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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Samuel 18:9–18. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is Absalom quite at a loss, at his wit's end first, and then at his life's end. He that began the fight, big with the expectation of triumphing over David himself, with whom, if he had had him in his power, he would not have dealt gently, is now in the greatest consternation, when he meets the servants of David, Sa2 18:9. Though they were forbidden to meddle with him, he durst not look them in the face; but, finding they were near him, he clapped spurs to his mule and made the best of his way, through thick and thin, and so rode headlong upon his own destruction. Thus he that fleeth from the fear shall fall into the pit, and he that getteth up out of the pit shall be taken in the snare, Jer 48:44. David is inclined to spare him, but divine justice passes sentence upon him as a traitor, and sees it executed - that he hang by the neck, be caught alive, be embowelled, and his body dispose of disgracefully.
I.He is hanged by the neck.
Riding furiously, neck or nothing, under the thick boughs of a great oak which hung low and had never been cropped, either the twisted branches, or some one forked bough of the oak, caught hold of his head, either by his neck, or, as some think, by his long hair, which had been so much his pride, and was now justly made a halter for him, and there he hung, so astonished that he could not use his hands to help himself or so entangled that his hands could not help him, but the more he struggled the more he was embarrassed. This set him up for a fair mark to the servants of David, and he had the terror and shame of seeing himself thus exposed, while he could do nothing for his own relief, neither fight nor fly. Observe concerning this,
1.That his mule went away from under him, as if glad to get clear of such a burden, and resign it to the ignominious tree. Thus the whole creation groans under the burden of man's corruption, but shall shortly be delivered from its load, Rom 8:21, Rom 8:22.
2.The he hung between heaven and earth, as unworthy of either, as abandoned of both; earth would not keep him, heaven would not take him, hell therefore opens her mouth to receive him.
3.That this was a very surprising unusual thing. It was fit that it should be so, his crime being so monstrous: if, in his flight, his mule had thrown him, and left him half-dead upon the ground, till the servants of David had come up and dispatched him, the same thing would have been done as effectually; but that would have been too common a fate for so uncommon a criminal. God will here, as in the case of those other rebels, Dathan and Abiram, create a new thing, that it may be understood how much this man has provoked the Lord, Num 16:29, Num 16:30. Absalom is here hung up, in terrorem - to frighten children from disobedience to their parents. See Pro 30:17.
II.He is caught alive by one of the servants of David, who goes directly and tells Joab in what posture he found that archrebel, Sa2 18:10.
Thus was he set up for a spectacle, as well as a mark, that the righteous might see him and laugh at him (Psa 52:6), while he had this further vexation in his breast, that of all the friends he had courted and confided in, and thought he had sure in his interest, though he hung long enough to have been relieved, yet he had none at hand to disentangle him. Joab chides the man for not dispatching him (Sa2 18:11), telling him, if he had given that bold stroke, he would have rewarded him with ten half-crowns and a girdle, that is, a captain's commission, which perhaps was signified by the delivery of a belt or girdle; see Isa 22:21. But the man, though zealous enough against Absalom, justified himself in not doing it: "Dispatch him!" says he, "not for all the world: it would have cost my head: and thou thyself wast witness to the king's charge concerning him (Sa2 18:12), and, for all thy talk, wouldst have been my prosecutor if I had done it," Sa2 18:13. Those that love the treason hate the traitor. Joab could not deny this, nor blame the man for his caution, and therefore makes him no answer, but breaks off the discourse, under colour of haste (Sa2 18:14): I may not tarry thus with thee. Superiors should consider a reproof before they give it, lest they be ashamed of it afterwards, and find themselves unable to make it good.
III.He is (as I may say) embowelled and quartered, as traitors are, so pitifully mangled is he as he hangs there, and receives his death in such a manner as to see all its terrors and feel all its pain.
1.Joab throws three darts into his body, which put him, no doubt, to exquisite torment, while he is yet alive in the midst of the oak, Sa2 18:14. I know not whether Joab can be justified in this direct disobedience to the command of his sovereign; was this to deal gently with the young man? Would David have suffered him to do it if he had been upon the spot? Yet this may be said for him, that, while he broke the order of a too indulgent father, he did real service both to his king and country, and would have endangered welfare of both if he had not done it. Salus populi suprema lex - The safety of the people is the supreme law.
2.Joab's young men, ten of them, smite him, before he is dispatched, Sa2 18:15. They surrounded him, made a ring about him in triumph, and then smote him and slew him. So let all they enemies perish, O Lord! Joab hereupon sounds a retreat, Sa2 18:16. The danger is over, now that Absalom is slain; the people will soon return to their allegiance to David, and therefore no more blood shall be spilt; no prisoners are taken, to be tried as traitors and made examples; let every man return to his tent; they are all the king's subjects, all his good subjects again.
IV.His body is disposed of disgracefully (Sa2 18:17, Sa2 18:18):
They cast it into a great pit in the wood; they would not bring it to his father (for that circumstance would but have added to his grief), nor would they preserve it to be buried, according to his order, but threw it into the next pit with indignation. Now where is the beauty he had been so proud of and for which he had been so much admired? Where are his aspiring projects, and the castles he had built in the air? His thoughts perish, and he with them. And, to signify how heavy his iniquity lay upon his bones, as the prophet speaks (Eze 32:27), they raised a great heap of stones upon him, to be a monument of his villany, and to signify that he ought to have been stoned as a rebellious son, Deu 21:21. Travelers say that the place is taken note of to this day, and that it is common for passengers to throw a stone to this heap, with words to this purport: Cursed be the memory of rebellious Absalom, and cursed for ever be all wicked children that rise up in rebellion against their parents. To aggravate the ignominy of Absalom's burial, the historian takes notice of a pillar he had erected in the valley of Kidron, near Jerusalem, to be a monument for himself, and keep his name in remembrance (Sa2 18:18), at the foot of which, it is probable, he designed to be buried. What foolish insignificant projects do proud men fill their heads with! And what care do many people take about the disposal of their bodies, when they are dead, that have no care at all what shall become of their precious souls! Absalom had three sons (Sa2 14:27), but, it seems, now he had none; God had taken them away by death; and justly is a rebellious son written childless. To make up the want, he erects this pillar for a memorial; yet in this also Providence crosses him, and a rude heap of stones shall be his monument, instead of this marble pillar. Thus those that exalt themselves shall be abased. His care was to have his name kept in remembrance, and it is so, to his everlasting dishonour. He could not be content in the obscurity of the rest of David's sons, of whom nothing is recorded but their names, but would be famous, and is therefore justly made for ever infamous. The pillar shall bear his name, but not to his credit; it was designed for Absalom's glory, but proved Absalom's folly.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
No son: The sons mentioned above, chap. 14. 27, were dead when this pillar was erected: unless we suppose he raised this pillar before they were born.
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Summary
2 Samuel 18:18 functions as a profound authorial interjection, revealing Absalom's deep-seated anxiety concerning his legacy and his desperate, self-aggrandizing attempt to secure lasting remembrance through the erection of a physical monument. This verse, strategically placed immediately after the account of his ignominious death, starkly contrasts his ambitious efforts to perpetuate his name with his ultimate failure and tragic end, thereby highlighting the futility of human pride and self-exaltation in the face of divine sovereignty and the ephemeral nature of worldly renown.
Context
Literary Context
This verse appears as a poignant explanatory aside, interrupting the immediate narrative flow that details Absalom's ignominious death and David's subsequent mourning. The preceding verses, 2 Samuel 18:9-17, vividly recount Absalom's capture and killing by Joab and his men, followed by his undignified burial in a pit under a large heap of stones. The insertion of 2 Samuel 18:18 at this precise moment is highly significant, acting as a flashback to Absalom's actions during his lifetime. It specifically highlights his construction of a pillar to preserve his name, creating a powerful and bitter irony with his actual, inglorious burial. The narrator uses this detail to underscore Absalom's character—his profound vanity, relentless ambition, and deep-seated fear of oblivion—making his tragic end even more meaningful and serving as a commentary on the futility of human efforts to secure an eternal legacy apart from God's will.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, the perpetuation of one's name and lineage was of paramount importance, often considered a form of immortality. A large family, particularly a lineage of sons, was the primary means by which a man's name and inheritance would endure. Monuments, stelae, or pillars (Hebrew: matstzevah) were typically erected to commemorate significant events, treaties, or to honor deities or great kings. For an individual to erect a monument for himself, and to name it after himself, was an act of extraordinary self-aggrandizement and a clear declaration of his desire for personal immortality. The "king's dale" (likely the Kidron Valley, east of Jerusalem) was a prominent and highly visible location, making Absalom's pillar a public and audacious statement of his ambition and self-importance. His statement, "I have no son to keep my name in remembrance," is particularly intriguing given that 2 Samuel 14:27 records Absalom as having three sons and a daughter. Scholars propose several interpretations for this apparent discrepancy: perhaps his sons died prematurely, or they were deemed unworthy or incapable of carrying on his name in the grand manner he desired, or the pillar was erected before their birth. Regardless, his act reflects a profound cultural emphasis on legacy through progeny and his desperate attempt to circumvent a perceived lack thereof.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of 2 Samuel. Firstly, it highlights the vanity of human ambition and pride. Absalom's relentless pursuit of power and personal glory, epitomized by this self-named monument, ultimately leads to his catastrophic downfall. His desire for an enduring name through his own efforts stands in stark contrast to the divine promise of an enduring dynasty given to David in 2 Samuel 7. Secondly, the verse underscores the fragility and irony of worldly legacy. Despite Absalom's elaborate efforts to secure his name through a physical monument, he is ultimately remembered more for his rebellion and tragic death than for his pillar. His name becomes associated with defiance and sorrow, as poignantly expressed in David's lament in 2 Samuel 18:33. Finally, the verse subtly touches on the theme of divine sovereignty over human plans. Absalom's meticulously planned rebellion and his desire for an eternal name are utterly thwarted by God's overarching plan, demonstrating that true legacy and remembrance come from God, not from human endeavors.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term refers to an upright standing stone, often used as a monument or memorial. While such stones could serve sacred purposes (e.g., Jacob's pillar in Genesis 28:18), here it is explicitly for personal commemoration. Absalom's act of "rearing up for himself" (H5324, nâtsab) emphasizes his self-centered motivation, distinguishing it from pillars erected by others to honor a king or a deity.
This word refers to a male offspring, often understood as a "builder of the family name." Absalom's statement, "I have no son to keep my name in remembrance," underscores the cultural importance of male progeny for perpetuating a family's legacy. His perceived lack of a suitable heir, despite having children, drove him to seek an alternative, physical means of ensuring his name would not be forgotten.
This primitive root means "to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention." Absalom's desire to "keep my name in remembrance" (H2142, zâkar, combined with H8034, shêm, "name") highlights his profound anxiety about oblivion. He craved to be remembered, to have his name endure, and he chose a physical monument as his means to achieve this, contrasting with the traditional means of progeny.
Verse Breakdown
"Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar,"
This initial clause immediately establishes Absalom as the subject and highlights his proactive, self-serving action. The phrase "in his lifetime" (H2416, chay) is crucial, emphasizing that this was a deliberate act of self-preservation and legacy-building while he was alive and active, prior to his rebellion and death. The "pillar" (H4678, matstsebeth) is explicitly for "himself," underscoring his egocentric motivation.
"which [is] in the king's dale:"
This provides the geographical context, situating the monument in a prominent, public location. The "king's dale" (H6010, ʻêmeq, and H4428, melek) signifies a place of royal association, further underscoring Absalom's aspiration to kingship and his desire for his legacy to be permanently linked with the seat of power.
"for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance:"
This reveals Absalom's explicit motivation (H559, ʼâmar, "said"). Despite the mention of his children in 2 Samuel 14:27, this statement suggests either their premature death, their perceived inability to carry on his name adequately, or that this pillar was erected prior to their birth. It highlights a deep-seated anxiety about oblivion and a desire for an enduring legacy through a physical marker, rather than through progeny, which was the traditional means of remembrance in ancient Israel.
"and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom's place."
This final clause reinforces the self-referential nature of the monument. He named it after himself (H7121, qârâʼ, "called"; H8034, shêm, "name"), a testament to his immense pride. The phrase "it is called unto this day" (H3117, yôwm, "day"; H7121, qârâʼ, "called") is an editorial comment, confirming the pillar's existence and its enduring name at the time of the narrative's composition. This detail adds a layer of historical authenticity and underscores the profound irony: the pillar indeed kept his name in remembrance, but in association with his rebellion and tragic fate, not the glorious legacy he intended. The term "Absalom's place" (H3027, yâd, "hand") is an idiom for a monument or memorial, literally "Absalom's hand" or "Absalom's monument."
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Samuel 18:18 is Irony. The verse is strategically placed immediately after the account of Absalom's ignominious death and burial in a pit under a heap of stones (2 Samuel 18:17). This starkly contrasts with his lifelong ambition to secure an enduring, glorious legacy through a self-named monument. His efforts to ensure his name would not perish are ironically fulfilled, but not in the way he intended; his name lives on, but forever associated with his rebellion and ignominious end, not with honor or a lasting dynasty. This situational irony powerfully underscores the futility of human pride and self-exaltation. Furthermore, there is an element of Foreshadowing in Absalom's statement, "I have no son to keep my name in remembrance." While he had sons, the ultimate failure of his lineage to secure his desired legacy, culminating in his own unceremonious burial, subtly foreshadows the ultimate emptiness of his worldly ambitions. The pillar itself serves as Symbolism, representing Absalom's colossal pride, vanity, and his desperate, ultimately futile, attempt to control his own destiny and legacy.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Absalom's construction of a pillar to preserve his name profoundly illustrates the biblical theme of the vanity of human ambition and the ephemeral nature of worldly renown. His desperate attempt to secure an enduring legacy through his own efforts stands in stark contrast to the true source of lasting remembrance and significance, which is found in God. The narrative subtly critiques the human tendency to build monuments to self, rather than living lives that honor God and contribute to His eternal purposes. True legacy, from a biblical perspective, is not about what we build for ourselves, but about what God builds through us, and how our lives reflect His character and advance His kingdom. Absalom sought to make a name for himself, but ultimately, his name became a byword for rebellion and tragedy, demonstrating that human efforts to achieve immortality apart from God are ultimately futile.
Reflection and Application
Absalom's pillar serves as a timeless and sobering reminder for all who seek to make a lasting impact in the world. His story challenges us to examine the motivations behind our own pursuits of legacy, recognition, and significance. Are we building monuments to ourselves—whether through career achievements, material possessions, social status, or even seemingly good deeds done for self-glory—or are we investing in an eternal legacy that honors God and serves others? The fleeting nature of Absalom's self-made remembrance, contrasted with the ignominy of his end, calls us to profound humility. True and lasting remembrance is not found in what we accumulate or erect, but in the character we cultivate, the love we extend, and the faithfulness with which we live out our calling in Christ. Our ultimate security and significance are not found in our name being remembered by humanity, but in our names being written in the Lamb's Book of Life. This narrative invites us to re-evaluate our priorities, shifting from a focus on temporal self-preservation to eternal, God-glorifying purpose.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Did Absalom truly have no sons, given that 2 Samuel 14:27 mentions he had three sons?
This is a common point of discussion among scholars. 2 Samuel 14:27 explicitly states that Absalom had three sons and one daughter. Several explanations are plausible for his statement in 2 Samuel 18:18:
Regardless of the precise reason, the statement underscores Absalom's deep anxiety about his legacy and his determination to secure it through a physical monument.
What was the "king's dale" and why was it significant?
The "king's dale" (עֵמֶק הַמֶּלֶךְ, emek hammelek) is widely identified with the Kidron Valley, a prominent valley located to the east of Jerusalem. This valley was a significant geographical feature, often associated with royal activities and burials. Its proximity to Jerusalem, the capital city and seat of David's kingdom, made it a highly visible and symbolic location. For Absalom to erect his pillar here was a deliberate act of public display, positioning his monument in a place of royal significance. It was a bold statement of his ambition and his desire for his name to be perpetually linked with the very heart of the kingdom, reinforcing his claim to the throne and his desire for an enduring royal legacy.
Why is this verse inserted at this specific point in the narrative, immediately after Absalom's death?
The placement of 2 Samuel 18:18 is a powerful narrative device employed by the biblical author. It functions as an authorial interjection or explanatory note, providing crucial background information about Absalom's character and motivations at the very moment his life ends. Its strategic insertion creates a profound sense of irony and contrast. Absalom, who meticulously built a grand monument to secure his name and legacy, is immediately after this verse described as being buried ignominiously in a pit under a heap of stones (2 Samuel 18:17). This juxtaposition highlights the futility of human pride and self-exaltation. The verse serves to underscore Absalom's vanity and his desperate fear of oblivion, making his inglorious end even more poignant and meaningful for the reader. It emphasizes that despite his efforts, his ultimate remembrance is tied to his rebellion and tragic fall, rather than the glorious legacy he sought.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Absalom's desperate attempt to secure an eternal name through a self-built monument stands in stark contrast to the ultimate and eternal name secured by Jesus Christ. Absalom's prideful ambition led to his ignominious end and a legacy of rebellion, demonstrating the futility of human efforts to achieve lasting significance apart from God. In profound contrast, Jesus, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:6-7). He built no physical monument to Himself, but rather humbled Himself, even to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). It is precisely because of this divine humility and sacrificial obedience that God "highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11). Unlike Absalom's self-proclaimed "place," Christ's name is eternally remembered and honored, not by human effort, but by divine decree and His redemptive work. He is the "heir of all things" (Hebrews 1:2) and has "inherited a more excellent name than they" (Hebrews 1:4). In Christ, our true "remembrance" and "place" are secured, not through our own fleeting monuments, but through His eternal sacrifice and resurrection, granting us an imperishable inheritance and a name written in the Book of Life (Revelation 21:27).