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2 Samuel 18:2

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 18:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And David sent forth the people, a third part 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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And David sent forth the people, a third part 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 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 18

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.
2And David sent forth the people, a third part 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.
3But the people said, 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 thou art worth ten thousand of us; therefore now it is better that thou be ready to succor us out of the city.
4And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate-side, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands.
5And 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.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, etc.] Very likely that which made the centre of the army, since Joab was the general of the army; though this distribution was made when David thought to have headed the army himself, and so made with respect to that: and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother; who was next to Joab in the army, and fought with him against the Syrians and Ammonites, (<101010>2 Samuel 10:10,11); and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite; of whom (see <101519>2 Samuel 15:19); of these two parts consisted the right and left wings of the army: and the king said unto the people; the soldiers, and…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“A third part - This seems to have been a favorite division with the Hebrew commanders (see Judges 7:16; Judges 9:43; 1 Samuel 11:11; 2 Kings 11:5-6) and with the Philistines also 1 Samuel 13:17. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“a third part: Jdg 7:16, Jdg 7:19, Jdg 9:43 the hand of Joab: Sa2 10:7-10 Ittai: Sa2 15:19-22 I will surely: Sa2 17:11; Psa 3:6, Psa 27:1-3, Psa 118:6-8 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 18:3”
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Related study paths

Read 2 Samuel 18 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification