2 Samuel 18:2
New International Version
David sent out his troops, a third under the command of Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. The king told the troops, “I myself will surely march out with you.”

New Living Translation
He sent the troops out in three groups, placing one group under Joab, one under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and one under Ittai, the man from Gath. The king told his troops, “I am going out with you.”

English Standard Version
And David sent out the army, one third under the command of Joab, one third under the command of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and one third under the command of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the men, “I myself will also go out with you.”

Berean Standard Bible
He sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the troops, “I will surely march out with you as well.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Then David sent out one third of the people under the hand of Joab, one third under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and one third under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the people, “I also will surely go out with you myself.”

New American Standard Bible
And David sent the people out, a third under the command of Joab, a third under the command of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and a third under the command of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the people, “I myself will certainly go out with you also.”

NASB 1995
David sent the people out, one third under the command of Joab, one third under the command of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and one third under the command of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the people, “I myself will surely go out with you also.”

NASB 1977
And David sent the people out, one third under the command of Joab, one third under the command of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and one third under the command of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the people, “I myself will surely go out with you also.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And David sent the people out, one-third under the hand of Joab, one-third under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and one-third under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the people, “I myself will surely go out with you also.”

Amplified Bible
Then David sent the army out, a third under the command of Joab, a third under Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and a third under the command of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the men, “I myself will certainly go out [to fight] with you.”

Christian Standard Bible
He then sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai of Gath. The king said to the troops, “I must also march out with you.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He then sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. The king said to the troops, “I will also march out with you."”

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
He sent out one third of his army under the command of Joab, another third under the command of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, and the rest under the command of Ittai from Gath. He told the soldiers, "I'm going into battle with you."

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
David put a third of the troops under Joab's command, another third under Joab's brother Abishai (Zeruiah's son), and the last third under Ittai from Gath. "I am going [into battle] with you," the king said to the troops.

Good News Translation
Then he sent them out in three groups, with Joab and Joab's brother Abishai and Ittai from Gath, each in command of a group. And the king said to his men, "I will go with you myself."

International Standard Version
Dividing his forces into three groups, he set Joab as commander of one third of his army, Zeruiah's son Abishai, Joab's brother, as commander of another third, and Ittai from Gath as commander of another third. The king informed the army, "I'm going out to battle with you, too."

Majority Standard Bible
He sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab?s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the troops, ?I will surely march out with you as well.?

NET Bible
David then sent out the army--a third under the leadership of Joab, a third under the leadership of Joab's brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under the leadership of Ittai the Gittite. The king said to the troops, "I too will indeed march out with you."

New Heart English Bible
David divided the army into three, 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. The king said to the people, "I will surely go forth with you myself also."

Webster's Bible Translation
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 to the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.

World English Bible
David sent the people out, 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. The king said to the people, “I will also surely go out with you myself.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and David sends the third of the people by the hand of Joab, and the third by the hand of Abishai, son of Zeruiah, brother of Joab, and the third by the hand of Ittai the Gittite, and the king says to the people, “I certainly go out—I also—with you.”

Young's Literal Translation
and David sendeth the third of the people by the hand of Joab, and the third by the hand of Abishai, son of Zeruiah, brother of Joab, and the third by the hand of Ittai the Gittite, and the king saith unto the people, 'I certainly go out -- I also -- with you.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will send the people a third into the hand of Joab, and a third into the hand of Abishai, son of Zeruiah, brother of Joab, and a third into the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king will say to the people, Going forth, I will go forth, also I, with you.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abisai the son of Sarvia Joab's brother, and a third part under the hand of Ethai, who was of Geth: and the king said to the people: I also will go forth with you.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he placed a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, the brother of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Ittai, who was from Gath. And the king said to the people, “I, too, will go forth with you.”

New American Bible
David then divided the troops three ways, a third under Joab, a third under Abishai, son of Zeruiah and brother of Joab, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. The king said to the troops, “I intend to go out with you myself.”

New Revised Standard Version
And David divided the army into three groups: one third under the command of Joab, one third under the command of Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and one third under the command of Ittai the Gittite. The king said to the men, “I myself will also go out with you.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And David placed a third part of the people under the command of Joab, and a third part under the command of Abishai the son of Zoriah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the command of Ittai the Gittite.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
A third were with Yuab and a third with Abishi, son of Tsuriya, the brother of Yuab, and a third with Athi the Gettite
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David sent away the people, the third part under the hand of Joab, and the third part under the hand of Abessa the son of Saruia, the brother of Joab, and the third part under the hand of Ethi the Gittite. And David said to the people, I also will surely go out with you.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Absalom Killed
1Then David reviewed his troops and appointed over them commanders of hundreds and of thousands. 2He sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the troops, “I will surely march out with you as well.” 3But the people pleaded, “You must not go out! For if we have to flee, they will pay no attention to us. Even if half of us die, they will not care; but you are worth ten thousand of us. It is better for now if you support us from the city.”…

Cross References
1 Samuel 11:11
The next day Saul organized the troops into three divisions, and during the morning watch they invaded the camp of the Ammonites and slaughtered them, until the hottest part of the day. And the survivors were so scattered that no two of them were left together.

Judges 7:16-22
And he divided the three hundred men into three companies and gave each man a ram’s horn in one hand and a large jar in the other, containing a torch. / “Watch me and do as I do,” Gideon said. “When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do exactly as I do. / When I and all who are with me blow our horns, then you are also to blow your horns from all around the camp and shout, ‘For the LORD and for Gideon!’” ...

1 Samuel 30:1-10
On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag, and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, attacked Ziklag, and burned it down. / They had taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. They had not killed anyone, but had carried them off as they went on their way. / When David and his men came to the city, they found it burned down and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. ...

1 Kings 18:4
for when Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men per cave, providing them with food and water.)

1 Chronicles 12:18
Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, the chief of the Thirty, and he said: “We are yours, O David! We are with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers, for your God helps you.” So David received them and made them leaders of his troops.

1 Chronicles 27:1-15
This is the list of the Israelites—the heads of families, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the king in every matter concerning the divisions on rotating military duty each month throughout the year. There were 24,000 men in each division: / Jashobeam son of Zabdiel was in charge of the first division, which was assigned the first month. There were 24,000 men in his division. / He was a descendant of Perez and chief of all the army commanders for the first month. ...

2 Samuel 17:1-4
Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. / I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king / and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.” ...

2 Samuel 15:19-22
Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you also go with us? Go back and stay with the new king, since you are both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland. / In fact, you arrived only yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I do not know where I am going? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness.” / But Ittai answered the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be!” ...

2 Samuel 23:8-39
These are the names of David’s mighty men: Josheb-basshebeth the Tahchemonite was chief of the Three. He wielded his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed at one time. / Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he went with David to taunt the Philistines who had gathered for battle at Pas-dammim. The men of Israel retreated, / but Eleazar stood his ground and struck the Philistines until his hand grew weary and stuck to his sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. Then the troops returned to him, but only to plunder the dead. ...

1 Kings 2:5-6
Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace.

1 Chronicles 11:10-47
Now these were the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who, together with all Israel, bolstered and strengthened his kingdom, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel. / This is the list of David’s mighty men: Jashobeam son of Hachmoni was chief of the officers; he wielded his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed at one time. / Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men. ...

Matthew 10:1-4
And calling His twelve disciples to Him, Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits, so that they could drive them out and heal every disease and sickness. / These are the names of the twelve apostles: first Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; / Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; ...

Mark 6:7
Then Jesus called the Twelve to Him and began to send them out two by two, giving them authority over unclean spirits.

Luke 9:1-6
Then Jesus called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and power to cure diseases. / And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. / “Take nothing for the journey,” He told them, “no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no second tunic. ...

Luke 10:1-12
After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place He was about to visit. / And He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest. / Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. ...


Treasury of Scripture

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 to the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.

a third part

Judges 7:16,19
And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers…

Judges 9:43
And he took the people, and divided them into three companies, and laid wait in the field, and looked, and, behold, the people were come forth out of the city; and he rose up against them, and smote them.

the hand of Joab

2 Samuel 10:7-10
And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men…

Ittai

2 Samuel 15:19-22
Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile…

I will surely

2 Samuel 17:11
Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.

Psalm 3:6
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

Psalm 27:1-3
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? …

Jump to Previous
Abishai Command David Forth Gittite Hand Ittai Joab Joab's Part Surely Third Zeruiah
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Abishai Command David Forth Gittite Hand Ittai Joab Joab's Part Surely Third Zeruiah
2 Samuel 18
1. David viewing the armies in their march gives them charge of Absalom
6. The Israelites are sorely smitten in the wood of ephraim
9. Absalom, hanging in an oak is slain by Joab, and cast into a pit
18. Absalom's place
19. Ahimaaz and Cushi bring tidings to David
33. David mourns for Absalom














He sent out the troops
David, as king, exercises his authority by organizing his forces for battle. This reflects the responsibilities of a king in ancient Israel, where military leadership was a key aspect of governance. The sending out of troops is a strategic move, indicating preparation and readiness for conflict, which in this context is against Absalom's rebellion.

a third under Joab
Joab, David's nephew and long-time commander, is a seasoned warrior known for his military prowess and sometimes ruthless tactics. His leadership of a third of the troops underscores his importance and trustworthiness in David's eyes, despite previous tensions. Joab's role in David's army is significant throughout 2 Samuel, often acting decisively in critical moments.

a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah
Abishai, another of David's nephews, is also a prominent military leader. His inclusion highlights the reliance on family ties and loyalty within David's command structure. Abishai's bravery and loyalty are well-documented, such as when he defended David against Ishbi-benob, a Philistine giant.

and a third under Ittai the Gittite
Ittai, a foreigner from Gath, demonstrates the inclusivity of David's leadership, where loyalty and capability are valued over nationality. Ittai's commitment to David is evident earlier when he pledges allegiance despite being a recent arrival. His leadership role signifies the diverse makeup of David's forces and the king's ability to inspire loyalty across cultural lines.

And the king said to the troops, “I will surely march out with you as well.”
David's willingness to join his men in battle reflects his character as a leader who shares in the risks and hardships of his soldiers. This echoes the biblical theme of shepherd leadership, where the leader is among the people, not above them. David's statement also foreshadows the tension between his personal involvement and the counsel of his advisors, who later persuade him to stay behind for strategic reasons.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The King of Israel, who is organizing his troops for battle against his son Absalom's forces.

2. Joab
David's nephew and the commander of his army, known for his military prowess and sometimes ruthless actions.

3. Abishai
Joab's brother, also a commander in David's army, known for his loyalty and bravery.

4. Ittai the Gittite
A foreigner from Gath who showed loyalty to David and was given command over a third of the troops.

5. The Troops
The soldiers of Israel, divided into three groups for strategic purposes in the battle against Absalom.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Delegation
David's decision to divide his troops under trusted commanders shows the importance of wise delegation in leadership. Effective leaders empower others to take responsibility.

Loyalty and Trust
Ittai the Gittite's inclusion as a commander despite being a foreigner highlights the value of loyalty and trustworthiness over nationality or background.

Courage in Adversity
David's willingness to march out with his troops demonstrates courage and solidarity with his men, a vital trait for any leader facing challenges.

Strategic Planning
The division of troops into three groups reflects the need for strategic planning and organization in achieving goals, both in military and spiritual battles.

Faith in Action
David's actions are rooted in his faith in God, reminding us that our plans and efforts should be aligned with God's will and guidance.(2) Ittai the Gittite.--Comp. note on Judges 15:19. The arrangement of the army in three divisions was common both among the Israelites (Judges 7:16; Judg. 11:43; 1Samuel 11:11) and their enemies (1Samuel 13:17). Comp. also 2Kings 11:5-6; David proposed to take the chief command in person.

Verse 2. - A third part. Armies are usually divided into three divisions: a centre and two wings when drawn up for battle; a van, the main body. and a rearguard when on the march. But the Israelites had no settled rule upon the point, and. when occasion required, Joab divided his army into two parts (2 Samuel 10:9, 10). The reason of the threefold division in this case was that Ittai had brought his clan, or taf, with him, and as these would certainly not have fought under an Israelite leader, nor the Israelites under Ittai, David placed all foreigners under his command, while he gave his own nephews the command of the native troops. He thus avoided all jealousies; and Ittai's men, honoured by being made a distinct portion of the army, would feel their reputation at stake, and would rival the Israelites in valour.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He
דָּוִ֜ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

sent out
וַיְשַׁלַּ֨ח (way·šal·laḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

the troops,
הָעָ֗ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

a third
הַשְּׁלִשִׁ֤ית (haš·šə·li·šîṯ)
Article | Number - ordinal feminine singular
Strong's 7992: Third, feminine a, third, a third, a third-story cell)

under Joab,
יוֹאָב֙ (yō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites

a third
וְ֠הַשְּׁלִשִׁית (wə·haš·šə·li·šîṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Number - ordinal feminine singular
Strong's 7992: Third, feminine a, third, a third, a third-story cell)

under Joab’s
יוֹאָ֔ב (yō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites

brother
אֲחִ֣י (’ă·ḥî)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 251: A brother, )

Abishai
אֲבִישַׁ֤י (’ă·ḇî·šay)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 52: Abishai -- 'my father is Jesse', an Israelite name

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Zeruiah,
צְרוּיָה֙ (ṣə·rū·yāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6870: Zeruiah -- an Israelite woman

and a third
וְהַ֨שְּׁלִשִׁ֔ת (wə·haš·šə·li·šiṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Number - ordinal feminine singular
Strong's 7992: Third, feminine a, third, a third, a third-story cell)

under Ittai
אִתַּ֣י (’it·tay)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 863: Ithai -- perhaps 'companionable', an Israelite, also a Philistine

the Gittite.
הַגִּתִּ֑י (hag·git·tî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1663: Gittite -- an inhabitant of Gath

And the king
הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

said
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the troops,
הָעָ֔ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

“I
אֲנִ֖י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

will surely march out
יָצֹ֥א (yā·ṣō)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

with you
עִמָּכֶֽם׃ (‘im·mā·ḵem)
Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

as well.?
גַּם־ (gam-)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and


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OT History: 2 Samuel 18:2 David sent forth the people a third (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
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