MPV Commentary

14. Joab took three darts and thrust them through Absalom's heart. The deed was partially done by Joab, but completed by his bodyguard. This act was a violation of David's expressed wish and his paternal feelings for Absalom. It must have been deeply offensive to the king, nor was it ever forgotten (1Ki 2:5). Yet there is reason to believe that Joab acted out of sincere regard for David's interests as both a man and a monarch.

16. Joab blew the trumpet, signaling an end to the pursuit, and held back the people. By stopping the bloodshed, he demonstrated his wise statesmanship in prioritizing the peace and welfare of the kingdom over David's private inclinations. Absalom deserved death according to divine law (De 21:18, 21) for being an enemy to his king and country.

17. The people took Absalom and cast him into a great pit, then laid a large heap of stones upon him. In the East, people indicate their detestation of infamous individuals by throwing stones at their burial sites. The stone pile grows as passersby add to it over time.

18. During his lifetime, Absalom had built a monument for himself in the valley of Jehoshaphat, east of Jerusalem. This structure is said to be twenty-four feet square and forty feet tall, with a dome-shaped top. However, it cannot have been built by Absalom himself, as its style suggests later architecture.

19. Ahimaaz then spoke up, offering to run ahead and bring the king news of the victory. Joab declined this offer, but eventually let him go along with another messenger. The eagerness of these messengers and the excitement of those waiting for news are vividly described.

23. The route taken by the messengers was through the plain or "circle." This term is only used elsewhere in connection with the Jordan valley. It's possible that there was a place called this on the Gilead tablelands, making it more accessible from Mahanaim than over the hills themselves. Alternatively, the word may refer to a manner of quick running.

24-32. David sat between the two gates of Mahanaim, in the tower-house overlooking the gate. A watchtower nearby had a sentinel posted to notify any occurrences. Ahimaaz' delicate message was made clear by Cushi's more straightforward report. The death of Absalom was a heavy trial for David, and his outburst of feeling shows that all thoughts of victory were overshadowed by his painful loss as a father. His extraordinary affection for this son is evident in the redundancy and vehemence of his mournful ejaculations.