Key Verse Spotlight
2 Samuel 18:2 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" 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.” "
2 Samuel 18:2
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
1 David counted the people who were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.
2 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.”
3 But the people said, “You shall not go out, for if we flee away, they will not care for us, neither if half of us die, will they care for us. But you are worth ten thousand of us. Therefore now it is better that you are ready to help us out of the city.”
4 The king said to them, “I will do what seems best to you.” The king stood beside the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands.
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2 Samuel 18:1
"David counted the people who were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them."
2 Samuel 18:3
"But the people said, “You shall not go out, for if we flee away, they will not care for us, neither if half of us die, will they care for us. But you are worth ten thousand of us. Therefore now it is better that you are ready to help us out of the city.”"
2 Samuel 18:4
"The king said to them, “I will do what seems best to you.” The king stood beside the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands."
2 Samuel 18:5
"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."
2 Samuel 18:6
"So the people went out into the field against Israel; and the battle was in the forest of Ephraim."
2 Samuel 18:7
"The people of Israel were struck there before David’s servants, and there was a great slaughter there that day of twenty thousand men."
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