2 Samuel 18 · Grade 3
Deal Gently with Absalom
Read the Story
David divided his people into three groups under Joab, Abishai, and Ittai. The people would not let David go to the battle. As the army went out, David commanded the captains to deal gently with the young man Absalom for his sake.
The battle was in the forest of Ephraim, and David's servants won. Absalom was riding on his mule when it went under the thick branches of a great oak. His head caught in the oak, and the mule went on. A man told Joab. Joab and ten young men who carried his armor killed Absalom. Then Joab blew the trumpet to stop the battle.
Ahimaaz and a Cushite ran to David with the news. David asked each one, Is it well with the young man Absalom? When he understood that Absalom was dead, David went up to the room over the gate and wept. He said he wished he had died instead of his son.
Memory Verse
“The king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” All the people heard when the king commanded all the captains concerning Absalom.”
2 Samuel 18:5 (WEB)
Answer the Questions
Who led David's three groups?
What did David command the captains?
Where did Absalom's head get caught?
What did Joab do after Absalom died?
What did David wish?
A Father's Sorrow
Write what happened in each box.
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for loving me like a Father. Help me . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- How can you love someone even when they have done wrong?
- Why is it wrong to disobey a command we do not like?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.