David’s son Absalom stood near the road to the city gate each morning and spoke to people coming for judgment. He said the king had appointed no one to hear their cases and that he would give them justice if he were judge. When they came to bow, he took hold of them and kissed them. In this way he won the hearts of Israelites.
He went to Hebron under the pretext of paying a vow and sent messengers through the tribes to proclaim him king when they heard the trumpet. David heard the report in Jerusalem and fled with his servants and household, fearing the city would suffer. He went up the Mount of Olives weeping, and the people went with covered heads.
David sent his friend Hushai back to Jerusalem to defeat Ahithophel’s counsel. Hushai told Absalom he would serve him. Ahithophel urged a pursuit that very night to kill David, but Hushai advised gathering all Israel first and having Absalom lead the attack. Absalom chose Hushai’s counsel. Hushai warned the priests Zadok and Abiathar that David must cross the river. Their sons carried the message, and by dawn all David’s people had crossed the Jordan.
David divided his army under Joab, Abishai, and Ittai. He stood by the gate as they went out and told all three commanders to deal gently with his son Absalom. The army heard the command.
The battle took place in the forest of Ephraim, where the army following Absalom was defeated. Absalom met David’s servants while riding a mule. As the mule passed beneath a great oak, his head caught in the tree, leaving him hanging while the mule went on. Joab thrust three darts through his heart while he was still alive. Ten of Joab’s armor-bearers surrounded him and killed him.
Ahimaaz arrived first to tell David of the victory. David asked whether Absalom was safe, but Ahimaaz said he did not know what had happened. The Cushite arrived next. He answered the king’s question by saying that those who opposed him should be like Absalom. David went to the room above the gate and wept, calling his son’s name and wishing that he had died instead.