2 Samuel 18:4

KJV

And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} said {H559} unto them, What seemeth {H5869} you best {H3190} I will do {H6213}. And the king {H4428} stood {H5975} by the gate {H8179} side {H3027}, and all the people {H5971} came out {H3318} by hundreds {H3967} and by thousands {H505}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king answered them, "I will do whatever you think best." So the king stood at the side of the gate, while all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands.

Berean Standard Bible

“I will do whatever seems best to you,” the king replied. So he stood beside the gate, while all the troops marched out by hundreds and by thousands.

American Standard Version

And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate-side, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 18:4 captures a pivotal moment during Absalom's rebellion, illustrating King David's wise and humble leadership as he defers to the counsel of his commanders. Despite his initial desire to lead his troops into battle, David accepts the strategic advice to remain at the city gate, thereby safeguarding his invaluable life. This verse also powerfully depicts the enduring loyalty and organized might of his faithful subjects, who, in their thousands, marched out under his watchful eye to confront the rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a crucial strategic discussion between King David and his loyal military commanders. In [2 Samuel 18:2](/2_samuel/18-2 "2 Samuel 18:2 - David's Plan to Lead"), David expresses his intention to personally lead his forces into battle against Absalom's army. However, his seasoned advisors, recognizing the immense value of David's life to the kingdom and the potential demoralization should he fall, vehemently object. They argue in [2 Samuel 18:3](/2_samuel/18-3 "2 Samuel 18:3 - The Counsel of David's Men") that his life is worth "ten thousand of us," urging him to remain in the city as a strategic reserve. Verse 4 demonstrates David's humble and wise acceptance of this counsel, showing a king who values the collective wisdom of his trusted leaders over his own initial impulse, even in a moment of dire national crisis. His presence at the gate, rather than on the battlefield, becomes a powerful symbol of his continued leadership and the people's unwavering allegiance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The backdrop to this verse is the tumultuous period of Absalom's rebellion, detailed from [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion Begins") through [2 Samuel 17](/2_samuel/17 "2 Samuel 17 - Ahithophel's Counsel Thwarted"). David had been forced to flee Jerusalem, and his kingdom was deeply divided. The city gate in ancient Israel was far more than a mere entrance; it was the social, judicial, and administrative hub of the community. Kings often sat by the gate to administer justice, receive petitions, conduct business, and oversee military mustering and deployment. David's standing "by the gate side" was therefore a highly symbolic act, affirming his royal authority and his direct oversight of the military operation, even if he was not physically leading the charge. The organized departure of troops "by hundreds and by thousands" reflects the standard military organization of the time, emphasizing the scale and readiness of David's loyalist forces.
* **Key Themes:** A primary theme emerging from this verse is **Wise Leadership**, specifically David's capacity for humility and his willingness to heed sound counsel. This stands in stark contrast to the often-autocratic nature of ancient kingship and highlights a biblical principle that "where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety" ([Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - The Value of Counsel")). Another significant theme is the **Loyalty and Support of the People**. Despite Absalom's widespread conspiracy and success in winning over many Israelites, the sight of "hundreds and by thousands" marching out under David's command underscores the deep, enduring bond between the king and his faithful subjects. This demonstrates that even in times of intense national division and personal adversity, genuine leadership rooted in integrity can still command immense allegiance. Finally, the verse subtly touches on the **Strategic Value of the King's Life**, emphasizing that David's preservation was paramount for the stability and future of the kingdom, a concept that would later find its ultimate fulfillment in the person of Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gate (Hebrew, _sha'ar'_):** The term `sha'ar` refers to the city gate, which in ancient Near Eastern cultures was the focal point of public life. It was where legal proceedings took place (e.g., [Ruth 4:1](/ruth/4-1 "Ruth 4:1 - Boaz at the Gate")), business transactions were conducted, and public announcements were made. For a king to stand by the gate was to be visible, accessible, and to exercise authority in a public, official capacity. David's position here signifies his active, though non-combatant, role in overseeing the deployment of his army and his continued presence as the legitimate king.
* **Thousands (Hebrew, _alaphim'_):** While `alaphim` can sometimes refer to a clan or military unit rather than a strict numerical thousand, in this context, alongside "hundreds" (`me'ot`), it clearly indicates a vast and organized military force. The phrase "by hundreds and by thousands" is a merism, emphasizing the sheer multitude and structured nature of the loyalist army. It conveys the impressive scale of David's remaining support and the readiness of his troops for battle, despite the significant challenges posed by Absalom's rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do."**: This clause reveals David's remarkable humility and wisdom. Despite being the sovereign king with ultimate authority, he defers to the collective judgment of his military commanders. This is not a sign of weakness but of strength, demonstrating his trust in his experienced advisors and his recognition that the well-being of the kingdom superseded his personal desire to lead the charge. It shows a leader who is teachable and values strategic counsel.
* **"And the king stood by the gate side,"**: David's physical positioning is highly significant. By standing at the city gate, he assumes a position of public oversight and authority without directly entering the fray. This allows him to be seen by all his departing troops, offering a visible symbol of his leadership, presence, and blessing, while adhering to the counsel that his life must be preserved for the kingdom's sake. It is a strategic vantage point from which to observe the mustering and departure of his forces.
* **"and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands."**: This final clause vividly portrays the immense scale and organized nature of David's loyal army. The phrase "by hundreds and by thousands" emphasizes the vast numbers of soldiers, indicating a well-structured military force. It serves as a powerful testament to the enduring loyalty of David's subjects, who, despite the widespread rebellion and the king's recent flight, remained steadfast and ready to fight for his cause. This visual of a massive, disciplined army underscores the strength of David's support base.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Symbolism** through David's positioning at the "gate side." The city gate, as previously noted, is a rich symbol of authority, justice, and public life. David's presence there symbolizes his continued reign and his active, albeit non-combatant, leadership during a critical military engagement. It also uses **Imagery** to paint a vivid picture of the departing army. The phrase "by hundreds and by thousands" creates a powerful mental image of a vast, disciplined multitude, emphasizing the scale of David's loyal forces. This **Hyperbole** or **Merism** serves to underscore the impressive numbers and organized nature of the loyalist army, reinforcing the theme of the people's unwavering support for their king.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 18:4 offers profound insights into the nature of leadership and the importance of wise counsel within God's providential working. David's humility in accepting the advice of his subordinates, even when it contradicted his own inclination, exemplifies a leadership principle highly valued in scripture: that true strength often lies in the ability to listen, learn, and trust those around you, rather than in autocratic self-reliance. This act of deference not only preserved David's life, which was deemed essential for the nation's stability, but also demonstrated a model of responsible governance where the well-being of the community is prioritized. The loyalty of the people, marching out in organized thousands, further underscores the divine favor that continued to rest upon David, despite his personal failings and the turmoil of the rebellion. God often works through human wisdom and the faithful actions of His people to accomplish His purposes.

* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Safety in Counsel")
* [Proverbs 15:22](/proverbs/15-22 "Proverbs 15:22 - Plans Fail Without Counsel")
* [Proverbs 24:6](/proverbs/24-6 "Proverbs 24:6 - Wise Guidance for War")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse provides a powerful blueprint for leadership and followership in any context, from the family to the church to the workplace. David's example teaches us the profound value of humility: even those in positions of ultimate authority are wise to seek and accept counsel that challenges their initial instincts. It reminds us that true strength is not found in stubborn self-reliance, but in the wisdom of many and the courage to adapt. For leaders, it's a call to cultivate an environment where honest, even challenging, advice is welcomed and valued. For individuals, it encourages us to be discerning in seeking counsel and humble enough to receive it, recognizing that collective wisdom often leads to better outcomes than isolated decision-making. Furthermore, the loyalty of David's people challenges us to consider our own steadfastness and commitment to those we follow, whether in spiritual communities or other spheres of life, especially during times of difficulty or uncertainty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or leadership am I most resistant to receiving counsel, and why?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater spirit of humility and trust in the wisdom of others, even when it challenges my own desires?**
* **What does it mean to demonstrate steadfast loyalty to my community, family, or leaders, especially when circumstances are difficult or uncertain?**

### FAQ
**Why was David advised not to go into battle with his men?**

Answer: David's commanders strongly advised him not to go into battle because his life was considered too valuable and strategically essential to the kingdom. As stated in [2 Samuel 18:3](/2_samuel/18-3 "2 Samuel 18:3 - David's Men Counsel Him"), they argued that he was "worth ten thousand of us." If David were to be killed in battle, it would not only be a devastating personal loss but would also likely lead to the complete demoralization of his forces and the collapse of the kingdom, regardless of the outcome of the battle itself. His presence as a rallying point and symbolic head of the nation was deemed more crucial than his direct participation in the fighting.

**What was the significance of David standing "by the gate side"?**

Answer: The city gate in ancient Israel was a highly significant location, serving as the primary hub for public, legal, and military activities. By standing "by the gate side," David was not merely observing; he was actively fulfilling his role as king by overseeing the departure of his troops. This position allowed him to be visible to all his soldiers, offering a powerful symbol of his continued leadership and presence, even though he was not physically leading them into combat. It was a strategic and symbolic location from which to command, encourage, and affirm his authority over the forces marching out to defend his throne against Absalom's rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's humble acceptance of counsel and his strategic preservation for the sake of his people in 2 Samuel 18:4 offers a profound, albeit imperfect, foreshadowing of Christ. David, the earthly king, is persuaded to remain safe, his life deemed too valuable to risk, so that his kingdom might endure. This points to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, whose life was indeed infinitely valuable and whose sacrifice was utterly unique. While David was *preserved* from battle, Christ, the true Son of David, willingly *entered* the ultimate battle against sin and death, not to be preserved, but to lay down His life. His submission to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")), far surpasses David's humility in accepting counsel. Furthermore, David's presence at the gate, overseeing his people as they went out to fight, prefigures Christ as the ultimate Good Shepherd who leads His flock ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")) and the conquering King who secures eternal victory for His people, not by their strength, but by His own decisive action on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). David's life was preserved for the sake of his kingdom; Christ's life was *given* for the redemption of His eternal kingdom, making Him the perfect fulfillment of the wise and self-sacrificing King.

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

2 Samuel 18:24

And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone.

2 Samuel 18:1

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

1 Samuel 29:2

And the lords of the Philistines passed on by hundreds, and by thousands: but David and his men passed on in the rereward with Achish.

Isaiah 28:6

And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate.