New International VersionThe 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 VersionThe 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 BibleAnd 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 VersionThen 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 BibleThen 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 1995Then 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 1977Then 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 BibleThen 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 BibleThen 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 BibleI 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 VersionAnd 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 VersionAnd 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 VersionSo 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.
NET BibleThen 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 BibleThe 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 TranslationAnd 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. Majority Text Translations 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.
World English BibleThe 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 VersionAnd 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 TranslationAnd 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 BibleAnd 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 VersionAnd 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 BibleThe 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 VersionThe 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 BibleAnd 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 TranslatedAnd 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 1917And 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 TranslationAnd 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 dowhateverseems bestto you,”the kingreplied.So hestoodbesidethe gate,while allthe troopsmarched outby hundredsand 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.…
Cross References 1 Samuel 18:12-16So 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 15:25-26Then 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 23:2-5So 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 16:10-12But 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 28:21The 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 17:14Then 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 30:7-8Then 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 3:36All 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 19:8So 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 14:36-37And 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 5:19So 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 22:5-7But 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 10:12Be 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 thatwere 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. Jump to Previous ArmyBestDoorEyesGateGoodHundredsMarchedSeemethSeemsSideSightStoodThousandsUnitsWhateverJump to Next ArmyBestDoorEyesGateGoodHundredsMarchedSeemethSeemsSideSightStoodThousandsUnitsWhatever2 Samuel 18 1.David viewing the armies in their march gives them charge of Absalom6.The Israelites are sorely smitten in the wood of ephraim9.Absalom, hanging in an oak is slain by Joab, and cast into a pit18.Absalom's place19.Ahimaaz and Cushi bring tidings to David33.David mourns for Absalom“I will do whatever seems best to you,” the king replied.This phrase reflects King David's humility and willingness to listen to the counsel of his commanders. In the context of 2 Samuel 18, David is preparing for battle against his son Absalom, who has led a rebellion against him. David's response shows his trust in his military leaders, particularly Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, who have advised him not to go into battle personally. This decision is significant as it demonstrates David's understanding of his role as king and the importance of preserving his life for the sake of the kingdom. It also highlights the biblical principle of seeking wise counsel, as seen in Proverbs 11:14, which states, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." So he stood beside the gate,
The gate of a city in ancient times was not only a place of entry and exit but also a central location for legal matters, public announcements, and military organization. David standing beside the gate signifies his role as the leader and judge of Israel, overseeing the departure of his troops. This position also allowed him to be visible to his men, providing them with encouragement and a sense of unity. The gate's strategic importance is seen throughout the Bible, such as inRuth 4:1, where Boaz goes to the town gate to settle legal matters. while all the troops marched out by hundreds and by thousands.
The organization of troops into hundreds and thousands indicates a well-structured military force, reflecting the administrative capabilities of David's kingdom. This military organization is consistent with the structure described inExodus 18:21, where Moses is advised to appoint leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. The marching out of the troops in such an orderly fashion demonstrates the discipline and readiness of David's army. It also underscores the gravity of the situation, as they are preparing to engage in a civil war against Absalom's forces. This moment is a poignant reminder of the internal strife within Israel, a nation chosen by God, and the consequences of sin and rebellion, as seen in the broader narrative of David's life and reign. Persons / Places / Events 1. King DavidThe central figure in this passage, David is the king of Israel. At this point in the account, he is dealing with the rebellion of his son Absalom. 2. The GateA significant location in ancient cities, the gate was not only a place of entry and exit but also a place of judgment and decision-making. Here, David stands by the gate as his troops march out. 3. The TroopsThese are the soldiers of Israel, organized into units of hundreds and thousands, preparing to confront Absalom's forces. 4. AbsalomAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, Absalom is the instigator of the rebellion against David, which is the context for the military action. 5. The BattleThe event unfolding is the preparation for the battle between David's forces and those loyal to Absalom. Teaching Points Leadership and DelegationDavid's willingness to listen to his commanders and stand by the gate shows the importance of trusting and empowering others in leadership roles. Faith in ActionWhile David prepares for battle, his actions reflect a trust in God's sovereignty, reminding us to balance practical action with spiritual faith. The Role of ObedienceDavid's response, "I will do whatever seems best to you," demonstrates humility and obedience, qualities essential for godly leadership. The Significance of PositionStanding by the gate, David takes a position of oversight and support, illustrating the importance of being present and available in times of crisis. Community and UnityThe organization of troops into hundreds and thousands underscores the need for unity and structure within the community of believers. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 18:4?
2.How does 2 Samuel 18:4 demonstrate David's leadership and humility?
3.What can we learn about obedience from David's response in 2 Samuel 18:4?
4.How does David's decision align with Proverbs 11:14 about seeking counsel?
5.In what ways can we apply David's example of listening to others today?
6.How does 2 Samuel 18:4 reflect the importance of community in decision-making?
7.What does 2 Samuel 18:4 reveal about David's leadership style and decision-making process?
8.How does 2 Samuel 18:4 reflect the relationship between David and his troops?
9.What historical context is necessary to understand the events of 2 Samuel 18:4?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 18?
11.2 Kings 18:4 - Is there any archaeological or historical evidence that the Nehushtan ever existed?
12.2 Samuel 4:5-7 - If God intended David to become king, why would these assassins be condemned for eliminating Ishbosheth, who was hindering David's rule?
13.How do we reconcile the discrepant figures between 2 Samuel 10:18 and 1 Chronicles 19:18 regarding the number of charioteers and horsemen defeated by David?
14.When David defeated the King of Zobah, how many horsemen did he capture? One thousand and seven hundred (2 Samuel 8:4) Seven thousand (I Chronicles 18:4)What Does 2 Samuel 18:4 Mean “I will do whatever seems best to you,”• David’s words reveal a heart that trusts both God’s sovereignty and the seasoned judgment of his commanders (cf.2 Samuel 18:3;Proverbs 15:22). • He models servant-leadership, surrendering personal preference for the good of those under his charge, much as he once deferred to Abigail’s counsel for everyone’s safety (1 Samuel 25:32-35). • The phrase echoes earlier moments when David placed outcomes in the Lord’s hands—“Let Him do to me what seems good to Him” (2 Samuel 15:26)—showing consistent reliance on divine wisdom over self-will (see also1 Samuel 3:18).
the king replied.• Scripture does not depict a passive ruler; David, “the king,” speaks decisively. His reply settles the debate about whether he should lead the charge himself, demonstrating a ruler’s responsibility to heed godly advice (2 Samuel 18:2-3; cf.1 Kings 12:6-8 for a contrasting example in Rehoboam). • Even in concession, he retains authority. Like the true King he foreshadows, David lays aside privilege for his people’s welfare, anticipating Christ’s humility (Philippians 2:5-8).
So he stood beside the gate,• Gates in ancient cities served as places of judgment, strategy, and public witness (Ruth 4:1;2 Samuel 15:2). By positioning himself there, David is visible to every soldier, offering encouragement without exposing himself to unnecessary risk (compare2 Samuel 18:24, where he later waits between the gates for news). • His stance testifies to steadfast support—present but not meddling—much like Moses lifting his hands while Israel fought below (Exodus 17:10-12).
while all the troops marched out by hundreds and by thousands.• The army’s orderly deployment reflects God’s design for structure and discipline among His people (Exodus 18:25;Numbers 31:14). • “Hundreds and thousands” echoes the organization earlier noted in David’s census lists (1 Chronicles 27:1). Such precision underscores the literal historical setting and the magnitude of the coming conflict with Absalom (2 Samuel 18:6-8). • Every subgroup passes the king, receiving final affirmation that he is with them in spirit and prayer, paralleling Christ’s promise, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20).
summaryDavid’s brief exchange shows a ruler who submits his plans to wise counsel, displays humble visibility at the city gate, and sends out a well-ordered army with confidence that the Lord governs outcomes. The verse underscores servant-hearted leadership, respectful cooperation, and the assurance that God works through faithful structures to accomplish His purposes. (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 doאֶעֱשֶׂ֑ה(’e·‘ĕ·śeh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makewhateverאֲשֶׁר־(’ă·šer-)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatseems bestיִיטַ֥ב(yî·ṭaḇ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3190:To be good, well, glad, or pleasingto you,”בְּעֵינֵיכֶ֖ם(bə·‘ê·nê·ḵem)Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | second person masculine plural
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountainthe kingהַמֶּ֔לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingreplied.וַיֹּ֤אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, saySo heהַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingstoodוַיַּעֲמֹ֤ד(way·ya·‘ă·mōḏ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5975:To stand, in various relationsbesideאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tothe gate,הַשַּׁ֔עַר(haš·ša·‘ar)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8179:An opening, door, gatewhile allוְכָל־(wə·ḵāl)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe troopsהָעָם֙(hā·‘ām)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flockmarched outיָֽצְא֔וּ(yā·ṣə·’ū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3381:To come or go down, descendby hundredsלְמֵא֖וֹת(lə·mê·’ō·wṯ)Preposition-l | Number - feminine plural
Strong's 3967:A hundredand 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) |
