2 Samuel 18:1-5 - David sent out his troops

18:1-3

David seems to be in a better place now and organises his troops, appointing commanders of various groups of men. It seems that he has quite a number of troops with him now, maybe because Joab and his army has now joined them. The army was divided into three main groups, a common tactic. David also says that he would march out with them. However, the commanders and others object to this. David suggested this as he was fighting with the men, but the men see the danger in this, and they are all fighting for Israel. If Absalom had David killed everything would be lost. It is a bit like the game of chess, where the king is protected, rather than being exposed to attack. 

18:4,5

David agrees with his men. David is also getting older and is no doubt past his prime now. So David sees his men go off to battle. He also speaks to the three commanders, Joab, Abishai and Ittai, instructing them to be gentle with Absalom. David’s attitude towards Absalom is conflicted. Joab, of course, would not follow this instruction.