What does 2 Samuel 18:18 mean?
"Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which is in the king’s dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom’s place." - 2 Samuel 18:18
The Bible verse 2 Samuel 18:18 in the King James Version (KJV) reads, "Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which is in the king's dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom's place."
This verse comes from the story of Absalom, the third son of King David. Absalom was known for his striking appearance and his rebellious nature. He conspired against his father, King David, and attempted to overthrow him. This led to a great battle in which Absalom's forces were defeated, and Absalom himself was killed.
The verse describes how Absalom, during his lifetime, had taken and reared up a pillar for himself in the king's dale. Absalom had no son to carry on his name, so he named the pillar after himself, "Absalom's place." This act can be seen as a way for Absalom to ensure his own remembrance and legacy, despite the fact that he had no heir to carry on his name.
The context of this verse is important in understanding its full meaning. The story of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David, is a tragic one. Absalom's desire for power and his lack of regard for the consequences of his actions ultimately led to his own downfall. Despite his efforts to ensure his remembrance through the pillar he erected, Absalom's legacy is one of rebellion and ultimately, failure.
One of the key themes in this verse is the pursuit of legacy and remembrance. Absalom's actions can be seen as an attempt to secure his own place in history, despite the fact that his rebellion against his father ultimately led to his own demise. This raises questions about the nature of legacy and how it is achieved. Can a legacy be secured through acts of rebellion and selfishness, or is it more enduring when it is built on principles of love, loyalty, and selflessness?
Another theme that can be derived from this verse is the consequences of selfish ambition. Absalom's desire for power and his rebellion against his father led to tragic results. His selfish ambition ultimately cost him his life, and his attempts to secure his own legacy through the pillar were ultimately in vain. This serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of selfish ambition and the consequences it can have.
The symbolism in this verse is also significant. The pillar that Absalom erected can be seen as a physical representation of his desire for remembrance and legacy. However, it also serves as a symbol of his pride and selfishness. Instead of seeking to honor his father and his family lineage, Absalom chose to name the pillar after himself, effectively attempting to immortalize his own name.
In conclusion, 2 Samuel 18:18 in the King James Version (KJV) holds a deep and nuanced meaning. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of selfish ambition and the pursuit of legacy. It also raises important questions about the nature of legacy and remembrance, and how they are best achieved. Ultimately, the story of Absalom serves as a reminder of the enduring power of love, loyalty, and selflessness, and the destructive nature of pride and selfish ambition.
Have questions about 2 Samuel 18:18?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
2 Samuel 18:18 Artwork
2 Samuel 18:18 - "¶ Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which is in the king's dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom's place."
"¶ Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which is in the king's dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom's place." - 2 Samuel 18:18
1 Samuel 2:18 - "¶ But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod."
2 Samuel 5:18 - "The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim."
2 Samuel 11:18 - "¶ Then Joab sent and told David all the things concerning the war;"
2 Samuel 2:18 - "¶ And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe."
2 Samuel 18:6 - "¶ So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;"
1 Samuel 18:2 - "And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house."
2 Samuel 18:10 - "And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak."
2 Samuel 8:18 - "And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers."
2 Samuel 18:1 - "And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them."
2 Samuel 18:15 - "And ten young men that bare Joab's armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him."
2 Samuel 1:8 - "And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite."
2 Samuel 1:18 - "(Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.)"
2 Samuel 18:30 - "And the king said unto him, Turn aside, and stand here. And he turned aside, and stood still."
2 Samuel 18:16 - "And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people."
2 Samuel 18:7 - "Where the people of Israel were slain before the servants of David, and there was there a great slaughter that day of twenty thousand men."
2 Samuel 18:8 - "For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured."
2 Samuel 21:18 - "And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant."
2 Samuel 22:18 - "He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me."
"¶ But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod." - 1 Samuel 2:18
2 Samuel 6:18 - "And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts."
2 Samuel 18:21 - "Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran."
2 Samuel 24:18 - "And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite."
2 Samuel 18:25 - "And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king said, If he be alone, there is tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near."
1 Samuel 4:18
1 Samuel 4:18
2 Samuel 18:23 - "But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi."
2 Samuel 16:18 - "And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide."
2 Samuel 20:18 - "Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter."