2 Samuel 18:10

And a certain man saw [it], and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak.

And a certain {H259} man {H376} saw {H7200} it, and told {H5046} Joab {H3097}, and said {H559}, Behold, I saw {H7200} Absalom {H53} hanged {H8518} in an oak {H424}.

Someone saw it and told Yo'av, "I saw Avshalom hanging in a terebinth."

When one of the men saw this, he told Joab, โ€œI just saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree!โ€

And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanging in an oak.

Commentary

2 Samuel 18:10 records a pivotal moment during the climactic battle between King David's forces and the rebellious army led by his son, Absalom. This verse marks the discovery of Absalom's precarious situation, setting the stage for his ultimate demise.

Context

This verse is situated in the midst of the intense conflict known as Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. The battle took place in the "wood of Ephraim," a dense forest where the terrain favored David's experienced soldiers over Absalom's larger, less disciplined army. Despite Absalom's treachery, King David had given strict orders to his commanders, including Joab, to deal gently with Absalom (2 Samuel 18:5). However, as Absalom fled on his mule through the thick forest, his long, distinctive hair became entangled in the branches of a large oak tree, leaving him suspended and vulnerable. It is this exact scene that "a certain man" witnesses and reports to Joab.

Key Themes

  • The Tragic End of Rebellion: Absalom's predicament highlights the devastating consequences of his insurrection. His pride and ambition, symbolized by his magnificent hair, ironically become the instrument of his downfall.
  • Divine Providence and Irony: The manner of Absalom's suspension in the tree is often seen as an act of divine judgment or irony. His vanity and the very feature he took pride in led him to a defenseless state.
  • Reporting and Military Protocol: The "certain man" acts according to military protocol by reporting his significant discovery to the commanding general, Joab. This emphasizes the chain of command and the gravity of the information.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "hanged in an oak" might suggest execution by hanging, but the Hebrew word for "hanged" (ืชึธึผืœื•ึผื™, talui) more accurately means "suspended" or "hanging." Absalom was caught and held fast by the tree, not necessarily dead by hanging. The term for "oak" (ืึทืœึผื•ึนืŸ, allon) refers to a strong, large tree, possibly a terebinth, common in the region. This natural trap left him helpless for Joab to find.

Practical Application

The account of Absalom's end serves as a powerful cautionary tale about the perils of pride, ambition, and rebellion. It underscores that actions have consequences, often unforeseen and severe. For believers, it's a reminder of the importance of humility and submission to rightful authority, and the tragic sorrow that can result from family strife and disobedience. The profound grief expressed by David later (see 2 Samuel 18:33) further emphasizes the devastating cost of Absalom's choices, not just for himself but for his entire family.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.