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2 Samuel 18 · Grade 4

A King's Grief

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Read and Think

David organized his army under three leaders: Joab, Abishai, and Ittai. His men begged him to stay in the city, because he was worth ten thousand of them. As they marched out, all the people heard the king command his captains: Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.

The battle in the forest of Ephraim went against Absalom's army, and the forest itself took many lives. Absalom's head was caught in a great oak while his mule ran on. A soldier refused to harm him because of the king's command. But Joab ignored David's order and struck Absalom, and his armor bearers killed him. Joab blew the trumpet, and the fighting ended.

Ahimaaz the son of Zadok wanted to run with the news, and a Cushite was also sent. David waited at the gate. His one question was whether Absalom was well. When the Cushite answered, the king was much moved. He went up to the room over the gate and wept: My son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! I wish I had died instead of you.

Show What You Know

  1. Why did David's men ask him to stay in the city?

  2. Why did one soldier refuse to harm Absalom?

  3. Who ignored David's order?

  4. What was David's one question to the messengers?

Word Bank Fill-In

Use the word bank to fill in each blank.

Absalomgentlyson
  1. As they marched out, all the people heard the king command his captains: Deal for my sake with the young man Absalom.
  2. Ahimaaz the of Zadok wanted to run with the news, and a Cushite was also sent.
  3. His one question was whether was well.

Think About It

  1. David loved Absalom even though Absalom had rebelled. How does David's love remind you of God's love for people who turn away?

  2. Joab disobeyed the king's command. Why is it wrong to ignore a clear command even when we think we know better?

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)

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Prayer

Dear God, thank You for loving me like a Father. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • What does David's grief show about a parent's love?
  • How does Absalom's pillar show his pride?

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.