Tyndale Open Study Notes2 Samuel 18

you are worth ten thousand of us: David's men praised him, but their request for him to stay behind might actually suggest that David was becoming weaker (see 2 Samuel 21:15–17).

Joab disobeyed David's order to be gentle with young Absalom (2 Samuel 18:11–15). This was the second time Joab killed someone against David's wishes (see 2 Samuel 3:22–37).

The forest of Ephraim was an area east of the Jordan settled by the tribe of Ephraim.

the forest devoured more people: The land in the forest (its rough ground and thick growth) removed the numerical advantage of Absalom’s army.

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.

A hero's belt might have been a sword belt that honored a soldier for bravery and courage in battle (compare 1 Samuel 18:4).

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.)

surrounded … and killed him: Perhaps Joab ordered his armor bearers to kill Absalom. In this way, Joab could later argue to David that he himself did not kill Absalom.

all the Israelites fled, each to his home: Those who supported Absalom knew their lives were in danger (2 Samuel 17:11; compare 2 Samuel 19:8). They had supported a usurper (a person who tried to take the throne by force), and his attempt to seize the kingdom had failed.

• I have no son: See study note on 2 Samuel 14:27. Because Absalom had no heir to continue his family line, he hoped a monument would keep his name and memory alive.

• to this day: The narrator was probably writing during the reign of Solomon. The location of the monument is now unknown.

Zadok: See study note on 2 Samuel 15:24.

A Cushite: Joab decided it was safer to send a foreigner to inform the king about Absalom's death. If David reacted badly, losing a foreigner was less significant than losing a priest's son.

If he is alone … he bears good news: A runner traveling alone was usually a messenger who carried official news.

All is well! (Hebrew shalom [peace, safety, well-being]): David then asked, “Is the young man Ab-shalom shalom? (That is, “What about young Absalom? Is he all right?”) Even though Absalom had opposed him, he was still David’s son. David cared more about his son’s fate than about the well-being of the soldiers who had fought for him (2 Samuel 19:5–6).

David was not afraid to show his emotions openly, whether filled with great joy (2 Samuel 6:14–19) or deep sadness. His feelings for Absalom were genuine, not fake.