Question 1

Why did David not go out to the battle with his men?

Accepted Answer

David first wanted to go out and fight with his troops, showing he was willing to share their danger. But the people strongly urged him to stay in the city. They said the enemy cared more about killing him than about killing many of them and that he was worth ten thousand of them. They believed he could help them better by being safe and able to send help and guidance from the city. David humbly agreed and did what they thought was best.

Question 2

What does it mean that David said, “Deal gently with the young man Absalom”?

Accepted Answer

Before the battle began, David commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai to deal gently with Absalom for his sake. Even though Absalom had rebelled and tried to take the throne, David still loved him as a father. He hoped Absalom might be spared, maybe even restored. This shows the pull between justice and mercy, between what Absalom deserved for his rebellion and the deep love David still had for his son, even after all the harm he had done.

Question 3

How did Absalom die in the forest, and why is it described this way?

Accepted Answer

Absalom rode his mule under the thick branches of a large oak tree. His head was caught in the branches, and he was left hanging between heaven and earth while the mule ran on. A soldier saw him but refused to kill him because of the king’s command. Joab then went and thrust three darts into Absalom, and his armor-bearers finished him. The story shows a kind of fitting end, where Absalom’s own pride and flight from battle end in a shameful and helpless death away from his followers.

Question 4

Why did Joab kill Absalom even though David said to spare him?

Accepted Answer

Joab had heard David’s command to deal gently with Absalom, yet when he learned Absalom was hanging in the tree, he chose to kill him. He may have thought that as long as Absalom lived, the kingdom would not be safe and the rebellion might rise again. Joab was often a hard and practical man, quick to act. Here he puts what he sees as the safety of the kingdom above the king’s personal request, but in doing so he disobeys David and brings great sorrow on him.

Question 5

What is the meaning of Absalom being buried under a great heap of stones?

Accepted Answer

After Absalom was killed, Joab’s men threw his body into a large pit in the forest and piled a great heap of stones over him. This kind of burial was a sign of shame and judgment, not honor. It fit a man who had risen against his own father and king. Earlier, Absalom had set up a pillar to keep his name alive, but he ended up with a hidden grave and a heap of stones instead. His end shows how rebellion and pride can lead not to glory but to disgrace and ruin.

Question 6

Why did Ahimaaz want to run with the news, and why did Joab hesitate?

Accepted Answer

Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, was eager to bring the news of victory to David. He asked to run, but Joab told him not to carry news that day because the king’s son was dead. Joab seems to know that, though the battle was won, David would not see this as good news. He sends Cushi instead. Ahimaaz keeps asking until Joab lets him run as well. When he arrives, he speaks of the victory but does not clearly tell David about Absalom’s death at first, perhaps fearing the king’s reaction.

Question 7

Why does David ask only about Absalom when he hears the battle report?

Accepted Answer

When the runners arrive, David’s first and main question is, “Is the young man Absalom safe?” He does not ask first about the size of the victory or the state of his army. This shows how deeply his heart is bound up with his son, even after all Absalom has done. David cares most about whether Absalom is alive. His focus on Absalom’s safety reveals the pain and love of a father who cannot easily let go, even of a rebellious child who has brought him much trouble.

Question 8

What does David’s weeping for Absalom show about his heart?

Accepted Answer

When David finally understands that Absalom is dead, he goes up to a room over the gate and weeps. He cries out, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee.” His words show deep sorrow, regret, and love. He grieves not only the loss of his child but also the broken relationship and the way Absalom died. David’s grief shows that even when justice has fallen on a rebel, a parent’s heart can still ache and wish things had ended in mercy and peace instead.

Question 9

What does this passage teach about rebellion and God’s judgment?

Accepted Answer

This story shows how rebellion against rightful authority brings heavy loss. Absalom’s attempt to take the throne leads to a bloody civil war and the death of twenty thousand men. The battle in the forest, where more die by the woods than by the sword, points to God ruling over the outcome. Absalom’s proud life ends in a helpless death, a shameful burial, and a broken-hearted father. The passage warns against pride and turning against God’s order, and it reminds readers that God’s justice will not be pushed aside.

2 Samuel 18:1

And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.

Absalom Killed

David Mourns for Absalom

Absalom Killed

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2 Samuel 18:1

And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.

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Absalom Killed

David Mourns for Absalom

Absalom Killed

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