2 Samuel 18:14 Meaning and Explanation
“Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Joab refuses to wait any longer and drives three darts through Absalom's heart while he still hangs alive in the oak.
What Does 2 Samuel 18:14 Mean?
Dismissing the soldier's caution, Joab declares he will waste no more time. He takes three darts and thrusts them into Absalom's heart as the helpless man still hangs alive in the tree.
Joab acts in direct defiance of the king's plea, deciding that the kingdom's security outweighs a father's love. His deed ends the rebellion but plants deep grief, and it will not go unremembered. The verse soberly shows how a man may serve a cause with ruthless efficiency yet trample the very heart he claims to defend.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 18:14
What does 2 Samuel 18:14 mean?
Joab refuses to wait any longer and drives three darts through Absalom's heart while he still hangs alive in the oak.