2 Samuel 18

David reviews and arranges the people, and gives the command to Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, 2 Samuel 18:1 , 2 Samuel 18:2 . On his expressing a desire to accompany them to the battle, they will not permit him, 2 Samuel 18:3 . He reviews them as they go out of the city, and gives commandment to the captains to save Absalom, 2 Samuel 18:4 , 2 Samuel 18:5 . They join battle with Absalom and his army, who are discomfited with the loss of twenty thousand men, 2 Samuel 18:6-8 . Absalom, fleeing away, is caught by his head in an oak; Joab finds him, and transfixes him with three darts, 2 Samuel 18:9-15 . The servants of David are recalled, and Absalom buried, 2 Samuel 18:16-18 . Ahimaaz and Cushi bring the tidings to David, who is greatly distressed at hearing of the death of Absalom, and makes bitter lamentation for him, 2 Samuel 18:19-33 .