2 Samuel 18:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: On the other hand, if I had dealt treacherously against his life (and there is nothing hidden from the king), then you yourself would have stood aloof."

NIV: And if I had put my life in jeopardy —and nothing is hidden from the king—you would have kept your distance from me."

NASB: Otherwise, if I had dealt treacherously against his life (and there is nothing hidden from the king), then you yourself would have avoided me.'

CSB: If I had jeopardized my own life—and nothing is hidden from the king—you would have abandoned me."

NLT: And if I had betrayed the king by killing his son — and the king would certainly find out who did it — you yourself would be the first to abandon me.'

KJV: Otherwise I should have wrought falsehood against mine own life: for there is no matter hid from the king, and thou thyself wouldest have set thyself against me.

NKJV: Otherwise I would have dealt falsely against my own life. For there is nothing hidden from the king, and you yourself would have set yourself against me.”

Joab is incredulous with one of his soldiers. They're in the middle of a war against David's son, Absalom, who has manipulated the people to follow him in a war against the king (2 Samuel 15; 17). The soldier found Absalom hanging from a tree, completely helpless. Instead of taking advantage of the situation, killing him, and saving the kingdom, the soldier found told his commander instead. Joab claims he would have given the soldier a small fortune to hear that Absalom was dead (2 Samuel 18:9–11).

It's been a very long time since Joab was a foot soldier. He's been David's military commander for decades. In addition, he's David's sister's son. He respects David culturally, but he has no problem countermanding David's commands if he feels they're wrong (2 Samuel 3:24–29). So far, David has never punished Joab's disobedience.

The soldier explains he's in a much more precarious situation. The entire army heard David command that they were to treat Absalom "gently." David would eventually find out what happened and have the soldier executed. He can't spend silver if he's dead (2 Samuel 18:5, 12). And he can't count on his commander to save him. If David puts him on trial, there's no way Joab is going to risk his own position to support him. Joab would have used him as a scapegoat for accomplishing what Joab wanted done.

Whether because Joab is convicted that the soldier realized a hidden motive, or just out of impatience, Joab snaps. He cuts off the conversation and stabs Absalom three times in the heart, allowing his men to ensure the deed is complete (2 Samuel 18:14–15).

David doesn't execute Joab for killing Absalom. He does temporarily fire the general and replace him with a cousin, Amasa (2 Samuel 19:13). Even as David instructs Solomon on how he should mete out justice, David doesn't condemn Joab for Absalom's death. But he does tell Solomon to execute Joab for murdering Abner and Amasa (1 Kings 2:5–6).

Second Samuel 18:9–18 records the loss of David's third son, and the completion of God's curse. As God promised, the sons of David's house have brought violence and evil (2 Samuel 12:10–12). Absalom and his army are fighting against David, but David has told his men to be kind to his son. Joab, David's long-time general, disagrees. He finds Absalom in a vulnerable situation and kills him. David's mourning over Absalom will earn him a scolding from Joab (2 Samuel 19:1–8).

In 2 Samuel 18, the rebellion ends. Absalom has built a following and revolted against David (2 Samuel 15; 17). His army is no match for David's seasoned warriors or the dangerous terrain on which the battle is fought. Absalom is pursued and killed despite David's order that he be spared. When David hears of this, he falls into grief. Joab tells David to stop disrespecting his people's sacrifice (2 Samuel 19:1–8). David leads his people back to Jerusalem and starts to repair the broken kingdom (2 Samuel 19:9–43).

Second Samuel 18 marks the fulfillment of God's curses against David. The violence and betrayal God promised David (2 Samuel 12:10–12) because of his sin against Bathsheba and Uriah (2 Samuel 11) culminate in Absalom's attempt to kill his father and take the throne (2 Samuel 15—17). David's generals make quick work of Absalom's army. Joab kills Absalom against David's direct order. David will attempt to repair the fractured kingdom, starting with forgiving his enemies (2 Samuel 19:9–43). The rift never fully heals, however, and the nation splits permanently after Solomon dies (2 Chronicles 10).