2 Samuel 18:1-8

Living Bible

18 David now appointed regimental colonels and company commanders over his troops. ² A third were placed under Joab’s brother, Abishai (the son of Zeruiah); and a third under Ittai, the Gittite. The king planned to lead the army himself, but his men objected strongly.

³ “You mustn’t do it,” they said, “for if we have to turn and run, and half of us die, it will make no difference to them—they will be looking only for you. You are worth ten thousand of us, and it is better that you stay here in the city and send us help if we need it.”

⁴ “Well, whatever you think best,” the king finally replied. So he stood at the gate of the city as all the troops passed by.

⁵ And the king commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, “For my sake, deal gently with young Absalom.” And all the troops heard the king give them this charge.

⁶ So the battle began in the forest of Ephraim, ⁷ and the Israeli troops were beaten back by David’s men. There was a great slaughter and twenty thousand men laid down their lives that day. ⁸ The battle raged all across the countryside, and more men disappeared in the forest than were killed.