2 Samuel 18:9

Translations

Modern

Now Absalom was riding on his mule when he met the servants of David, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s head was caught fast in the tree. The mule under him kept going, so that he was suspended in midair.

Traditional

And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.

Literal

And Absalom met before the face of the servants of David. And Absalom rode on a mule. And the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught in the oak. And he was left hanging between the heavens and between the earth, and the mule that was under him went on.

Latin

Accidit autem ut occurreret Absalom servis David, sedens mulo: cumque ingressus fuisset mulus subter condensam quercum et magnam, adhæsit caput ejus quercui: et illo suspenso inter cælum et terram, mulus cui insederat, pertransivit.

Original

Hebrew

English

Now Absalom was riding on his mule when he met the servants of David, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s head was caught fast in the tree. The mule under him kept going, so that he was suspended in midair.

Notes

2 Samuel 18:9

Absalom, who was very proud of his hair, died because of it. He had set up for himself a pillar (2 Samuel 18:18), but after his death, he was thrown into a pit (2 Samuel 18:17) and did not receive a proper burial. These contrasts highlight the difference between Absalom’s goals and his final outcome.

Theme notes and profiles

Abishai Absalom David Joab

Events

Reign of David

Related verses

2 Samuel 14:26
And when he cut the hair of his head—he shaved it every year because his hair got so heavy—he would weigh it out to be two hundred shekels, according to the royal standard.
Proverbs 30:17
As for the eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother, may the ravens of the valley pluck it out and young vultures devour it.
Job 31:3
Does not disaster come to the unjust and calamity to the workers of iniquity?
2 Samuel 17:23
When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his affairs in order and hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb.
Job 18:8–10
For his own feet lead him into a net, and he wanders into its mesh.
Deuteronomy 21:23
…you must not leave the body on the tree overnight, but you must be sure to bury him that day, because anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse. You must not defile the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance.
Galatians 3:13
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”
Deuteronomy 27:20
‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his father’s wife, for he has violated his father’s marriage bed.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’
2 Samuel 18:14
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.
Jeremiah 48:44
“Whoever flees the panic will fall into the pit, and whoever climbs from the pit will be caught in the snare. For I will bring upon Moab the year of their punishment,” declares the LORD.
Proverbs 20:20
Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness.
Deuteronomy 27:16
‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

People

Absalom: David's rebellious son who tried to usurp the throne David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ

Glossary

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

Topics

Absalom Defeated and Slain in the Forests Absalom: Death and Burial Ephraim: A Forest East of the Jordan River: Absalom Killed In Mule: Uses of for Royal Riders Oak: Absalom Hung in the Boughs of The Death of the Wicked: Absalom The Mule used for Riding, by Persons of Distinction The Oak-Tree: Absalom in his Flight Intercepted By, and Suspended From The Oak-Tree: Thick Spreading

2 Samuel 18:9

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Original?

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Translations

Original

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Events

Related verses

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