David's army prepare to attack. David wants to lead the army, perhaps remembering how his problems had all started when he had stayed at the palace. However, his men insist that he does not go out with them as he is clearly the main target.
So David remains behind, but tells his commanders to be gentle with Absalom. Although Absalom is his enemy, he is also his son. David's men win convincingly and many people are killed. Absalom gets caught in a tree. Joab questions the man who saw Absalom why he didn't kill him. The man says it is because of David's command. Joab was impetuous and showed no concern for the king's command. So he went out and killed Absalom. This is not the first time he done this sort of thing, e.g. the murder of Abner.
Joab knows what David's reaction will be, so he sends a Cushite to tell David the news. However, Ahimaaz insists that he be the one to tell David the news. Verse 29 seems to indicate that Ahimaaz does not know what has happened to Absalom. The Cushite then arrives and gives David the news about Absalom.
David goes into mourning.
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