2 Samuel 18:7

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].

Where the people {H5971} of Israel {H3478} were slain {H5062} before {H6440} the servants {H5650} of David {H1732}, and there was there a great {H1419} slaughter {H4046} that day {H3117} of twenty {H6242} thousand {H505} men.

The people of Isra'el were defeated there by David's servants; there was a terrible slaughter that day of 20,000 men.

There the people of Israel were defeated by David’s servants, and the slaughter was great that day—twenty thousand men.

And the people of Israel were smitten there before the servants of David, and there was a great slaughter there that day of twenty thousand men.

Commentary

2 Samuel 18:7 KJV describes a pivotal and tragic moment in the civil war between King David and his rebellious son, Absalom. This verse highlights the devastating outcome of the battle in the forest of Ephraim, where Absalom's forces suffered a catastrophic defeat at the hands of King David's loyal servants.

Context

This verse immediately follows the description of the battle itself, which took place in the forest of Ephraim. Absalom had mounted a strong rebellion against his father, King David, gaining significant popular support and forcing David to flee Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:13-14). The battle chronicled in 2 Samuel 18 was the decisive engagement, intended to put an end to Absalom's usurpation of the throne. The mention of "the people of Israel" refers to those who had joined Absalom's rebellion, making this a tragic conflict where Israelites fought against fellow Israelites.

Key Themes

  • Consequences of Rebellion: The verse starkly illustrates the severe and often bloody consequences of rebellion against established authority, particularly against a divinely appointed king like David. Absalom's ambition led to widespread death among his followers.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Justice: While not explicitly stated as a direct act of God, the overwhelming victory of David's forces and the immense slaughter can be seen through a theological lens as God upholding His covenant with David and bringing justice against Absalom's unrighteous coup.
  • The Tragedy of Civil War: The staggering number of casualties—twenty thousand men—underscores the immense human cost of internal conflict. This was not a war against a foreign enemy, but a devastating fratricidal struggle within the nation of Israel, leading to profound national sorrow, as reflected in David's deep grief over his son's death despite the military victory.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "slain" is nagaph (נָגַף), which often means to strike, smite, or defeat decisively, implying a powerful blow. The term "slaughter" comes from makkah (מַכָּה), meaning a blow, wound, or defeat, particularly a great one. The repetition of the idea of striking down and a great defeat emphasizes the overwhelming nature of Absalom's army's collapse. The number "twenty thousand" is a significant figure, underscoring the scale of the tragedy and the decisiveness of David's victory.

Practical Application

The account of 2 Samuel 18:7 serves as a powerful reminder of several timeless principles:

  • The Dangers of Pride and Ambition: Absalom's overreaching ambition and pride led directly to this catastrophic outcome for himself and his followers (Proverbs 16:18). It cautions against seeking power through illegitimate means.
  • The Cost of Division: The verse underscores the destructive nature of internal strife and division within any community, family, or nation. Peace and unity, even under imperfect leadership, are often preferable to the chaos and bloodshed of rebellion.
  • Leadership and Consequences: Leaders, whether in a family, church, or nation, bear a heavy responsibility, as their choices can have far-reaching and often tragic consequences for those who follow them.

Reflection

2 Samuel 18:7 captures the brutal reality of war, especially civil war, where the pursuit of power leads to immense loss of life. It stands as a somber testament to the heavy price paid for rebellion and the deep sorrow that can accompany even a necessary victory. The verse's impact lies not just in the numbers, but in the tragic narrative of a nation torn apart by the actions of a rebellious son against his father, the king.

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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 24:21 (3 votes)

    ¶ My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: [and] meddle not with them that are given to change:

  • Proverbs 11:21 (2 votes)

    ¶ [Though] hand [join] in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

  • 2 Chronicles 13:16 (2 votes)

    And the children of Israel fled before Judah: and God delivered them into their hand.

  • 2 Chronicles 13:17 (2 votes)

    And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter: so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men.

  • 2 Samuel 15:6 (2 votes)

    And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

  • 2 Samuel 2:26 (2 votes)

    Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren?

  • 2 Chronicles 28:6 (2 votes)

    ¶ For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, [which were] all valiant men; because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers.