20. The Defeat of Absalom (2 Samuel 18)

While Absalom took time to assemble an army from across Israel, and to have himself anointed and installed as king in Jerusalem, David prepared his experienced fighting men, along with others who joined his cause, in anticipation of the inevitable battle for the throne. Joab picked the battlefield, and surprising the opposing forces, launched an attack the resulted in a rout of Absalom's military. David, who should have rejoiced at the remarkable victory, plunged instead into a lament that threatened his reign and his kingdom more than Absalom had. Only the intervention of Joab saved the day.

[@amberbrightlights9542]

Do some more out of samuel?

[@JustinD21]

What piece is the musical intro?

[@tobystewart4403]

In the Battle of Ephrim Wood, the Israeli War Mule proved inadequate to inspire terror in the hearts of the enemy.
You are kind to Joab, Bruce. I recall that David has Joab executed, as his testamentary gift to him, for his lifetime of loyal service.
Joab murdered David's son when he was defenceless, going against the direct order of his superior. This is both a war crime and a court martial offence. I do not agree that Absalom need to die, or that Joab was justified by real politik.
I read this story as meaning that David had been abandoned by the counsel of Nathan, and those like him, and now relied upon savage and brutal men, men he could not trust, who did as they see fit, contrary to his will.
Joab is a fascinating character. He does righteous things, according to the calculus of the warrior creed, yet it makes of him a monster over time, one who cannot see the possible outcomes of forgiveness, who only sees the outcomes offered by force and war. Seeing only war as a valid remedy, Joab becomes an instrument of murder.
The old testament is very subdued, with regard to military prowess, and heroism. It is 2000 years ahead of its time, at least.
In Joab's conduct we see that not all is fair in love and war. Men may forgive each other the brutality they witness each other do, upon the alter of necessity. The lord, however, is never shocked, and never absent. He sees our conduct, and is always available for counsel and redemption. No officer of war is beyond his reach.
The distinct between pain and suffering is important. It has been my experience that the lord will take away physical pain, and can do so, and so we ought fear it not. Faith will conquer pain. Suffering, however, is the pain of the soul. We own that, and the lord can only sympathise, unless we repent, and redeem ourselves.

[@kovalanpachu]

30:9 Absalom had a sister and daughter named Tamar?

[@mbbn8929]

Wait a minute: Prof. Gore, why is this 'episode' ("20. The Defeat of Absalom (2 Samuel 18)) not listed among your main account? Are you beginning another account?