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Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and set up for himself the standing-stone that is in the King’s Valley, for he said, “I have no son to preserve the memory of my name.” And he called the standing-stone after his own name and it is called Absalom’s monument to this day. Bible see other translations

“the King’s Valley.” This is most likely the Kidron Valley, on the east side of Jerusalem, or where the Kidron Valley and the Hinnom Valley meet (cp. Gen. 14:17).

“I have no son.” According to 2 Samuel 14:27, Absalom had three sons, so apparently by this later time in his life they had passed away. While tragic, that would not have been terribly unusual. Naomi lost both her sons in their teenage years after they were married but before they could have children (Ruth 1:3-5). In the ancient world children often died from various causes that they would not die from today. Not only were things such as appendicitis deadly, but many people died of injuries and infections that are easily treated today.

“Absalom’s monument.” The Hebrew is idiomatic: “Absalom’s hand.” The word “hand” refers to what the person had done and memorialized it. The word “hand” is commonly used for memorials or monuments.


Commentary for: 2 Samuel 18:18

 
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