2 Samuel 18:9-15
18:9 a Absalom, who took such pride in his hair, died because of it. He who had built “a monument to himself” (18:18 b) was then thrown into a pit after his death (18:17 c) and denied the dignity of a proper burial. These ironies highlight the difference between Absalom’s aspirations and his destiny.18:11 d Perhaps a hero’s belt was a sword belt that decorated a soldier for bravery and courage in battle (cp. 1 Sam 18:4 e).
18:14 f plunged them into Absalom’s heart: Earlier, Joab had played the role of reconciler between David and Absalom (ch 14 g). 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 h.)
18:15 i 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.
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