TRV
Translation
King James 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 came out by hundreds and by thousands.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
The king said to them, “I will do what seems best to you.” The king stood beside the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then the King said vnto them, What seemeth you best, that I will doe. So the King stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreths and by thousands.
Young's Literal Translation
And the king saith unto them, `That which is good in your eyes I do;' and the king standeth at the side of the gate, and all the people have gone out by hundreds and by thousands,
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In the KJVVerse 8,483 of 31,102
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Commentary on 2 Samuel 18 verses 1–8
1 ¶ And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.
2 And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.
3 But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that thou succour us out of the city.
4 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.
5 And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.
6 So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;
7 Where the people of Israel were slain before the servants of David, and there was there a great slaughter that day of twenty thousand men.
8 For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.
Which way David raised an army here, and what reinforcements were sent him, we are not told; many, it is likely, from all the coasts of Israel, at least from the neighbouring tribes, came in to his assistance, so that, by degrees, he was able to make head against Absalom, as Ahithophel foresaw. Now here we have,
I. His army numbered and marshalled, Sa2 18:1, Sa2 18:2. He had, no doubt, committed his cause to God by prayer, for that was his relief in all his afflictions; and then he took an account of his forces. Josephus says they were, in all, but about 4000. These he divided into regiments and companies, to each of which he appointed proper officers, and then disposed them, as is usual, into the right wing, the left wing, and the centre, two of which he committed to his two old experienced generals, Joab and Abishai, and the third to his new friend Ittai. Good order and good conduct may sometimes be as serviceable in an army as great numbers. Wisdom teaches us to make the best of the strength we have, and let it reach to the utmost.
II. Himself over-persuaded not to go in person to the battle. He was Absalom's false friend that persuaded him to go, and served his pride more than his prudence; David's true friends would not let him go, remembering what they had been told of Ahithophel's design to smite the king only. David showed his affection to them by being willing to venture with them (Sa2 18:2), and they showed theirs to him by opposing it. We must never reckon it an affront to be gain-said for our good, and by those that therein consult our interest. 1. They would by no means have him to expose himself, for (say they) thou art worth 10,000 of us. Thus ought princes to be valued by their subjects, who, for their safety, must be willing to expose themselves. 2. They would not so far gratify the enemy, who would rejoice more in his fall than in the defeat of the whole army. 3. He might be more serviceable to them by tarrying in the city, with a reserve of his forces there, whence he might send them recruits. That may be a post of real service which yet is not a post of danger. The king acquiesced in their reasons, and changed his purpose (Sa2 18:4): What seemeth to you best I will do. It is no piece of wisdom to be stiff in our resolutions, but to be willing to hear reason, even from our inferiors, and to be overruled by their advice when it appears to be for our own good. Whether the people's prudence had an eye to it or no, God's providence wisely ordered it, that David should not be in the field of battle; for then his tenderness would certainly have interposed to save the life of Absalom, whom God had determined to destroy.
III. The charge he gave concerning Absalom, Sa2 18:5. When the army was drawn out, rank and file, Josephus says, he encouraged them, and prayed for them, but withal bade them all take heed of doing Absalom any hurt. How does he render good for evil! Absalom would have David only smitten. David would have Absalom only spared. What foils are these to each other! Never was unnatural hatred to a father more strong than in Absalom; nor was ever natural affection to a child more strong than in David. Each did his utmost, and showed what man is capable of doing, how bad it is possible for a child to be to the best of fathers and how good it is possible for a father to be to the worst of children; as if it were designed to be a resemblance of man's wickedness towards God and God's mercy towards man, of which it is hard to say which is more amazing. "Deal gently," says David, "by all means, with the young man, even with Absalom, for my sake; he is a young man, rash and heady, and his age must excuse him; he is mine, whom I love; if you love me, be not severe with him." This charge supposes David's strong expectation of success. Having a good cause and a good God, he doubts not but Absalom would lie at their mercy, and therefore bids them deal gently with him, spare his life and reserve him for his judgment.
Bishop Hall thus descants on this: "What means this ill-placed love? This unjust mercy? Deal gently with a traitor? Of all traitors, with a son? Of all sons, with an Absalom? That graceless darling of so good a father? And all this, for thy sake, whose crown, whose blood, he hunts after? For whose sake must he be pursued, if forborne for thine? Must the cause of the quarrel be the motive of mercy? Even in the holiest parents, nature may be guilty of an injurious tenderness, of a bloody indulgence. But was not this done in type of that immeasurable mercy of the true King and Redeemer of Israel, who prayed for his persecutors, for his murderers, Father, forgive them? Deal gently with them for my sake." When God sends and affliction to correct his children, it is with this charge, "Deal gently with them for my sake;" for he knows our frame.
IV. A complete victory gained over Absalom's forces. The battle was fought in the wood of Ephraim (Sa2 18:6), so called from some memorable action of the Ephraimites there, though it lay in the tribe of Gad. David thought fit to meet the enemy with his forces at some distance, before they came up to Mahanaim, lest he should bring that city into trouble which had so kindly sheltered him. The cause shall be decided by a pitched battle. Josephus represents the fight as very obstinate, but the rebels were at length totally routed and 20,000 of them slain, Sa2 18:7. Now they smarted justly for their treason against their lawful prince, their uneasiness under so good a government, and their base ingratitude to so good a governor; and they found what it was to take up arms for a usurper, who with his kisses and caresses had wheedled them into their own ruin. Now where are the rewards, the preferments, the golden days, they promised themselves from him? Now they see what it is to take counsel against the Lord and his anointed, and to think of breaking his bands asunder. And that they might see that God fought against them, 1. They are conquered by a few, an army, in all probability, much inferior to theirs in number. 2. By that flight with which they hoped to save themselves they destroyed themselves. The wood, which they sought to for shelter, devoured more than the sword, that they might see how, when they thought themselves safe from David's men, and said, Surely the bitterness of death is past, yet the justice of God pursued them and suffered them not to live. What refuge can rebels find from divine vengeance? The pits and bogs, the stumps and thickets, and, as the Chaldee paraphrase understands it, the wild beasts of the wood, were probably the death of multitudes of the dispersed distracted Israelites, besides the 20,000 that were slain with the sword. God herein fought for David, and yet fought against him; for all these that were slain were his own subjects, and the common interest of his kingdom was weakened by the slaughter. The Romans allowed no triumph for a victory in a civil war.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–8. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
2 Samuel 18:4 captures a poignant moment during Absalom's rebellion, showcasing King David's profound humility and strategic wisdom as he defers to the counsel of his trusted commanders. Despite his initial desire to personally lead his troops into battle, David accepts their fervent advice to remain at the city gate, thereby safeguarding his invaluable life for the sake of the kingdom. This verse powerfully illustrates the enduring loyalty and organized might of his faithful subjects, who, under his watchful eye, marched out in their hundreds and thousands to confront the rebellion, affirming his continued legitimate authority amidst national turmoil.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs Symbolism through David's positioning at the "gate side." The city gate, as the hub of ancient life, symbolizes authority, justice, and public oversight. David's presence there symbolizes his continued legitimate reign and his active, albeit non-combatant, leadership during a critical military engagement. It also uses vivid Imagery to paint a compelling 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 and organization of David's loyal forces. This numerical expression functions as a Merism, a figure of speech in which two contrasting parts represent the whole, underscoring the completeness and impressive numbers of the army. While not strictly Hyperbole, the phrase emphasizes the significant size and structured 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 above personal glory or desire. 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, even in the midst of great adversity and civil strife.
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, recognizing that a multitude of counselors leads to safety and better outcomes. 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 steadfast loyalty of David's people challenges us to consider our own commitment and faithfulness to those we follow, whether in spiritual communities, professional teams, or other spheres of life, especially during times of difficulty, uncertainty, or internal division. Our willingness to stand with righteous leadership, even when it's costly, reflects a deeper trust in God's appointed order.
Questions for Reflection
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's survival. As they argued in 2 Samuel 18:3, 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 immediate collapse of the kingdom, regardless of the outcome of the battle itself. His presence as a rallying point, a symbol of legitimate authority, and the head of the nation was deemed far more crucial than his direct participation in the fighting. His survival was paramount for the continuity and stability of Israel.
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, his personal presence, and his blessing upon their mission, 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. His presence at the gate served as a public demonstration of his ongoing reign and his commitment to the welfare of his people.
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, the ultimate King. David, the earthly monarch, is persuaded to remain safe, his life deemed too valuable to risk, so that his kingdom might endure. This points to the infinitely valuable life of Jesus Christ, the true Son of David, whose sacrifice was utterly unique and indispensable for the establishment of His eternal kingdom. While David was preserved from battle, Christ, our divine King, willingly entered the ultimate spiritual battle against sin, death, and the powers of darkness, 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), 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) and the conquering King who secures eternal victory for His people, not by their strength or sacrifice, but by His own decisive action on the cross (Colossians 2:15). David's life was preserved for the sake of his earthly kingdom; Christ's life was given for the redemption of His eternal kingdom, making Him the perfect fulfillment of the wise, self-sacrificing, and eternally triumphant King.