2 Samuel 18 2

2 Samuel 18:2 kjv

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.

2 Samuel 18:2 nkjv

Then David sent out one third of the people under the hand of Joab, one third under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and one third under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the people, "I also will surely go out with you myself."

2 Samuel 18:2 niv

David sent out his troops, a third under the command of Joab, a third under Joab's brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. The king told the troops, "I myself will surely march out with you."

2 Samuel 18:2 esv

And David sent out the army, one third under the command of Joab, one third under the command of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and one third under the command of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the men, "I myself will also go out with you."

2 Samuel 18:2 nlt

He sent the troops out in three groups, placing one group under Joab, one under Joab's brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and one under Ittai, the man from Gath. The king told his troops, "I am going out with you."

2 Samuel 18 verses

2 Samuel 18 2 Meaning

This verse describes King David's strategic deployment of his military forces in preparation for battle against Absalom's rebellion. He systematically divides his army into three divisions, entrusting each division to one of his most trusted and capable commanders: Joab, Abishai, and Ittai the Gittite. The verse also records David's initial strong declaration that he would personally lead his troops into the battle alongside them.

2 Samuel 18 2 Context

This verse is situated at a crucial point in the account of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. After being forced to flee Jerusalem due to Absalom's successful coup and the subsequent defection of much of Israel, David has gathered his loyal forces at Mahanaim, across the Jordan River. Chapter 18 describes the climactic battle. Verse 1 recounts David mustering his forces and appointing commanders over units of a thousand and a hundred. Verse 2 elaborates on this command structure, specifically detailing the division of his entire army into three main columns, each led by one of his most trusted generals. The king's initial declaration to personally lead is significant, setting up the immediate concern of his men in the very next verse (18:3), who prevail upon him not to expose himself in battle, highlighting his value as their king and symbol of their cause. The historical context underscores David's seasoned military leadership, having to once again fight for his throne, but this time against his own son.

2 Samuel 18 2 Word analysis

• And David sent out:
  • Hebrew: וַיְשַׁלַּח֙ (vayishalaḥ). This verb denotes an intentional and active deployment. It indicates David's strategic initiative in organizing his forces, rather than a mere gathering. It signifies he is taking charge and making preparations for war.
• a third part:
  • Hebrew: שְׁלִישִׁ֔ית (shelishit). This signifies a classic military formation or division, common in ancient Near Eastern armies. Dividing the army into three allows for various tactical maneuvers such as a central assault with two flanking units, a main attack with a reserve, or deployment in different geographical sectors. It indicates sophisticated military planning.
• of the people:
  • Referring to his assembled fighting force or army. This highlights that David's loyal subjects and soldiers are the 'people' engaging in this conflict, a significant detail considering it's a civil war.
• under the hand of:
  • Hebrew: עַל־יַ֣ד (’al-yad), literally "upon the hand of" or "by the hand of." This idiomatic expression denotes "under the command of" or "delegated authority to." It clearly specifies that while David planned the division, actual battlefield command was entrusted to these three generals.
• Joab:
  • David's nephew and commander-in-chief, a highly skilled but often ruthless military leader (2 Sam 2:13, 2 Sam 11:6-25, 1 Kgs 2:5-6). His inclusion here shows David's reliance on his primary, proven, albeit controversial, general.
• Abishai the son of Zeruiah:
  • Joab's brother, also David's nephew, and a renowned warrior (1 Sam 26:6-9, 2 Sam 21:17, 2 Sam 23:18). His family connection to David (Zeruiah was David's sister) reinforces his place within David's inner circle of loyal, elite fighters.
• Ittai the Gittite:
  • A Philistine (from Gath) mercenary leader who pledged unwavering loyalty to David during his flight from Absalom (2 Sam 15:18-22). His inclusion as a divisional commander speaks volumes about David's character, his trust in loyalty regardless of origin, and God's capacity to bring allies from unexpected places. His position reflects his proven dedication and capability.
• And the king said unto the people:
  • Indicates David's direct communication with his troops, revealing his intention and desire for solidarity.
• I will surely go forth with you myself also:
  • Hebrew: יָצ֣וֹא אֵצֵ֞א גַּם־אֲנִ֖י עִמָּכֶ֑ם (yatzo etze gam ani immakhem). The use of the infinitive absolute "yatzo etze" (lit. "going I will go") creates an emphatic statement. It underscores David's strong resolve and personal desire to lead the battle from the front. This expresses his commitment, courage, and his readiness to share the danger with his men, typical of a warrior king, despite the counsel that follows in verse 3.

2 Samuel 18 2 Bonus section

• The division of the army into three is often associated with the classic military strategy seen in figures like Gideon (Judg 7:16), suggesting a deliberate and effective tactical arrangement for the engagement to come. This likely allowed for superior command and control in the rugged terrain of the forest of Ephraim where the battle took place.
• The fact that David, a man after God's own heart, meticulously planned and divided his army for battle, indicates that while reliance on God is paramount, strategic preparation and good leadership are also vital in carrying out God's purposes, embodying the principle that faith without works is dead.
• Ittai the Gittite's loyalty serves as a counterpoint to the disloyalty of many Israelites, including David's own son. It highlights how divine favor can draw unexpected allegiance to God's chosen leader.

2 Samuel 18 2 Commentary

2 Samuel 18:2 offers a concise yet profound glimpse into David's leadership and the immediate pre-battle scenario of the civil war against Absalom. David, a seasoned king and commander, displays his strategic prowess by dividing his forces into three tactical divisions. This tripartite division was a common military maneuver, optimizing for command and control, particularly important in what would become a complex engagement in dense forest terrain.

The appointment of Joab, Abishai, and Ittai as the heads of these divisions highlights David's reliance on his most trusted and capable generals. Joab, his chief general, was unparalleled in military acumen. Abishai, Joab's brother, was equally fierce and loyal. The inclusion of Ittai the Gittite is particularly significant; as a Philistine who had only recently joined David and whose loyalty was remarkably tested and proven during the flight from Jerusalem, his command position demonstrates David's astute judgment of character and merit over nationality. It suggests David's leadership drew support from diverse origins due to his personal appeal or divine favor.

David's stated intention to personally lead the troops with the emphatic declaration, "I will surely go forth with you myself also," underscores his warrior spirit and his deep connection to his men. This was not a king detached from the fray but one prepared to share in the danger. While ultimately his men would convince him otherwise for strategic reasons (as stated in 18:3), his expressed willingness showcased his solidarity and courage, factors that often boosted morale among ancient armies. This verse, therefore, portrays a king who is strategically minded, reliant on trusted advisors, capable of identifying and rewarding loyalty regardless of background, and personally committed to the welfare of his people even at great personal risk. It speaks to the burden of leadership and the king's intimate involvement in the destiny of his kingdom.