2 Samuel 18:3

But the men replied, “No, you must not go out into battle! For if we have to run away, they won't care about us. Even if half of us die, they won't care about that either. But you are worth ten thousand of us, so it's better if you stay here and send us help from the town.”

Free Bible Version

In The King James Version

But the people answered, 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 now thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that thou succour us out of the city.

In Context

2David sent the army out divided into three sections. One third was commanded by Joab, one third was commanded by Abishai, son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and one third was commanded by Ittai the Gittite. The king told the men, “I myself will go out to battle with you.”

4“I will do whatever you think best,” the king replied. The king stood beside the gate while all his men marched out by hundreds and by thousands.

Read all of 2 Samuel 18

Cross References

2 Samuel 10:11Joab told him, “If the Arameans are stronger than me, you come and help me. If the Ammonites are stronger than you, I'll come and help you.

2 Samuel 21:17But Abishai, son of Zeruiah, came to his rescue, attacked the Philistine, and killed him. Then David's men made him promise, saying, “Don't ever go out with us to battle again, so that the Israel's light isn't snuffed out!”

Lamentations 4:20The king, the Lord's anointed, our country's “life-breath,” was trapped and captured by them. We had said about him, “Under his protection we will live among the nations.”

Matthew Henry on 2 Samuel 18:2-9

Preparations for Battle. ( b. c. 1023.) 1 And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them. 2 And David sent forth a third part of the people 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. 3 But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away,… Read the whole commentary →

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Study 2 Samuel 18:3