The man replied, "Even if a thousand shekels of silver were weighed out into my hands, I would not raise my hand against the son of the king. For we heard the king command you and Abishai and Ittai, 'Protect the young man Absalom for my sake.' The man replied,An unnamed soldier answered Joab with loyalty to David’s publicly given command rather than submission to Joab’s private urging. 2Sa 24:21-24 “Why has my lord the king come to his servant?”… “Even if a thousand shekels of silver were weighed out into my hands, Such a payment was an immense reward. Silver was commonly weighed in commercial transactions, and no personal gain could justify disobedience to the king. 1Sa 12:3-5 Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD… I would not raise my hand against the son of the king. Absalom remained David’s son despite his treason. The soldier recognized that David alone had given the command concerning Absalom’s treatment. 1Sa 24:6 So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid… For we heard the king command you and Abishai and Ittai, David had charged his three commanders in the hearing of the troops (2 Samuel 18:5). The soldier’s words exposed Joab’s attempt to act against an order he had plainly received. 2Sa 15:19-22 Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite,… ‘Protect the young man Absalom for my sake.’ David’s plea revealed a father’s enduring love for a rebellious son. Though Absalom had sought his father’s throne and life, David desired mercy; yet Joab chose expediency over obedience, with consequences that brought profound grief to the king. 2Sa 12:16-18 David pleaded with God for the boy. He fasted… Persons / Places / Events 1. The Man (Unnamed Soldier)A soldier in King David's army who refuses to harm Absalom despite the potential reward. 2. Absalom The rebellious son of King David, who sought to usurp his father's throne. 3. King David The reigning king of Israel, who commanded his men to deal gently with Absalom. 4. Joab David's military commander, who ultimately disobeys the king's order and kills Absalom. 5. Abishai and Ittai Military leaders under David, who were also given the command to protect Absalom. Teaching Points Obedience to AuthorityThe soldier's refusal to harm Absalom highlights the importance of obeying rightful authority, even when tempted by personal gain. Value of Integrity The soldier's integrity in upholding David's command, despite the potential reward, serves as a model for maintaining righteousness over material wealth. Respect for Life The account underscores the sanctity of life and the importance of mercy, even towards those who oppose us. Consequences of Disobedience Joab's eventual killing of Absalom, despite David's command, serves as a warning about the consequences of disregarding authority and God's will. Faithfulness in Small Things The soldier's faithfulness in a seemingly small matter reflects the biblical principle that faithfulness in small things leads to greater responsibilities. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the soldier's response to Joab's offer reflect the biblical principle of obedience to authority?2. In what ways does the soldier's decision demonstrate integrity, and how can we apply this in our daily lives? 3. How does the account of Absalom and David illustrate the importance of mercy and forgiveness in our relationships? 4. What are the potential consequences of disobeying God's commands, as seen in Joab's actions? 5. How can we be faithful in small matters, and why is this important in our walk with God? Consider connections to other scriptures that emphasize faithfulness. Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 24David spares King Saul's life, demonstrating a similar respect for God's anointed, as the soldier shows for David's command. Exodus 20:12 The commandment to honor one's father and mother, reflecting the soldier's respect for David's wishes. Proverbs 21:3 The importance of doing what is right and just, over material gain, as the soldier exemplifies. Matthew 5:44 Jesus' teaching to love your enemies, which parallels David's desire to protect Absalom despite his rebellion.
People Abishai, Absalom, Ahimaaz, Cushi, David, Israelites, Ittai, Joab, Zadok, ZeruiahPlaces King's Valley, MahanaimTopics Abishai, Abi'shai, Absalom, Ab'salom, Beware, Bits, Care, Charged, Commanded, Ears, Felt, Forth, Hands, Hearing, Ittai, It'tai, Joab, Jo'ab, King's, Lift, None, Observe, Orders, Pieces, Protect, Receive, Sake, Saying, Shekels, Silver, Silverlings, Though, Thousand, Touch, Touched, Weighed, Weighing, Weight, Wouldn't, Yea, Yet, YouthDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 18:12 5260 coinage Library The Wail of a Broken Heart'Now 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. 19. Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king tidings, how that the Lord hath avenged him of his enemies. 20. And Joab said unto him. Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day; but … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Church and the Young Man. Samuel Links 2 Samuel 18:12 NIV2 Samuel 18:12 NLT 2 Samuel 18:12 ESV 2 Samuel 18:12 NASB 2 Samuel 18:12 KJV 2 Samuel 18:12 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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