Log inSign up

2 Samuel 18 · a question people ask

Does the chapter say the LORD brought Absalom down?

In the text

In this chapter the runners say it, not the narrator. Ahimaaz wants to tell the king "how the LORD has avenged him of his enemies" (18:19), and says to him, "Blessed is the LORD your God, who has delivered up the men who lifted up their hand against my lord the king!" (18:28). The Cushite says, "the LORD has avenged you today of all those who rose up against you" (18:31). The narrator had said it in the chapter before: "For the LORD had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil on Absalom" (17:14). The battle itself (18:1-18) is told without naming the LORD, and the chapter doesn't say what David made of the runners' words. He asked only about his son (18:29, 18:32).

The verses

“Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, “Let me now run and carry the king news, how the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.””
2 Samuel 18:19 · World English Bible
“Ahimaaz called, and said to the king, “All is well.” He bowed himself before the king with his face to the earth, and said, “Blessed is the LORD your God, who has delivered up the men who lifted up their hand against my lord the king!””
2 Samuel 18:28 · World English Bible
“Behold, the Cushite came. The Cushite said, “Good news for my lord the king, for the LORD has avenged you today of all those who rose up against you.””
2 Samuel 18:31 · World English Bible
“Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil on Absalom.”
2 Samuel 17:14 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of 2 Samuel 18

2 Samuel 18: My son, my son

Before the battle and after it, David speaks of Absalom as "the young man" (18:5, 18:29, 18:32). When the news comes, he calls him my son, five times: "My son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! I wish I had died instead of you" (18:33).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free week2 Samuel 18 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about 2 Samuel 18

All questions about 2 Samuel →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions