2 Samuel 18:6
ESV
So the army went out into the field against Israel, and the battle was fought in the forest of Ephraim.
NIV
David’s army marched out of the city to fight Israel, and the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim.
NASB
Then the people went out to the field against Israel, and the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim.
CSB
Then David’s forces marched into the field to engage Israel in battle, which took place in the forest of Ephraim.
NLT
So the battle began in the forest of Ephraim,
KJV
So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;
NKJV
So the people went out into the field of battle against Israel. And the battle was in the woods of Ephraim.
What does 2 Samuel 18:6 mean?
David and his people fled Jerusalem as Absalom and his followers approached (2 Samuel 15:13–14). David and his family, servants, and guards crossed the Jordan River and continued east to Mahanaim, where friends met them (2 Samuel 17:22, 27–29). Meanwhile, Absalom gathered a large army from throughout the nation and set up camp between Mahanaim and the river (2 Samuel 17:24).We don't know precisely how many fighting men have remained loyal to David. It's enough to give his generals, Joab and Abishai, and his Philistine mercenary commander, Ittai, large groups to command. David announces he's joining the fight, as well, but the commanders tell him no. Absalom's purpose is to kill David and take the throne (2 Samuel 17:1–4). Their purpose is to keep David alive. That's easier done when the aging king is behind the walls of the city (2 Samuel 18:1–3). David agrees to their demands but gives one last instruction: treat Absalom well (2 Samuel 18:5).
Absalom has apparently followed Hushai's counsel to gather Israelites from Dan to Beersheba, "as the sand by the sea for multitude" (2 Samuel 17:11). Yet David's men are experienced, fierce fighters. The terrain works to the advantage of the smaller force. Of the many thousands who die this day, most are killed by natural dangers, not weapons (2 Samuel 18:7–8).
The "field" refers to the field of battle, not a literal field. The "forest of Ephraim" isn't in the territory of the tribe of Ephraim to the west of the Jordan River. It's on the east side of the Jordan River, in Gilead, south of the Jabbok River, not far from Mahanaim. Joshua 17:14–18 might mention the forest of Ephraim, but it appears the fight may have been in Manasseh to the north or Gad to the south. A Greek-language translation composed by Hebrews in the centuries prior to Jesus' birth says, "the forest of Mahanaim."
