVIEW
1.
Under what three men did David place his soldiers?
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2.
Did David go into the battle himself?
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3.
In what forest was the battle fought?
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4.
In what kind of tree was Absalom's head caught?
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5.
With what weapon did Joab kill Absalom?
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6.
With what did the men cover Absalom's body?
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7.
With whom did Joab send the news to David?
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8.
Who else wanted to carry the news?
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9.
Where was David when he received the news?
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10.
Quote David's lamentation of Absalom.
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