2 samuel 18:4 - The king said to them, “I will do what seems best to you.” The king stood beside the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands.
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What does "2 samuel 18:4" mean?
This verse, from 2 Samuel 18:4, describes the moment before the battle between King David's forces and the rebel army led by his son, Absalom. Let's break it down:
"The king said to them, “I will do what seems best to you.” This shows David is yielding to the advice of his commanders. They have urged him not to personally go into battle. They know his life is paramount to the stability of the kingdom. If he were killed, the entire war effort could collapse, even if they won the battle. David initially wanted to lead his troops, but he recognizes the wisdom of their counsel, and he is trusting their judgment and prioritizing his safety for the good of the kingdom. He is putting their needs and the needs of the kingdom above his own desires to be on the front lines with his men.
"The king stood beside the gate..." This indicates David remained in a strategically important location, likely the city gate of Mahanaim (where he was at the time). This allowed him to oversee the deployment of his troops and receive updates on the battle's progress. It also served as a symbolic point of presence and command, even though he wasn't actively fighting.
"...and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands." This emphasizes the size of David's army and the large-scale nature of the impending conflict. The phrase "by hundreds and by thousands" suggests an organized and structured military deployment. It highlights that David's army was substantial and prepared to meet Absalom's rebellion head-on.
In Summary:
The verse captures a moment of tension and preparation before a crucial battle. David, although willing to defer to the wisdom of his troops, remains a visible symbol of leadership. The verse highlights:
David's leadership: His willingness to listen to his advisors and prioritize the well-being of his kingdom.
Military readiness: The organized and massive scale of David's army being deployed.
Impending conflict: The looming battle between David and his rebellious son, Absalom.
2 samuel 18:4 - The king said to them, “I will do what seems best to you.” The king stood beside the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands.
What does "2 samuel 18:4" mean?
This verse, from 2 Samuel 18:4, describes the moment before the battle between King David's forces and the rebel army led by his son, Absalom. Let's break it down:
"The king said to them, “I will do what seems best to you.” This shows David is yielding to the advice of his commanders. They have urged him not to personally go into battle. They know his life is paramount to the stability of the kingdom. If he were killed, the entire war effort could collapse, even if they won the battle. David initially wanted to lead his troops, but he recognizes the wisdom of their counsel, and he is trusting their judgment and prioritizing his safety for the good of the kingdom. He is putting their needs and the needs of the kingdom above his own desires to be on the front lines with his men.
"The king stood beside the gate..." This indicates David remained in a strategically important location, likely the city gate of Mahanaim (where he was at the time). This allowed him to oversee the deployment of his troops and receive updates on the battle's progress. It also served as a symbolic point of presence and command, even though he wasn't actively fighting.
"...and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands." This emphasizes the size of David's army and the large-scale nature of the impending conflict. The phrase "by hundreds and by thousands" suggests an organized and structured military deployment. It highlights that David's army was substantial and prepared to meet Absalom's rebellion head-on.
In Summary:
The verse captures a moment of tension and preparation before a crucial battle. David, although willing to defer to the wisdom of his troops, remains a visible symbol of leadership. The verse highlights:
David's leadership: His willingness to listen to his advisors and prioritize the well-being of his kingdom.
Military readiness: The organized and massive scale of David's army being deployed.
Impending conflict: The looming battle between David and his rebellious son, Absalom.