2 Samuel 18:14

Absalom Killed · 2 Samuel 18:1–18
Read 2 Samuel 18

Translations

Modern
But Joab declared, “I am not going to wait like this with you!” And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak tree.
Traditional
Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak.
Literal
And Joab said, “Not thus will I wait to your face.” And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them into the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the heart of the oak tree.
Latin
Et ait Joab: Non sicut tu vis, sed aggrediar eum coram te. Tulit ergo tres lanceas in manu sua, et infixit eas in corde Absalom: cumque adhuc palpitaret hærens in quercu,

Original

Hebrew
English
But Joab declared, “I am not going to wait like this with you!” And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak tree.

Notes

thrust them through the heart of Absalom: Earlier, Joab acted as a peacemaker between David and Absalom (2 Samuel 14). Joab might have thought letting Absalom live would cause more problems for David and himself. (Absalom had chosen Amasa, Joab’s first cousin, to take Joab’s place as the commander of Israel’s army; see 2 Samuel 17:25.)

Theme notes and profiles

Abishai Absalom David Joab

Events

People

Absalom: David's rebellious son who tried to usurp the throne Joab: Son of Zeruiah, commander of David's army

Glossary

Abishai Absalom David Ephraim, Tribe of Gilead (Place) Joab Kings, Books of First and Second Nathan Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

Absalom: Death and Burial Dart: A Light Javelin Ephraim: A Forest East of the Jordan River: Absalom Killed In Military Arms: Offensive: Dart or Javelin Oak: Absalom Hung in the Boughs of Spear: Different Kinds of Darts The Oak-Tree: Absalom in his Flight Intercepted By, and Suspended From