2Sa 18:14 | TNotes | STEP | 18:14 plunged them into Absalom’s heart: Earlier, Joab had played the role of reconciler between David and Absalom (ch 14 ). It is possible Joab believed that allowing Absalom to live would only invite ongoing trouble for David and for himself. (Absalom had appointed Amasa, Joab’s first cousin, to fill Joab’s position as commander of Israel’s army; see 17:25 .)

‏ 2 Samuel 18:14

18:14 ^a plunged them into Absalom’s heart: Earlier, Joab had played the role of reconciler between David and Absalom (ch 14 ^b). It is possible Joab believed that allowing Absalom to live would only invite ongoing trouble for David and for himself. (Absalom had appointed Amasa, Joab’s first cousin, to fill Joab’s position as commander of Israel’s army; see 17:25 ^c.)