And the man said unto Joab, Though I should receive a thousand shekels of silver in mine hand, yet would I not put forth mine hand against the king’s son: for in our hearing the king charged thee and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Beware that none touch the young man Absalom.
But the man said to Joab, 'Even if you put a thousand pieces of silver in my hand, I would not raise my hand against the king's son. We all heard the king give you, Abishai, and Ittai a direct order, saying, "Be careful that no one harms the young man Absalom."'
This soldier is refusing to harm Absalom because he heard King David's clear command to protect his son, even though David and Absalom are at war.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs during Absalom's rebellion against his father King David, when David's army is fighting against his son's forces. Despite the civil war, David had specifically commanded his military leaders to protect Absalom's life. The soldier speaking represents the moral dilemma of David's men who must fight their king's son while being ordered not to harm him.
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