2 Samuel 18:17

KJV

And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to his tent.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they took {H3947} Absalom {H53}, and cast {H7993} him into a great {H1419} pit {H6354} in the wood {H3293}, and laid {H5324} a very {H3966} great {H1419} heap {H1530} of stones {H68} upon him: and all Israel {H3478} fled {H5127} every one {H376} to his tent {H168}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They took Avshalom and threw him into a big pit in the forest and piled a big heap of stones over him. All Isra'el fled, each one to his tent.

Berean Standard Bible

They took Absalom, cast him into a large pit in the forest, and piled a huge mound of stones over him. Meanwhile, all the Israelites fled, each to his home.

American Standard Version

And they took Absalom, and cast him into the great pit in the forest, and raised over him a very great heap of stones: and all Israel fled every one to his tent.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 18:17 vividly recounts the immediate, ignominious burial of Absalom, King David's rebellious son, following his death in the Wood of Ephraim. This verse details how Absalom was cast into a great pit and covered with a massive pile of stones, a burial signifying public disgrace and condemnation rather than honor. It concludes by noting the swift dispersal of Absalom's forces, marking the decisive end of his insurrection against his father's throne.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the grim culmination of the civil war initiated by Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. It immediately follows the account of Absalom's death at the hands of Joab, David's commander, despite David's explicit command to spare his son's life ([2 Samuel 18:9-15](/2_samuel/18-9-15 "2 Samuel 18:9-15 - Absalom's Capture and Death")). The preceding verses describe the fierce battle in the Wood of Ephraim, where Absalom's forces were routed. Verse 17 marks the definitive end of the military conflict, setting the stage for the news to be carried to David and his subsequent lament ([2 Samuel 18:19-33](/2_samuel/18-19-33 "2 Samuel 18:19-33 - News of Absalom's Death Reaches David")). It stands in stark contrast to Absalom's earlier act of erecting a monument for himself ([2 Samuel 18:18](/2_samuel/18-18 "2 Samuel 18:18 - Absalom's Pillar")), highlighting the ultimate futility of his self-exaltation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, burial practices were deeply significant, reflecting a person's status, honor, or condemnation. Proper burial typically involved interment in a family tomb or designated burial ground, often with mourning rites. Absalom's burial in a "great pit" covered by a "heap of stones" was a deliberate act of public disgrace, reserved for criminals, those considered accursed, or individuals whose memory was to be condemned. This method of burial echoed the treatment of Achan after his sin ([Joshua 7:26](/joshua/7-26 "Joshua 7:26 - Achan's Stoning and Burial")), signifying that Absalom, despite his royal lineage, was being treated as an outcast and a public enemy. The phrase "all Israel fled every one to his tent" is a common idiom signifying the dispersal of an army and the end of a military campaign, indicating the immediate and complete collapse of Absalom's short-lived usurped kingdom.

* **Key Themes:** Absalom's fate in [2 Samuel 18](/2_samuel/18 "2 Samuel 18 - Absalom's Defeat and Death") powerfully illustrates the **consequences of rebellion and pride**. Absalom's ambition, treachery, and disregard for legitimate authority led directly to his downfall, culminating in a dishonorable end that stands as a stark warning against self-exaltation and insurrection. His ignominious burial highlights the theme of **divine judgment** and the principle that those who sow discord and violence often reap destruction, as articulated in [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping"). Furthermore, the swift collapse of his forces underscores the **fragility of power gained through illegitimate means**, contrasting with the enduring nature of David's divinely appointed kingship, which, despite its trials, ultimately prevailed. The scene also touches on the theme of **the bitter cost of civil strife**, bringing a violent end to a conflict that tore the nation apart.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pit (Hebrew, _bor'_):** This term refers to a cistern, well, or dungeon, often a natural depression or a man-made excavation for water storage. It is distinctly not a prepared grave or tomb. Its use here emphasizes the hasty, undignified, and even contemptuous nature of Absalom's disposal. He was not laid to rest but "cast" into an unhallowed hole, underscoring the complete lack of honor afforded to him.
* **Heap (Hebrew, _gal'_):** A pile of stones. While a _gal_ could sometimes mark a memorial, when placed over a person's burial, especially in a pit, it carried connotations of disgrace, judgment, and a permanent marker of an accursed individual. It served as a public testament to the community's condemnation, ensuring that Absalom's memory would be associated with infamy rather than honor, much like the heap over Achan.
* **Fled (Hebrew, _nus'_):** This verb denotes a hurried, unorganized flight. It signifies the immediate and unceremonious dissolution of Absalom's army. There was no organized retreat or surrender, but a panicked scattering, indicating the utter collapse of the rebellion's morale and structure once its leader was dead.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they took Absalom":** "They" refers to Joab's men, the victorious forces loyal to David. This indicates a deliberate action, not merely abandoning the body, but actively carrying out a burial that reflected their judgment and the nature of his death.
* **"and cast him into a great pit in the wood":** The verb "cast" (שָׁלַךְ, _shalak_') implies a forceful, undignified throwing, rather than a gentle laying to rest. The "great pit" (בּוֹר גָּדוֹל, _bor gadol_) emphasizes its size and perhaps its pre-existence, but certainly its unsuitability for an honorable burial. The location "in the wood" (בַּיַּעַר, _bayya'ar_) further highlights the isolation and lack of proper burial rites, far from any family tomb or sacred ground.
* **"and laid a very great heap of stones upon him":** This action seals Absalom's fate with a monument of ignominy. The "very great heap" (גַּל גָּדוֹל מְאֹד, _gal gadol me'od_) suggests a substantial pile, perhaps built by many hands, signifying a communal act of condemnation and a permanent marker of his disgrace. It served as a stark public symbol of his rebellion's failure and the judgment against him.
* **"and all Israel fled every one to his tent":** This clause describes the immediate and decisive end of Absalom's rebellion. "All Israel" here refers to the forces that had supported Absalom. "Fled" indicates a rapid, unorganized dispersal. "To his tent" is an idiomatic expression for returning home, signifying the cessation of hostilities and the complete collapse of Absalom's cause once its leader was removed.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 2 Samuel 18:17 employs several potent **literary devices**. **Irony** is prominent: Absalom, who had erected a monument for himself in the King's Valley to perpetuate his name ([2 Samuel 18:18](/2_samuel/18-18 "2 Samuel 18:18 - Absalom's Pillar")), receives an ignominious burial marked by a "heap of stones" that served as a monument of disgrace rather than honor. This stark contrast underscores the futility of human ambition apart from divine favor. **Symbolism** is also key, with the "great pit" and "heap of stones" serving as powerful symbols of condemnation, public rejection, and the consequences of rebellion. The pit symbolizes a descent into oblivion and dishonor, while the stones symbolize judgment and a permanent mark of infamy. The swift dispersal of "all Israel" functions as a **metonymy** for the complete and immediate collapse of Absalom's entire rebellious movement, demonstrating the fragility of a kingdom built on treachery once its figurehead is removed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 18:17 offers profound theological insights into the nature of divine justice and the consequences of human rebellion. Absalom's ignominious end serves as a stark reminder that while God may permit human sin and rebellion for a time, His ultimate justice prevails. The disgraceful burial underscores that those who seek power through violence, treachery, and self-exaltation will ultimately face humiliation and destruction. It reinforces the biblical principle that pride precedes a fall, and that true authority and lasting peace come from submission to God's ordained order, not from human ambition. This tragic outcome for Absalom is a powerful testament to the destructive nature of sin, particularly rebellion against both divine and human authority, and the inevitable judgment that follows.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")
* [Joshua 7:26](/joshua/7-26 "Joshua 7:26 - Achan's Stoning and Burial")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The stark reality of Absalom's end in 2 Samuel 18:17 compels us to reflect on the dangers of unchecked ambition, pride, and rebellion. Absalom's story serves as a timeless warning that pursuing personal glory or power through illegitimate means, even against those we are called to honor, inevitably leads to devastating consequences, both personally and for the community. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we seeking to build our own kingdom, or are we humbly submitting to God's will and His appointed authorities? The verse also reminds us that while sin may offer temporary gratification or perceived advantage, its ultimate wages are always destructive, leading to a spiritual "pit" of disgrace and separation. We are called to humility, respect for authority (even imperfect ones), and to live lives that honor God, knowing that true honor comes from Him alone, not from self-exaltation or worldly acclaim.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Absalom's ultimate fate challenge our understanding of success and ambition in our own lives?**
* **In what areas of our lives might we be tempted to rebel against legitimate authority, and what are the potential consequences of such rebellion?**
* **What does Absalom's ignominious burial teach us about the long-term impact of our choices and the importance of living a life of integrity?**

### FAQ
**Why was Absalom buried in such a disgraceful way, especially given he was the king's son?**

Answer: Despite his royal lineage, Absalom was buried in a manner reserved for criminals or those under a curse because he was considered a traitor and a rebel against God's anointed king, David. His actions had plunged the nation into civil war, causing immense suffering and bloodshed. The "great pit" and "heap of stones" were not merely a hasty burial but a deliberate act of public condemnation, denying him the honor typically afforded royalty or even a common Israelite. This ignominious burial served as a stark warning to anyone else contemplating rebellion and ensured that his memory would be associated with infamy, not honor. It mirrored the treatment of Achan after his grievous sin against the community, as described in [Joshua 7:26](/joshua/7-26 "Joshua 7:26 - Achan's Stoning and Burial").

**What is the significance of "all Israel fled every one to his tent"?**

Answer: This phrase signifies the immediate and complete collapse of Absalom's rebellion. "All Israel" in this context refers to the forces that had rallied behind Absalom. Once their leader was dead, the rebellious army lost its cohesion, morale, and purpose. "Fled every one to his tent" is an idiomatic expression indicating that the soldiers dispersed rapidly and returned to their homes, effectively ending the military campaign and the civil war. It marks the swift and decisive end of Absalom's short-lived usurped kingdom and paves the way for [King David's return to Jerusalem](/2_samuel/19 "2 Samuel 19 - David's Return to Jerusalem") and the restoration of his legitimate rule.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The ignominious burial of Absalom in 2 Samuel 18:17, a monument of disgrace for a self-exalting rebel, stands in profound contrast to the ultimate fate of the true King, Jesus Christ. Absalom sought a kingdom through violence, treachery, and human ambition, leading to his own destruction and a shameful end. His death brought an end to chaos for a time, but his legacy was one of rebellion and personal tragedy. In stark contrast, Jesus, the Son of David and the promised Messiah, came not to seize a throne through force, but to lay down His life in humility and obedience to God's will ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). His "burial" was not one of disgrace, but a temporary sojourn in the tomb, leading to a glorious resurrection that conquered sin and death ([Matthew 28:5-6](/matthew/28-5-6 "Matthew 28:5-6 - The Resurrection of Jesus")). Unlike Absalom's fleeting and self-serving kingdom, Christ's kingdom is eternal, unshakable, and founded on righteousness and peace ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")). Absalom's rebellion brought division and death; Christ's ultimate sacrifice and resurrection bring reconciliation and eternal life to all who believe in Him, ushering in a reign of peace that far surpasses any earthly kingdom ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Thus, Absalom's shameful end underscores the futility of human rebellion and points forward to the glorious triumph of God's true King, whose humility led to exaltation and whose death brought life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 8:29

And the king of Ai he hanged on a tree until eventide: and as soon as the sun was down, Joshua commanded that they should take his carcase down from the tree, and cast it at the entering of the gate of the city, and raise thereon a great heap of stones, [that remaineth] unto this day.

Joshua 7:26

And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day.

2 Samuel 19:8

Then the king arose, and sat in the gate. And they told unto all the people, saying, Behold, the king doth sit in the gate. And all the people came before the king: for Israel had fled every man to his tent.

2 Samuel 20:1

¶ And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name [was] Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.

Proverbs 10:7

¶ The memory of the just [is] blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

2 Samuel 20:22

Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast [it] out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.

Jeremiah 22:18

Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah; They shall not lament for him, [saying], Ah my brother! or, Ah sister! they shall not lament for him, [saying], Ah lord! or, Ah his glory!