“The Death of Absalom”

 “And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.” (2 Samuel 18:1)

War Has Come

War is a conflict between humans that uses violence, or perceived threat of violence to achieve an end. So far in Absalom’s rebellion it has been the posturing by Absalom and the elders of Israel. However, after occupying Jerusalem, a plan to complete the rebellion is being put into action.

David’s Preparation

“And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.” (2 Samuel 18:2)

King David has built 3 separate units. Joab, Abishai (Joab’s nephew), and Ittai (the head of King David’s body guard) are now Captains of thousands. It is interesting that Ittai, was pagan born, but had come to trust in the one true God.

The people that followed King David did not want him to go with the army.

“But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that thou succour us out of the city.” (2 Samuel 18:3)

King David understands their fear and agrees to stay with them.

“And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.” (2 Samuel 18:5)

The Battle

Israel, being led by Absalom and the elders of Israel meet King David and his followers in the wood of Ephraim.

“So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;” (2 Samuel 18:6)

Fighting is best done on your own terms, but when God picks the battlefield it is even better. Absalom has brought a force of horses, or in this case a combination of horses and mules. Absalom also brought chariots. Fighting with cavalry is best done on an open plain. This allows for the swift flanking of an enemy. A forest changes everything.

In a forest the horses, mules, and chariots become the victims of branches, stumps, roots, and brambles. Include all of the wild beasts that inhabit a forest and the forest becomes a living creature that devours the best armies.

“For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.” (2 Samuel 18:8)

Rabbit in a Snare

“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.“ (2 Samuel 18:9)

Absalom’s goal was to kill his father. King David’s goal was to defeat everyone except his son. One of King David’s men had witnessed Absalom being hung from a tree and reported it to Joab.

Joab was angry that the man did not kill Absalom at once. If we remember Joab had killed Abner against King David’s wishes, now he kills Absalom with darts through his heart. The rest of Joab’s army completes the job.

“14Then 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.

15And ten young men that bare Joab’s armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him.

16And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people.

17And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to his tent.

18Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which is in the king’s dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom’s place.” (2 Samuel 18:14-18)

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