2 Samuel 18:4 "I will do whatever seems best to you," the king replied. So he stood beside the gate, while all the troops marched out by hundreds and by thousands.

◄ 2 Samuel 18:4 ►

New International Version
The king answered, “I will do whatever seems best to you.” So the king stood beside the gate while all his men marched out in units of hundreds and of thousands.

New Living Translation
“If you think that’s the best plan, I’ll do it,” the king answered. So he stood alongside the gate of the town as all the troops marched out in groups of hundreds and of thousands.

English Standard Version
The king said to them, “Whatever seems best to you I will do.” So the king stood at the side of the gate, while all the army marched out by hundreds and by thousands.

Berean Standard Bible
“I will do whatever seems best to you,” the king replied. So he stood beside the gate, while all the troops marched out by hundreds and by thousands.

King James Bible
And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands.

New King James Version
Then the king said to them, “Whatever seems best to you I will do.” So the king stood beside the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands.

New American Standard Bible
Then the king said to them, “Whatever seems best to you I will do.” So the king stood beside the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and thousands.

NASB 1995
Then the king said to them, “Whatever seems best to you I will do.” So the king stood beside the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and thousands.

NASB 1977
Then the king said to them, “Whatever seems best to you I will do.” So the king stood beside the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and thousands.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the king said to them, “Whatever is good in your sight I will do.” So the king stood beside the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and thousands.

Amplified Bible
Then the king said to them, “I will do whatever seems best to you.” So the king stood beside the gate [of Mahanaim], and all the army went out in groups of hundreds and of thousands.

Christian Standard Bible
“I will do whatever you think is best,” the king replied to them. So he stood beside the city gate while all the troops marched out by hundreds and thousands.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I will do whatever you think is best,” the king replied to them. So he stood beside the gate while all the troops marched out by hundreds and thousands.

American Standard Version
And 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.

English Revised Version
And 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"I'll do what you think best," the king responded. So the king stood by the gate while all the troops marched out by battalions and regiments.

Good News Translation
"I will do whatever you think best," the king answered. Then he stood by the side of the gate as his men marched out in units of a thousand and of a hundred.

International Standard Version
So David responded, "I'll do what you think best." Then he stood alongside the city gate as the army went out in battle array by hundreds and thousands.

Majority Standard Bible
?I will do whatever seems best to you,? the king replied. So he stood beside the gate, while all the troops marched out by hundreds and by thousands.

NET Bible
Then the king said to them, "I will do whatever seems best to you." So the king stayed beside the city gate, while all the army marched out by hundreds and by thousands.

New Heart English Bible
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.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the king said to them, What seemeth to you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands.

World English Bible
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.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And the king says to them, “That which is good in your eyes I do”; and the king stands at the side of the gate, and all the people have gone out by hundreds and by thousands,

Young's Literal Translation
And the king saith unto them, 'That which is good in your eyes I do;' and the king standeth at the side of the gate, and all the people have gone out by hundreds and by thousands,

Smith's Literal Translation
And the king will say to them, What will be good in your eyes I will do. And the king will stand at the hand of the gate, and all the people will go forth, by hundreds and by thousands.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And the king said to them: What seemeth good to you, that will I do. And the king stood by the gate: and all the people went forth by their troops, by hundreds and by thousands.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the king said to them, “I will do whatever seems good to you.” Therefore, the king stood beside the gate. And the people went out by their troops, by hundreds and by thousands.

New American Bible
The king said to them, “I will do what you think best.” So the king stood by the gate as all the soldiers marched out in units of a hundred and a thousand.

New Revised Standard Version
The king said to them, “Whatever seems best to you I will do.” So the king stood at the side of the gate, while all the army marched out by hundreds and by thousands.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the servants of David said to him, We will go forth quickly to fight against them. And the king said to them, Whatever seems good to you, do it. Then the king stood by the side of the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Servants of David said to him: “We shall go out and we shall be quick to fight with them.” The King said to them: “Whatever is pleasing in your eyes, do.” and the King stood at the side of the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And 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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the king said to them, Whatsoever shall seem good in your eyes I will do. And the king stood by the side of the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Absalom Killed
…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.” 4“I will do whatever seems best to you,” the king replied. So he stood beside the gate, while all the troops marched out by hundreds and by thousands. 5Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, “Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” And all the people heard the king’s orders to each of the commanders regarding Absalom.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

1 Samuel 18:12-16
So Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul. / Therefore Saul sent David away and gave him command of a thousand men. David led the troops out to battle and back, / and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him. ...

2 Samuel 15:25-26
Then the king said to Zadok, “Return the ark of God to the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, He will bring me back and let me see both it and His dwelling place again. / But if He should say, ‘I do not delight in you,’ then here I am; let Him do to me whatever seems good to Him.”

1 Kings 1:36-37
“Amen,” replied Benaiah son of Jehoiada. “May the LORD, the God of my lord the king, so declare it. / Just as the LORD was with my lord the king, so may He be with Solomon and make his throne even greater than that of my lord King David.”

1 Samuel 23:2-5
So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” / But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” / Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: “Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.” ...

2 Samuel 16:10-12
But the king replied, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses me because the LORD told him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why did you do this?’” / Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son, my own flesh and blood, seeks my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone and let him curse me, for the LORD has told him so. / Perhaps the LORD will see my affliction and repay me with good for the cursing I receive today.”

1 Chronicles 28:21
The divisions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the service of the house of God, and every willing man of every skill will be at your disposal for the work. The officials and all the people are fully at your command.”

2 Samuel 17:14
Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.

1 Samuel 30:7-8
Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought it to him, / and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.”

2 Samuel 3:36
All the people took note and were pleased. In fact, everything the king did pleased them.

1 Kings 2:38
“The sentence is fair,” Shimei replied. “Your servant will do as my lord the king has spoken.” And Shimei lived in Jerusalem for a long time.

2 Samuel 19:8
So the king got up and sat in the gate, and all the people were told: “Behold, the king is sitting in the gate.” So they all came before the king. Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled, each man to his home.

1 Samuel 14:36-37
And Saul said, “Let us go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them until dawn, leaving no man alive!” “Do what seems good to you,” the troops replied. But the priest said, “We must consult God here.” / So Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You give them into the hand of Israel?” But God did not answer him that day.

2 Samuel 5:19
So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.”

1 Kings 22:5-7
But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.” / So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, about four hundred men, and asked them, “Should I go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.” / But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?”

2 Samuel 10:12
Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.”

Treasury of Scripture

And the king said to them, What seems you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands.

by the gate

2 Samuel 18:24
And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone.

Isaiah 28:6
And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate.

2 Samuel 18:1
And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.

1 Samuel 29:2
And the lords of the Philistines passed on by hundreds, and by thousands: but David and his men passed on in the rereward with Achish.

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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

Berean Study Bible

I will do whatever seems best to you
This phrase reflects King David's humility and willingness to submit to the counsel of his commanders. The Hebrew root for "best" (טוֹב, tov) often denotes goodness, welfare, or what is beneficial. David's response is not just a passive agreement but an active trust in the wisdom of his advisors. Historically, this moment underscores the gravity of the situation as David faces the rebellion led by his son Absalom. It is a poignant reminder of the importance of wise counsel and the humility required to accept it, even as a king.

the king replied
The term "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melek) is significant here, emphasizing David's role and authority. Despite his personal turmoil, David remains the sovereign leader of Israel. His reply is not just a personal decision but a royal decree. This highlights the tension between his duties as a father and as a king. In the broader scriptural context, David's kingship is a foreshadowing of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who also faced betrayal and conflict yet responded with wisdom and grace.

So he stood beside the gate
The gate (שַׁעַר, sha'ar) in ancient cities was a place of judgment, commerce, and gathering. David standing by the gate symbolizes his readiness to oversee and support his troops. It is a strategic position, allowing him to be accessible to his people and to witness the unfolding events. This act of standing by the gate can be seen as a metaphor for vigilance and leadership, qualities that are essential for anyone in a position of authority.

while all the troops marched out by hundreds and thousands
The organization of the troops into "hundreds and thousands" (מֵאוֹת וַאֲלָפִים, me'ot va'alafim) indicates a well-structured military force. This reflects the seriousness of the conflict and the preparedness of David's army. Historically, such organization was crucial for maintaining order and effectiveness in battle. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and discipline within the body of Christ, as believers are called to be soldiers in the spiritual warfare against sin and evil.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(4) What seemeth you best.--David was nothing loth to avoid the personal encounter with his son, and readily yielded, He, however, encouraged the troops by reviewing them as they passed out, and improved the opportunity to give his generals special and public charge concerning Absalom. He speaks of him tenderly as "the young man" (2Samuel 18:5; comp. 2Samuel 18:29; 2Samuel 18:32), to imply that his sin was a youthful indiscretion.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

“I will do
אֶעֱשֶׂ֑ה (’e·‘ĕ·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

whatever
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

seems best
יִיטַ֥ב (yî·ṭaḇ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3190: To be good, well, glad, or pleasing

to you,”
בְּעֵינֵיכֶ֖ם (bə·‘ê·nê·ḵem)
Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | second person masculine plural
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

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

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

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

stood
וַיַּעֲמֹ֤ד (way·ya·‘ă·mōḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

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

the gate,
הַשַּׁ֔עַר (haš·ša·‘ar)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate

while all
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

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

marched out
יָֽצְא֔וּ (yā·ṣə·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

by hundreds
לְמֵא֖וֹת (lə·mê·’ō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Number - feminine plural
Strong's 3967: A hundred

and thousands.
וְלַאֲלָפִֽים׃ (wə·la·’ă·lā·p̄îm)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Number - masculine plural
Strong's 505: A thousand

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OT History: 2 Samuel 18:4 The king said to them What seems (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)