2 Samuel 17:26
ESV
And Israel and Absalom encamped in the land of Gilead.
NIV
The Israelites and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead.
NASB
And Israel and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead.
CSB
And Israel and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead.
NLT
Absalom and the Israelite army set up camp in the land of Gilead.
KJV
So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead.
NKJV
So Israel and Absalom encamped in the land of Gilead.
What does 2 Samuel 17:26 mean?
Absalom spent four years gradually arranging a rebellion to take his father's crown (2 Samuel 15:1–6). Now that he has it, he needs to keep it. That means going to war against Israel's greatest military commander.The usurping son is ready, but he's also late. Had God not ordained otherwise, Absalom would have let Ahithophel take a smaller force to hunt David down before he could cross the Jordan River. Ahithophel promised only David had to die; the people would return to Jerusalem and swear allegiance to Absalom (2 Samuel 17:1–4). Instead, Absalom followed the advice of David's secret agent, Hushai (2 Samuel 15:32–34). Absalom waited until fighting men from all over the nation could form a grander army (2 Samuel 17:11–13). They have crossed the Jordan and encamped, but waiting for the men to arrive gave David enough time to get his servants to the safety. This also buys time for loyal forces to arrive in David's defense (2 Samuel 17:22, 27–29).
Meanwhile, David is getting much-needed rest. The son of the late Ammonite king met him along with Mephibosheth's former patron. In addition, Barzillai has come with beds and all the food the people could want (2 Samuel 17:27–29). Instead of running down David's wearied and disorganized band of servants and mercenaries, Absalom has given David time to refresh his people and organize a larger army (2 Samuel 18:1–2).
The situation isn't only the result of Absalom's naturally methodical personality. Nor is it simple fear of David's battle skill. It's not just vanity thinking he was ready to lead an army (2 Samuel 17:7–13). Nor does the circumstance rest solely on David's foresight in establishing spies and runners (2 Samuel 15:24–29, 32–37). David's victory rests on God's choice. The Lord used Absalom to judge David for David's sin against Bathsheba and Uriah (2 Samuel 12:10–12). Now that God's curse is fulfilled, he will judge Absalom for his sins against David, his father and king. Sadly, thousands of men will die in the process (2 Samuel 18:7).
