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Second Book of Samuel, Chapter 18

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2 Samuel 18 NWT - New World Translation2 Samuel 18 NWT - New World Translation

Chapter 18 of 2 Samuel—New World Translation (NWT)

  1. ¶ And David proceeded to number the people that were with him and to place over them chiefs of thousands and chiefs of hundreds.1
  2. Further, David sent one third2 of the people under the hand of Joʹab3 and one third under the hand of A·bishʹai4 the son of Ze·ruʹiah, Joʹab’s brother,5 and one third under the hand of Itʹtai6 the Gitʹtite. Then the king said to the people: “I myself also shall without fail go out with YOU.”
  3. But the people said: “You must not go out,7 for if we should at all flee, they would not set heart upon us;8 and if half of us would die, they would not set heart upon us, because you are worth ten thousand of us;9 and now it would be better if you would be of service to us to give help10 from the city.”
  4. So the king said to them: “Whatever seems good in YOUR eyes I shall do.”11 And the king kept standing at the side of the gate,12 and all the people themselves went out by hundreds and by thousands.13
  5. And the king went on to command Joʹab and A·bishʹai and Itʹtai, saying: “Deal gently14 for my sake with the young man Abʹsa·lom.” And all the people themselves heard when the king commanded all the chiefs over the matter of Abʹsa·lom.
  6. ¶ And the people continued on their way out to the field to meet Israel; and the battle came to be in the forest of Eʹphra·im.[a]15
  7. Finally the people of Israel16 were defeated17 there before the servants of David, and the slaughter there turned out to be great on that day, of twenty thousand men.
  8. And the battle there got to be spread out over all the land that was in sight. Furthermore, the forest did more in eating up the people than the sword did in eating them up on that day.
  9. ¶ Eventually Abʹsa·lom found himself before the servants of David. And Abʹsa·lom was riding upon a mule, and the mule got to come under the network of boughs of a massive big tree, so that his head got caught fast in the big tree, and he was taken up between the heavens and the earth,18 as the mule itself that was under him passed along.
  10. Then a certain man saw it and told Joʹab19 and said: “Look! I have seen Abʹsa·lom hung in a big tree.”
  11. At this Joʹab said to the man who was telling him: “And here you saw it, and why did you not strike him down to the earth there? Then it would have been my obligation to give you ten pieces of silver and a belt.”20
  12. But the man said to Joʹab: “And although I were weighing upon my palms a thousand pieces of silver, I should not thrust my hand out against the king’s son; for in our hearing[b] it was that the king commanded you and A·bishʹai and Itʹtai, saying, ‘WATCH, whoever [you are], over the young man, over Abʹsa·lom.’21
  13. Otherwise I should have dealt treacherously against his soul and the whole matter itself would not be hidden from the king,22 and you yourself would take a position off on the side.”
  14. To this Joʹab said: “Let me not hold myself up this way before you!” With that he took three shafts[c] in his palm and proceeded to drive23 them through the heart of Abʹsa·lom while he was yet alive in the heart24 of the big tree.
  15. Then ten attendants carrying Joʹab’s weapons came around and struck Abʹsa·lom, that they might put him to death.25
  16. Joʹab now blew the horn,26 that the people might return from chasing after Israel; for Joʹab had held back the people.
  17. Finally they took Abʹsa·lom and pitched him in the forest into a big hollow and raised up over him a very big pile of stones.27 As for all Israel, they fled each man to his home.[d]
  18. ¶ Now Abʹsa·lom himself, while he was alive, had taken and proceeded to raise up for himself a pillar,28 which is in the Low Plain of the King,29 for he said: “I have no son in order to keep my name in remembrance.”30 So he called the pillar by his own name,31 and it continues to be called Abʹsa·lom’s Monument down to this day.
  19. ¶ Now as regards A·himʹa·az32 the son of Zaʹdok, he said: “Let me run, please, and break the news to the king, because Jehovah has judged him [to free him] from the hand of his enemies.”33
  20. But Joʹab said to him: “You are not a man of news this day, and you must break the news on another day; but this day you must not break the news, for the very reason that[e] the king’s own son has died.”34
  21. Then Joʹab said to the Cushʹite:35 “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” At that the Cushʹite bowed to Joʹab and began to run.
  22. A·himʹa·az the son of Zaʹdok now said once again to Joʹab: “Let, now, happen whatever will, let me also myself, please, run behind the Cushʹite.” However, Joʹab said: “Why is it that you yourself have to run, my son, when there is no news being found for you?”
  23. [Still he said:][f] “Let, now, happen whatever will, let me run.” So he said to him: “Run!” And A·himʹa·az began to run by the way of the District,[g]36 and he eventually passed by the Cushʹite.
  24. ¶ Now David was sitting between the two gates.37 Meantime, the watchman38 went to the roof of the gate by the wall. At length he raised his eyes and saw and, look! there was a man running by himself.
  25. So the watchman called and told the king, at which the king said: “If he is by himself, there is news in his mouth.” And he kept coming, steadily getting nearer.
  26. The watchman now saw another man running. The watchman therefore called to the gatekeeper and said: “Look! Another man running by himself!” at which the king said: “This one also is a news bearer.”
  27. And the watchman went on to say: “I am seeing that the running style of the first is like the running style39 of A·himʹa·az40 the son of Zaʹdok,” at which the king said: “This is a good man,41 and with good news42 he should come.”
  28. Eventually A·himʹa·az called and said to the king: “It is well!”[h] With that he bowed to the king with his face to the earth. And he went on to say: “Blessed43 be Jehovah your God, who has surrendered44 the men that lifted up their hand against my lord the king!”
  29. ¶ However, the king said: “Is it well with the young man Abʹsa·lom?” To this A·himʹa·az said: “I saw the great commotion at the time Joʹab sent the king’s servant and your servant, and I did not know what it was.”45
  30. So the king said: “Step aside, take your position here.” At that he stepped aside and kept standing still.
  31. ¶ And here was the Cushʹite46 coming in, and the Cushʹite began to say: “Let my lord the king accept news, for Jehovah has judged you today [to free you] from the hand of all those rising up against you.”47
  32. But the king said to the Cushʹite: “Is it well with the young man Abʹsa·lom?” To this the Cushʹite said: “May the enemies of my lord the king and all those who rose up against you for evil become as the young man.”[i]48
  33. ¶ Then the king became disturbed and went up to the roof chamber49 over the gateway and gave way to weeping; and this is what he said as he walked: “My son Abʹsa·lom, my son, my son50 Abʹsa·lom! O that I might have died, I myself, instead of you, Abʹsa·lom my son, my son!”51

FOOTNOTES

  1. ^ “Ephraim,” MLXXVg; LXXL, “Mahanaim.”
  2. ^ Lit., “ears.”
  3. ^ Or, “weapons.” Lit., “rods.”
  4. ^ Lit., “tent.”
  5. ^ “For the very reason that.” Heb., ki-ʽa·leʹ. M is vowel-pointed to indicate the reading ki-ʽal-kenʹ as in some Heb. mss. This is qere but not kethib (read but not written). Compare Jg 20:13 ftn.
  6. ^ “Still he said,” LXXSyVg.
  7. ^ Or, “Basin.” See Ge 13:10 ftn, “District.”
  8. ^ “It is well!” Heb., sha·lohmʹ, “Peace!” Compare vss 29, 32.
  9. ^ MLXX end chapter 18 here.

REFERENCES

  1. ^ 1Sa 8:12; 1Ch 13:1; 1Co 14:40
  2. ^ Jg 7:16; Pr 20:18
  3. ^ 2Sa 8:16; 10:7
  4. ^ 2Sa 23:18
  5. ^ 1Ch 2:16
  6. ^ 2Sa 15:19, 21
  7. ^ 2Sa 21:17
  8. ^ 2Sa 17:2; 1Ki 22:31
  9. ^ 2Sa 17:3; La 4:20
  10. ^ Ex 17:10
  11. ^ Ru 3:5; Jm 3:17
  12. ^ 2Sa 18:24
  13. ^ 1Sa 29:2
  14. ^ 2Sa 18:12
  15. ^ 2Sa 17:26
  16. ^ 2Sa 16:15
  17. ^ 2Sa 2:17; 2Ch 13:16; 28:6; Ps 3:7; Pr 24:22
  18. ^ 1Ch 21:16
  19. ^ 2Sa 8:16; 18:2
  20. ^ 1Sa 17:25; 1Ch 11:6
  21. ^ 2Sa 18:5
  22. ^ Pr 16:14; 24:21
  23. ^ Jg 4:21; 5:31; Ps 45:5
  24. ^ 2Sa 18:9
  25. ^ De 27:16, 20; 2Sa 12:10; Ps 63:9; Pr 2:22; 20:20; 30:17
  26. ^ 2Sa 2:28
  27. ^ Jos 7:26; 8:29; 10:27
  28. ^ 1Sa 15:12
  29. ^ Ge 14:17
  30. ^ Nu 27:4; 2Sa 14:27
  31. ^ Ps 49:11
  32. ^ 2Sa 15:36; 17:17
  33. ^ 2Sa 15:25; Ps 9:4
  34. ^ 2Sa 18:5
  35. ^ Ge 10:6; Nu 12:1; 2Ch 14:9
  36. ^ 1Ki 7:46; 2Ch 4:17
  37. ^ 2Sa 18:4
  38. ^ 2Sa 13:34; 2Ki 9:17; Is 21:6
  39. ^ 2Ki 9:20
  40. ^ 2Sa 18:19
  41. ^ Pr 25:13
  42. ^ 1Ki 1:42; Pr 25:25
  43. ^ Ge 14:20; 2Sa 22:47; Ps 124:6; 144:1
  44. ^ 1Sa 26:8; Ps 31:8
  45. ^ 2Sa 18:19
  46. ^ 2Sa 18:21
  47. ^ 2Sa 22:49; Ps 55:18; 94:1; 124:2
  48. ^ Jg 5:31; Ps 27:2; 68:1
  49. ^ 2Sa 18:24
  50. ^ 2Sa 19:1
  51. ^ 2Sa 12:10; 17:14; Pr 10:1; 19:13

Read 2 Samuel Chapter 18 in other Bible versions:

Comments

  1. Kiamia DoelKiamia Doel
    Jan 9, 2025 23:00 GMT

    The NWT adds words to the text that are not in the greek Manuscripts to fit it's own doctrinal position for example

    Compare the wording of the NWT and the NKJV at Colossians 1:15-17

    NKJV says

    15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

    NWT says

    15 He is the image of the invisible God,the firstborn OF all creation;16 because by means of him all OTHER things were created in the heavens and on the earth, the things visible and the things invisible,whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All OTHER things have been created through him and for him. 17 Also, he is before all OTHER things,and by means of him all OTHER things were made to exist,

    The word “other” is not in the Greek but they add it Why? So they can decieve their followers into thinking that Christ was created by the Father and that he then created other things, that is not what the Greek says.

    1. SmeSme
      Feb 27, 2025 11:17 GMT

      Truth is from God and those that follow him. As for lies? John8:44

      Kiamia, I noticed you used a modern version of kjv to make your point about the nwt.

      Why didn’t you use the original kjv of col1:15?

      Is it because it disproves your point? It proves the opposite of what you wrote?

      Here is kjv col1:15 ¶” Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn OF every creature:“

      Now I appeal to your Christian nature to correct your mistake as God is watching each of us, and let us bless the God of Jesus his father.

      Kjv 1Pe 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ….

  2. YanekYanek
    Dec 24, 2024 22:18 GMT

    Joshua, Jehovah’s Witnesses have never denied the deity of the Messiah in his prehuman existence. While on Earth he was fully 100% human. I do not mean he was a mere human, he was not affected by Adam’s unfaithful behavior, he was sinless.

  3. David yakubuDavid yakubu
    Oct 29, 2022 08:05 GMT

    When i do read some comments and seeing that its the same people that are supposed to be called believers but are talking ill of other denominations, it hurts. Let us all remember that We should judge not

    1. jonas smithjonas smith
      Apr 23, 2023 02:57 GMT

      The bible tells us to test the spirits. Satan disguises himself as angel of light. So yes some denomination are not teaching the truth. You are responsible for judging which ones are not. You have to judge the truth at all times. this is what the bible teaches

  4. THTH
    Apr 7, 2021 00:20 GMT

    The NWT is a very good translation. Dr. Jason David BeDuhn PhD attests to that in his book Truth in Translation. drive.google.com/...5p16melHzg8/view

    1. James LernerJames Lerner
      Jul 20, 2024 09:48 GMT

      The NWT is Satanic filth to its very core.

      The JW Cult is Satanic to its very core.

      Praise Yahweh I will never be a victim of JW brainwashing. If I burn in Hell for eternity or I am ultimately annihilated so be it

      May Yahweh's curse rest on the Watchtower Society and its Satanic leadership

    2. jim mcleodjim mcleod
      Aug 22, 2021 06:16 GMT

      NWT is a false translation that takes away from the deity of Jesus !

  5. SlightlyChaoticSlightlyChaotic
    Jan 30, 2021 16:33 GMT

    Thank you for taking the time to provide this service. I like seeing the NASB on your web page in the same format as I read on paper. On other sites, the text area is smaller, and so I have to keep scrolling down to read and sometimes I lose the context. So I really appreciate the format.

    As far as the NWT, you are certainly free to do whatever you think best with your own web pages. I'd suggest that you make a note anytime you have a translation that is associated with only one denomination or church, for example:
    New World Translation (Jehovah's Witness version).

    In Jesus' parable of the wheat and the tares. the main idea seems to be that you can't easily distinguish between God's people and not-God's people on this earth, so our Lord's response is to wait until they are shown to be the kind of people they are inside. But the NWT seems like false teaching to me. So I think the warning passages from Jesus' apostles are more applicable, as in 2 Peter 3:15-16, when he talks about Paul's writings:
    "There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures."
    And we also have the positive exhortations, as in 2 Timothy 2:15:
    "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."

    1. BroderickBroderick
      Jan 31, 2021 00:57 GMT

      Your suggestion regarding the denominational flagging is duly noted. But I can’t help but wonder, wouldn’t a Catholic also want “Protestant versions” marked as well?

      As for the parable, I’m pretty sure the slaves were convinced in their own minds that they could tell the tares from the wheat. After all, aren’t they the ones who identified the problem in the first place? But the master obviously thought otherwise.

      Furthermore, even at the time when Jesus himself was walking the earth, not everybody who claimed fellowship actually followed him causing John to inquire at Mark 9:39, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not hinder him . . . for he who is not against us is for us.”

  6. Joshua HarderJoshua Harder
    Dec 11, 2020 17:48 GMT

    Hello, question.. why have you included the NWT with other legitimate bible translations? Or why have you not atleast included a warning to readers? Don't you fear that someone could be influenced by the Watchtower's intentional heresies? Thank you.

    1. KevinKevin
      Jul 11, 2021 17:45 GMT

      en.m.wikipedia.org/..._Holy_Scriptures

      See the section critical review

    2. ChrisChris
      Jan 8, 2021 07:15 GMT

      Please site these intentional heresies. I am well versed in the watch tower outline and agree they are in many ways incorrect but i also bet i can point many out from EVERY established or main denomination. There is much to learn from them all as one who drinks milk?

      Judge not lest ye be judged, that is not to pass judgement on you either brother.

      I debate with scripture. I don't hold it to be true that Michael is Y'Shua HaMeshiach but I also firmly hold it to be true that our G-d and Heavenly Father are not the word encarnate and only begotten son.

      I love not seeing "lord" which i relate to baal. I feel the catholic church is a satanic establishment and I am aware a freemason started the hovies but there are evil in high places and our fight is also with principalities.

      What i'm saying is that in my darkest hours, those two were some of if not the only ones who would bring a Bible and eucharist and pray with me.

      We all fall short of the glory of G-d.

      Don't forget the NWT was recognized as the most accurate translation on Jeopardy.

      Lastly, this is different I noted than the NWT i have read and am very familiar with. Pull up the watchtower page and compare. I truly look forward to getting this one!

  7. julietjuliet
    Aug 17, 2022 09:36 GMT

    the sky is blue

  8. mercymercy
    Aug 12, 2022 21:23 GMT

    i am Mercy, the sky is blue what else do you need

    1. mercymercy
      Aug 12, 2022 21:25 GMT

      i am so sorry, it was a big mistake

  9. God is able to do all thingsGod is able to do all things
    May 17, 2021 17:59 GMT

    Jesus how much love calling yo name

  10. EmpiralEmpiral
    Jul 4, 2025 19:06 GMT

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