2Sa 18:14-15 | 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 18:14-15

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.)
18:15 ^d surrounded ... and killed him: Perhaps Joab had his armor bearers finish the job so that he could make the case to David that he himself had not killed Absalom.