The Battle in the Woods

David realized Absalom would attack as soon as possible.

Marshaling his forces, he divided them into three divisions, placing each under one of his best commanders. Joab retained command of the entire army.

Abishai, who had sought to defend David’s honor against Shimei (2 Samuel 16:9), was given command of the second division. Ittai the Gittite, who had professed his undying support for David (2 Samuel 15:19–21), was given the third division.

It was David’s intention to join his forces in the field, but “if the opposing army learned that David was with his men, every effort would be made against his person. If he could be slain, Absalom would have attained his purpose. So David was urged not to be present in the battle.” At his soldiers’ request, David remained in the city of Mahanaim with the reserve forces. “From the walls of the city the long lines of the rebel army were in full view. The usurper was accompanied by a vast host, in comparison with which David’s force seemed but a handful. But as the king looked upon the opposing forces, the thought uppermost in his mind was not of the crown and the kingdom, nor of his own life, that depended upon the wage of battle. The father’s heart was filled with love and pity for his rebellious son. As the army filed out from the city gates David encouraged his faithful soldiers, bidding them go forth trusting that the God of Israel would give them the victory. But even here he could not repress his love for Absalom. As Joab, leading the first column, passed his king, the conqueror of a hundred battlefields stooped his proud head to hear the monarch’s last message, as with trembling voice he said, ‘Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom.’” The battle took place in a wooded area covered with dense foliage and rocky undergrowth interspersed with a marsh.

In such terrain, Absalom’s vast army lost its advantage.

The veteran forces of David maintained discipline and delivered a stunning defeat to the rebel army. Twenty thousand of Absalom’s followers were slain (2 Samuel 18:7), and Absalom was put to flight. How should you—and do you—treat those who oppose you?