Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The king commanded Joab, Abishai and Ittai, “Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake.” And all the troops heard the king giving orders concerning Absalom to each of the commanders. New Living Translation And the king gave this command to Joab, Abishai, and Ittai: “For my sake, deal gently with young Absalom.” And all the troops heard the king give this order to his commanders. English Standard Version And the king ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king gave orders to all the commanders about Absalom. Berean Standard Bible Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, “Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” And all the people heard the king’s orders to each of the commanders regarding Absalom. Berean Literal Bible And the king had commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “Be gentle for my sake with the young man, Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king gave orders all the captains concerning Absalom. King James Bible And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom. New King James Version Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains orders concerning Absalom. New American Standard Bible But the king commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently with the young man Absalom for my sake.” And all the people heard when the king commanded all the commanders regarding Absalom. NASB 1995 The king charged Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king charged all the commanders concerning Absalom. NASB 1977 And the king charged Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king charged all the commanders concerning Absalom. Legacy Standard Bible Then the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king commanded all the commanders concerning Absalom. Amplified Bible The king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently with the young man Absalom for my sake.” And all the men heard when the king gave orders to all the commanders about Absalom. Berean Annotated Bible Now the king had commanded Joab (YHWH is father), Abishai (my father is a gift), and Ittai (with me), “Treat the young man Absalom (my father is peace) gently for my sake. And all the people heard the king’s orders to each of the commanders regarding Absalom. Christian Standard Bible The king commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, “Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” All the people heard the king’s orders to all the commanders about Absalom. Holman Christian Standard Bible The king commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, “Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” All the people heard the king’s orders to all the commanders about Absalom. American Standard Version And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom. English Revised Version And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom. GOD'S WORD® Translation The king ordered Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, "Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake." All the troops heard him give all the commanders this order regarding Absalom. Good News Translation He gave orders to Joab, Abishai, and Ittai: "For my sake don't harm the young man Absalom." And all the troops heard David give this command to his officers. International Standard Version As they were going out, the king ordered Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, "Treat young Absalom gently for my sake." Everyone heard what the king had ordered his commanders about Absalom. NET Bible The king gave this order to Joab, Abishai, and Ittai: "For my sake deal gently with the young man Absalom." Now the entire army was listening when the king gave all the leaders this order concerning Absalom. New Heart English Bible The king gave this order to Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, "Be gentle for my sake with the young man Absalom." And all the people were listening when the king gave orders to all the commanders concerning Absalom. Webster's Bible Translation And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, “Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” And all the people heard the king’s orders to each of the commanders regarding Absalom. World English Bible The king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” All the people heard when the king commanded all the captains concerning Absalom. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the king charges Joab, and Abishai, and Ittai, saying, “[Deal] gently—for me, for the youth, for Absalom”; and all the people heard in the king’s charging all the heads concerning Absalom. Berean Literal Bible And the king had commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “Be gentle for my sake with the young man, Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king gave orders all the captains concerning Absalom. Young's Literal Translation and the king chargeth Joab, and Abishai, and Ittai, saying, 'Gently -- for me, for the youth, for Absalom;' and all the people heard in the king's charging all the heads concerning Absalom. Smith's Literal Translation And the king will command Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Gently for me to the boy, to Absalom. And all the people heard in the king's commanding all the chiefs for the word of Absalom. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the king commanded Joab, and Abisai, and Ethai, saying: Save me the boy Absalom. And all the people heard the king giving charge to all the princes concerning Absalom. Catholic Public Domain Version And the king ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “Preserve for me the boy Absalom.” And all the people heard the king commanding all the leaders on behalf of Absalom. New American Bible But the king gave this command to Joab, Abishai, and Ittai: “Be gentle with young Absalom for my sake.” All the soldiers heard as the king gave commands to the various leaders with regard to Absalom. New Revised Standard Version The king ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king gave orders to all the commanders concerning Absalom. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Capture for me the young man Absalom alive. And all the people heard when the king gave orders to all commanders concerning Absalom. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the King commanded Yuab and Abishai and Athi: “Seize for me the boy Abishlum alive!" And all the people heard when the King ordered all the Princes concerning the matter of Abishlum OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying: 'Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom.' And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the king commanded Joab and Abessa and Ethi, saying, Spare for my sake the young man Abessalom. And all the people heard the king charging all the commanders concerning Abessalom. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Absalom Killed…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. 5Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, “Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” And all the people heard the king’s orders to each of the commanders regarding Absalom. 6So David’s army marched into the field to engage Israel in the battle, which took place in the forest of Ephraim.… Cross References Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, 2 Samuel 20:4-7 Then the king said to Amasa, “Summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself.” / So Amasa went to summon Judah, but he took longer than the time allotted him. / And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and elude us.” … 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!” … 2 Samuel 16:9-10 Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head!” / But the king replied, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses me because the LORD told him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why did you do this?’” “Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” 2 Samuel 14:24 But the king added, “He may return to his house, but he must not see my face.” So Absalom returned to his own house, but he did not see the face of the king. 2 Samuel 13:39 And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he had been consoled over Amnon’s death. 1 Samuel 26:9-11 But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” / David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. / But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.” And all the people heard the king’s orders 2 Kings 23:1-3 Then the king summoned all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. / And he went up to the house of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as well as the priests and the prophets—all the people small and great—and in their hearing he read all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD. / So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant. 2 Chronicles 34:29-31 Then the king summoned all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. / And he went up to the house of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as well as the priests and the Levites—all the people great and small—and in their hearing he read all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD. / So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book. Esther 1:20-22 The edict the king issues will be heard throughout his vast kingdom—and so all women, from the least to the greatest, will honor their husbands.” / The king and his princes were pleased with this counsel; so the king did as Memucan advised. / He sent letters to all the provinces of the kingdom, to each province in its own script and to each people in their own language, proclaiming that every man should be master of his own household. to each of the commanders regarding Absalom. 2 Samuel 14:21-23 Then the king said to Joab, “I hereby grant this request. Go, bring back the young man Absalom.” / Joab fell facedown in homage and blessed the king. “Today,” said Joab, “your servant knows that he has found favor in your eyes, my lord the king, because the king has granted his request.” / So Joab got up, went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem. 2 Samuel 14:28-33 Now Absalom lived in Jerusalem two years without seeing the face of the king. / Then he sent for Joab to send him to the king, but Joab refused to come to him. So Absalom sent a second time, but Joab still would not come. / Then Absalom said to his servants, “Look, Joab’s field is next to mine, and he has barley there. Go and set it on fire!” And Absalom’s servants set the field on fire. … 2 Samuel 19:4-6 But the king covered his face and cried out at the top of his voice, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!” / Then Joab went into the house and said to the king, “Today you have disgraced all your servants who have saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, of your wives, and of your concubines. / You love those who hate you and hate those who love you! For you have made it clear today that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. I know today that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would have pleased you! 2 Samuel 14:11 “Please,” she replied, “may the king invoke the LORD your God to prevent the avenger of blood from increasing the devastation, so that my son may not be destroyed!” “As surely as the LORD lives,” he vowed, “not a hair of your son’s head will fall to the ground.” 2 Samuel 17:12-14 Then we will attack David wherever we find him, and we will descend on him like dew on the ground. And of all the men with him, not even one will remain. / If he retreats to a city, all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it down to the valley until not even a pebble can be found there.” / Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom. 1 Kings 2:9 Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You know what you ought to do to him to bring his gray head down to Sheol in blood.” 1 Kings 1:52 And Solomon replied, “If he is a man of character, not a single hair of his will fall to the ground. But if evil is found in him, he will die.” Treasury of Scripture And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom. Deal gently 2 Samuel 16:11 And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him. 2 Samuel 17:1-4,14 Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night: … Deuteronomy 21:18-21 If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them: … all the people 1 Samuel 18:12 And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul. Jump to Previous Abishai Abi'shai Absalom Captains Charge Charged Commanded Deal Gently Heard Ittai Joab Jo'ab Ordered Sake YoungJump to Next Abishai Abi'shai Absalom Captains Charge Charged Commanded Deal Gently Heard Ittai Joab Jo'ab Ordered Sake Young2 Samuel 18 1. David viewing the armies in their march gives them charge of Absalom6. The Israelites are sorely smitten in the wood of ephraim 9. Absalom, hanging in an oak is slain by Joab, and cast into a pit 18. Absalom's place 19. Ahimaaz and Cushi bring tidings to David 33. David mourns for Absalom Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai David, the king, is issuing a direct command to his military leaders. Joab, Abishai, and Ittai are key figures in David's army. Joab, David's nephew, is the commander of the army and has been a central figure in David's military campaigns. Abishai, Joab's brother, is also a seasoned warrior and has shown loyalty to David. Ittai the Gittite, a foreigner from Gath, has recently pledged allegiance to David, demonstrating the king's ability to inspire loyalty beyond his own people. This command highlights the hierarchical structure of ancient Israelite military leadership and the importance of direct orders from the king. “Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” And all the people heard the king’s orders to each of the commanders regarding Absalom. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, father of Absalom, who is deeply conflicted between his role as a king and his love for his son. 2. Joab The commander of David's army, known for his military prowess and sometimes ruthless decisions. 3. Abishai Brother of Joab and one of David's mighty warriors, loyal to David. 4. Ittai A foreigner from Gath who showed loyalty to David and was entrusted with leadership in the battle. 5. Absalom David's son, who rebelled against his father, leading to a civil war in Israel. Teaching Points The Conflict of Love and DutyDavid's command to treat Absalom gently reflects the tension between his love as a father and his responsibilities as a king. This highlights the challenge of balancing personal relationships with leadership duties. The Consequences of Indulgence David's indulgence of Absalom throughout his life contributed to the rebellion. This serves as a reminder of the importance of setting boundaries and providing guidance to children. Leadership and Obedience Joab, Abishai, and Ittai were given a direct command by their king. This illustrates the importance of obedience to authority, even when personal feelings or strategic considerations might suggest otherwise. The Power of Influence David's command was heard by all the troops, showing how a leader's words can influence the actions and morale of many. Leaders must be mindful of their words and the impact they have. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 18:5?2. How does David's command in 2 Samuel 18:5 demonstrate his love for Absalom? 3. What can we learn about leadership from David's instructions in 2 Samuel 18:5? 4. How does David's plea in 2 Samuel 18:5 reflect Jesus' teachings on love? 5. How can we apply David's compassion in 2 Samuel 18:5 to our relationships? 6. What does 2 Samuel 18:5 teach about balancing justice and mercy in leadership? 7. Why did David command his men to deal gently with Absalom in 2 Samuel 18:5? 8. How does 2 Samuel 18:5 reflect David's relationship with his son Absalom? 9. What does 2 Samuel 18:5 reveal about David's leadership and priorities? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 18? 11. Why does Joab’s direct killing of Absalom contradict David’s explicit command to spare him (2 Samuel 18:5, 14), and does this create a moral inconsistency? 12. Why does 1 Chronicles 18:12 credit Abishai with killing 18,000 Edomites, while 2 Samuel 8:13 attributes the same victory to David? 13. 1 Chronicles 14:8-17 - How do we reconcile any discrepancies between this account of David's battles with the Philistines and the parallel text in 2 Samuel 5? 14. Why is there a discrepancy between the numbers given in 2 Samuel 24:9 and 1 Chronicles 21 for the same census? What Does 2 Samuel 18:5 Mean Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai• David appoints three trusted commanders to lead his divided forces (2 Samuel 18:2). • Joab, Abishai, and Ittai represent long-standing loyalty, proven courage, and even foreign devotion (see Joab in 2 Samuel 10:9–14; Abishai in 1 Samuel 26:6–9; Ittai in 2 Samuel 15:19–22). • By issuing one unified order to all three, David safeguards against confusion and underscores that this directive rises above normal wartime protocol (compare David’s earlier centralized commands in 2 Samuel 5:24). • The scene reminds us that God also entrusts His directives to faithful leaders who are expected to relay them accurately (Numbers 27:18–23; 2 Timothy 2:2). Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake • David’s language—“young man”—reveals lingering paternal affection despite Absalom’s treason (2 Samuel 15:1–14). • Mercy triumphs over the desire for retaliation; David mirrors earlier moments when he spared Saul (1 Samuel 24:10–12) and shows a foreshadowing of the Lord’s heart toward sinners (Psalm 103:8–10; Romans 5:8). • The phrase “for my sake” ties Absalom’s treatment directly to David’s own person, illustrating substitutionary concern: spare him because of me. Scripture later portrays God the Father sparing repentant sinners for the sake of His anointed Son (Ephesians 4:32; 1 John 2:12). • Yet mercy does not erase justice. David is king and father simultaneously; his struggle points to the tension fully resolved only at the cross where both roles are satisfied (Isaiah 53:6, 10; 2 Corinthians 5:21). And all the people heard the king’s orders to each of the commanders regarding Absalom • The command is public, leaving every soldier a witness and making disobedience unmistakable (Deuteronomy 17:6; Matthew 18:16). • This transparency later influences the unnamed soldier who refuses Joab’s bribe to kill Absalom, citing the king’s words (2 Samuel 18:12–13). • David’s audible directive heightens Joab’s culpability when he ultimately ignores it (2 Samuel 18:14–15). Scripture consistently records that greater revelation brings greater responsibility (Luke 12:47–48; Hebrews 10:28–29). • At the same time, the episode exposes the limits of human authority: David’s spoken will cannot override hardened hearts. Only God can transform; He alone ensures perfect obedience to His commands (Ezekiel 36:26–27; Philippians 2:13). summary 2 Samuel 18:5 shows David issuing a clear, compassionate, and public order that balances royal justice with fatherly mercy. By addressing his top generals together, he underscores the seriousness of sparing Absalom. His plea highlights God-like compassion toward the undeserving, foreshadows gospel grace, and demonstrates how revealed commands heighten human accountability. Verse 5. - All the people heard. The king spake so earnestly and strongly to the generals that the words ran from rank to rank as they marched forward. So in ver. 12 the man says to Joab, "In our hearing the king charged thee and Abishai," etc. It does not follow that each one heard the sound of the king's voice, but only that the command was given publicly again and again, and in the presence of the army.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Now the kingהַמֶּ֡לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king had commanded וַיְצַ֣ו (way·ṣaw) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order Joab, י֠וֹאָב (yō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites Abishai, אֲבִישַׁ֤י (’ă·ḇî·šay) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 52: Abishai -- 'my father is Jesse', an Israelite name and Ittai, אִתַּי֙ (’it·tay) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 863: Ithai -- perhaps 'companionable', an Israelite, also a Philistine “Treat the young man לַנַּ֣עַר (lan·na·‘ar) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer Absalom לְאַבְשָׁל֑וֹם (lə·’aḇ·šā·lō·wm) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 53: Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites gently לְאַט־ (lə·’aṭ-) Preposition-l | Adverb Strong's 328: A necromancer, gently for my sake.” לִ֖י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's Hebrew And all וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the people הָעָ֣ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock heard שָׁמְע֗וּ (šā·mə·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently the king’s הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king orders בְּצַוֺּ֥ת (bə·ṣaw·wōṯ) Preposition-b | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order to each כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every of the commanders הַשָּׂרִ֖ים (haś·śā·rîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince regarding עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against Absalom. אַבְשָׁלֽוֹם׃ (’aḇ·šā·lō·wm) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 53: Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites Links 2 Samuel 18:5 NIV2 Samuel 18:5 NLT 2 Samuel 18:5 ESV 2 Samuel 18:5 NASB 2 Samuel 18:5 KJV 2 Samuel 18:5 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 18:5 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 18:5 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 18:5 French Bible 2 Samuel 18:5 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 18:5 The king commanded Joab and Abishai (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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