2 Samuel 18 Absalom’s End

Absalom is chasing David, hoping to end David’s life. Instead Absalom’s end is the result of this pursuit. And it crushes David for a time.

Absalom has taken Jerusalem. But David hadn’t fought to retain it. This isn’t the totality of Absalom’s thirst for power. He wants David dead. What good is being king when there is another in the land who can claim the same title?

Absalom gathered all of Israel together to go after David. David is used to facing impossible odds. And God doesn’t disappoint him. The forest itself seems to fight for David. The only thing wrong with this campaign is the death of Absalom. No matter how far Absalom strayed, David still loved him and hoped to change him. Joab knows better. Let’s rejoin our story as victory and defeat wrestle with one another.

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David is exhausted physically and mentally. He is grateful for the food and all the rest of the items that were provided by Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai. The beds were especially welcome but David doesn’t have the luxury of putting one to use. Absalom is on their heels.

David needs to prepare for battle. He first has to ensure his men receive food and rest. They will be no good to him in battle if they can’t hold their heads up from fatigue and hunger. He prays that Absalom’s men are in need of rest too.

While the men are eating and resting David calls his most trusted general together. It’s time to draw up the battle plans. First order is to organize the men into companies. David chooses Joab, Abishai, and Ittai as his captains of thousands. David’s forces will be divided between the three of them. “I will leave the assignment of captain of hundreds to you” says David.

The three men know those who serve under them and already have in mind who to appoint. “We should have everything in order by nightfall. I will set guards to watch the city” offers Joab.

“I will post lookouts in the edge of the forest” responds Abishai.

“I will send scouts to observe Absalom’s movements” offers Ittai.

“Shifts should be no more than two hours each until all the men have had a chance to rest” instructs David. Heads nod all around. David then lays out the strategy for the upcoming battle. “One advantage we have is the forest. It is thick and offers a lot of cover. Our men are experienced in this kind of fighting. It’s been a while since we had to use these tactics but it isn’t something one forgets. Absalom’s men are young and lack our seasoning. When the battle begins, Joab you take the right flank, Ittai you take the left and Abishai you move up the center. I think it wise if Abishai move forward first then draw back bringing Absalom’s men deeper into the forest. Then Joab and Ittai can flank them on both sides and also come in behind to cut off their retreat. We must make certain though that they don’t break through our lines and reach the city. I will be joining Abishai’s forces.”

All three men started talking at once. “No!” “You can’t…” “This is a very unwise…” Joab holds his hand up and the other two stop so one voice can be heard on this matter. “You shall not go out. For if we flee, they will not care about us. If half of us die, they will not care about us. But you are worth ten thousand of us. Therefore it is better that you send us help from the city” (2 Samuel 18:3).

David looks at his three general’s faces. He can see there was no changing their minds. “Whatever seems best to you I will do” (2 Samuel 18:4a).

Relief washes over the faces of David’s men. The meeting finally breaks up and the generals go to their assigned troops.

That day passes in relative quiet. The city is filled with anxiousness but the call to battle is not sounded. The men are able to get some rest as David had hoped. Ittai’s spies bring back word of the size of Absalom’s troops.

“It appears that Absalom was able to mobilize much of Israel. He has about 30,000 men with him.”

“We are outnumbered, again” said David. “But we have been in this position before. If we stand with the Lord, He will fight for us.” David knows this deep in his heart but he wishes he could ask Zadok to consult the Lord on their behalf. It would give him and his men the confidence they need if they KNEW the Lord would give them victory again.

The next morning Ittai’s scouts hurry back to camp to let it be known that Absalom has mustered his men. They were moving towards the forest. The call to assemble is sounded and the men form up outside the city gates. David watches from the gate. He would willingly marched with them, but it is not to be this time. As they were preparing to march David called Joab, Abishai, and Ittai to himself.

“Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom” (2 Samuel 18:5b).

All three men hear him and so do the soldiers standing nearby. David speaks these words in earnest and in fear. He loves Absalom. He is his son.

Abishai’s forces lead the charge through the center of the forest. Absalom’s troops eagerly take the bait and rush to meet them. They are drawn into the forest and Abishai’s men melt back into the trees. Joab and Ittai lead their men on the flanks while maintaining cover in the trees. Absalom’s men quickly become disoriented when they enter deeper into the forest. David’s men begin picking them off in small groups. Absalom’s men are a mess! Some get trapped in bogs, some fall into ravines, and some become so disoriented that they kill their own fellow soldiers.

Absalom is present in all this activity. He comes upon one of David’s men and in his excitement, he charges towards him. Absalom is riding his mule and plans to run the man down and run him through with his sword. Absalom is paying no attention to his surroundings as he is driving his mule forward. During the chase the mule passes under a low hanging branch. Absalom’s hair becomes tangled in the branches. His head jerks back and his body yanked off the mule’s back. The mule keeps running while its rider hangs between heaven and earth.

The branches are so thick and gnarled that Absalom can’s work his hands through them to free his hair. And his hair is so thick that he has no hope of it slipping through the branches. He flails and kicks to no avail.

David’s man hears someone yelling and cursing. He turns back to see what is happening. As he sees Absalom suspended in the tree, he remembers the king’s words at the gate. “Joab will want to know of this” he thinks and quickly locates his captain. “Behold, I saw Absalom hanging in an oak” (2 Samuel 18:10b) he reported.

“What, you saw him! Why then did not you strike him there to the ground? I would have been glad to give you ten pieces of silver and a belt” (2 Samuel 18:11b) replied Joab.

The man looks stricken. “Even if I felt in my hand the weight of a thousand pieces of silver, I would not reach out my hand against the king’s son, for in our hearing the king commanded you and Abishai and Ittai, ‘For my sake protect the young man Absalom.’ On the other hand, if I had dealt treacherously against his life (and there is nothing hidden from the king), then you yourself would have stood aloof” (2 Samuel 18:12b-13).

Joab looks at the man with anger. “’I will not waste time like this with you’ (2 Samuel 18:14a). Show me where he is.”

The man takes Joab and his armor bearers to the place where Absalom still hangs by his hair. Absalom’s eyes grow enormous at the appearance of Joab. Before Absalom even uttered a plea for mercy, Joab grabs three javelins from his men’s hands and thrust them into Absalom’s heart while he hang in the oak.

Joab steps back from Absalom, who is gasping for breath. “Finish him” he commands.

Ten of Joab’s armor bearers surround Absalom. They strike him with their swords and kill him. They then cut him down from the tree. Together with Joab they carry him to a large pit in the forest and throw him in. Then they pile a great mound of stones onto his body, filling the entire pit.

Joab then blows the trumpet. All Israel knows this call. It signals the battle is over. Both armies gather around their commanders. David’s armies are missing but a few men. Israel’s army has been decimated. When they regroup Absalom’s absence is verified. They had lost their new king.

Joab restrains his men as they watch the men of Israel retreat from the field. There is no honor in taking the lives of these remaining men. All that remains is to report the news to their king; the rightful ruler of Israel.

The last stone is laid upon the final grave of Absalom. With its placement Joab ponders Absalom’s pillar. Joab thinks it funny that Absalom’s monument in the King’s Valley is nowhere near his grave. “So much for keeping his name remembered” thinks Joab. Absalom hadn’t even waited for his ‘turn on the throne’ to erect his pillar. It was as if he knew he would never marry or have children. He expected to be forgotten. In terms of kingship, he probably will be forgotten.

It’s time to tell the king of their success. The battle is over. The war is won. But Absalom’s death is not going to please the king. Joab has NOT forgotten David’s last words to him; “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom” (2 Samuel 18:7b). As Joab contemplates the task of informing David, Ahimaaz approaches him.

“Let me run and carry news to the king that the Lord has delivered him from the hand of his enemies” (2 Samuel 18:19b).

Joab shakes his head and continues to look over the mound of stones that cover the king’s son. Finally he speaks. “You are not to carry news today. You may carry news another day, but today you shall carry no news, because the king’s son is dead” (2 Samuel 18:20). Joab turns away from Absalom’s grave and faces one of Cushites who fought alongside him. “Go, tell the king what you have seen” (2 Samuel 18:21b).

The Cushite is an excellent runner. He is fast and reliable. With a bow to Joab he takes off for the city where the king waits for news.

Ahimaaz is not satisfied. HE wants to be the one to bring the victory to the king. He is not giving up on delivering the message. He asks Joab permission once again. “Come what may, let me also run after the Cushite” (2 Samuel 18:22b).

Joab is confused by Ahimaaz’s desires. “Why will you run, my son, seeing that you will have no reward for the news?” (2 Samuel 18:22c).

Ahimaaz confirms his determination to run to David. “Come what may, I will run” (2 Samuel 18:23).

Joab shrugged his shoulders and issues the only word necessary for Ahimaaz’s to hear to begin his journey; “Run” (2 Samuel 18:23b).

Ahimaaz takes off like a sprinter coming out of the blocks. Instead of working his way carefully through the forest he goes by way of the plains. It is a longer route but Ahimaaz is confident he can complete it in time to reach David first.

David is sitting between the two gates, waiting for word. He wishes he would have gone out with his men but his captains thought it best he stay behind. He hates waiting!

The watchman calls out to David, “Someone is coming. He appears to be running.”

David calls back up to him. “If he is alone, there is news in his mouth” (2 Samuel 18:25b).

“He is alone.”

Both men wait while the runner draws closer. Several minutes pass and the watchman calls out again to David. “See, another man running alone!” (2 Samuel 18:26b).

David rises from his seat in anticipation. “He also brings news” (2 Samuel 18:26c).

The watchman’s eyes never leave the field. “I think the running of the first is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok” (2 Samuel 18:27a).

David is very pleased to hear this. “He is a good man and comes with good news” (2 Samuel 18:27b) said David.

David waits expectantly as Ahimaaz finally makes it to the gate. He can tell by the look on the king’s face that the Cushite runner has not reached him yet. He must be careful of how he shares his news with the king. “All is well” (2 Samuel 18:28b) cries out Ahimaaz during his approach. As soon as he reaches the king he bows before him with his face to the earth. From this position he continues to deliver his report. “Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delivered up the men who raised their hand against my lord the king” (2 Samuel 18:28b).

The first words out of the king’s mouth pierce Ahimaaz. “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” (2 Samuel 18:29b).

Ahimaaz knew the king was going to ask this question but he can’t bring himself to answer it fully. “When Joab sent the king’s servant, your servant, I saw a great commotion, but I do not know what it was” (2 Samuel 18:29c). He knows the truth will be brought to the king very soon. He just can’t bring himself to be the one who does it, even after reassuring Joab that he could.

David needs more. He needs to know Absalom’s fate. The second runner is nearing the gate. He tells Ahimaaz, “Turn aside and stand here” so he will be out of the way as the second man brings more news.

The Cushite runner is excited as he greets David. “Good news for my lord the king! For the Lord has delivered you this day from the hand of all who rose up against you” (2 Samuel 18:31b).

David’s nerves are at their breaking point. He has to know. “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” (2 Samuel 18:33b) David asks.

The Cushite, not knowing David’s desired answer, gives the answer any victor in battle would welcome. “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up against you for evil be like that young man” (2 Samuel 18:32c).

The man’s face is beaming with joy as he delivers the news that breaks David’s heart. David stumbles backward and clutches his heart. He turns from the two runners and stumbles his way up to a chamber over the gate where he weeps in seclusion. As he ascended the stairs, using the walls for support, the runners heard his cries. “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!” (2 Samuel 18:33b).

The runners look to one another for guidance. Neither has any to give. They slowly make their way back to Joab. He needs to know of the king’s reaction.

Joab is observing as his men gather the spoil from the battle. As these men were their brother, Israelites, care is being taken with the bodies. Ahimaaz returns to Joab’s side. His face is fallen and he is moving slower than Joab has ever seen him move.

“Did you greet the king” asks Joab.

“I did.”

“And what was his response?”

“As soon as he heard of the death of Absalom, he withdrew from both the Cushite runner and me. He went to the room above the gate and shut the door. But as he withdrew we could hear him crying out for his son. He lamented and even stated he wished he had died in his son’s place. His cries are so great that he can be heard beyond the door.”

“I told you there would be no reward in bringing him this news.”

“I remember. But…” Ahimaaz struggles to find words to express his grief and dismay.

“I will deal with it myself. Help the others.”

Ahimaaz joined in with stripping the bodies and readying them for burial. They will not be left for scavengers to ravage. It will be a mass burial but it is better than nothing for their brothers.

The task takes the rest of the day. Bodies that had fallen in dangerous places were left where they were. It is not worth risking another life. When all has been accomplished the soldiers make their way back to the city.

The news of David’s reaction has circulated through the troops during the day. No one is looking forward to facing the king. There is no celebrating as they march back to the city. No singing songs or sharing stories. They come back somber as men who had been defeated or ran from the battle instead of victors. They literally slink into the city.

Joab was seething as he watches his men’s behavior. “This should be a day of rejoicing” he thinks to himself. Worst still, as they near the city gate David’s cries can be heard faintly coming from a room up above. This set Joab’s teeth on edge.

As soon as Joab clears the gate he goes straight to the room where David is. He doesn’t bother to knock or wait to be acknowledged. He begin speaking straight away. His voice is not pleasant and his face shows every bit of disgust he feels. “You have today covered with shame the faces of all you servants, who have this day saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and your concubines, because you love those who hate you and hate those who love you. For you have made it clear today that commanders and servants are nothing to you, for today I know that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, then you would be pleased. Now therefore arise, go out and speak kindly to your servants, for I swear by the Lord, if you do not go, not a man will stay with you this night, and this will be worse for you than all the evil that has come upon you from your youth until now” (2 Samuel 19:5b-7).

David stumbles back from where he has been standing and ends up sitting on a stool. Joab’s words strike him soundly and he has no answer for them. Joab speaks the truth. David is ashamed of his behavior. He loved his son Absalom but his people need his love right now. Absalom is beyond help but his men weren’t.

After a few moments, David nods, gets up and washes his face, and makes his way back down to the gate where he takes up his place again.

Joab follows David down the steps and watches as he takes his seat. Joab stay near, in case the king needs additional ‘redirecting’ and watches as the people take notice of the king. In no time at all, the people began gathering together and come before him. They congratulate him on defeating his enemy. They thank him for his protection. And they wished him a long life. These are the words they had intended to share with him all along.

David greeted his people warmly and returned their affection with blessings from the Lord. All was as it should be, for now.

(to be continued)

As a mother, I can understand David’s pain. But David had to be more than a parent. He was the king of a nation. His own feelings had to take a back seat to what his people needed.

I have to put my feelings and needs on the back burner a lot because of the roles I fill. I won’t be ‘first’ for a LONG time. And that’s ok too.

Father God, thank You for all the people in my life. For all the roles You have called me to fill. Help me find time for me too. Our time is my time, but sometimes it feels like it is really for someone else. Don’t let me ever put ‘product’ over ‘relationship’.