Absalom’s Death

2 Samuel 18:1-33

Key Verse: 18:33

“The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!”

 

 

Read verses 18:1-5.  How does David organize his army? (1-2) Why do David’s men request that he stay in the city? (3, 4) What are David’s special orders regarding Absalom? (5)

 

 

Read verses 18:6-18.  Where does the battle take place? (6) What is the outcome of the battle? (7,8)  What happens to Absalom? (9) What is Joab’s response to the soldier’s report about Absalom? (10, 11)  Why does the soldier remain hesitant to strike down Absalom? (12, 13) How is Absalom killed? (14-17) What had Absalom made when he was still alive? (18)

 

 

Read verses 18:19-27. Who volunteers to take the news to David? (19) Who does Joab send as a messenger to David? (20,21)  Who else does Joab allow to tell David the news? (22-23)  What does David expect to hear as he is told that two messengers are coming? (24-27)

 

 

Read verses 18:28-33. Who is David concerned for when he is told the news of the victory by Ahimaaz? (28, 29) What does David ask the Cushite? (31,32a)  What is David’s reaction to hearing of Absalom’s death? (33)