They have installed kings, but not through me. They have appointed leaders, but without my approval. They make their silver and gold into idols for themselves for their own destruction.
Joab said, ‘I’m not going to waste time with you! ’ He then took three spears in his hand and thrust them into Absalom’s chest. While Absalom was still alive in the oak tree,
They answered, ‘Come on, let’s attack them, for we have seen the land, and it is very good. Why wait? Don’t hesitate to go and invade and take possession of the land!
People throughout all the tribes of Israel were arguing among themselves, saying, ‘The king rescued us from the grasp of our enemies, and he saved us from the grasp of the Philistines, but now he has fled from the land because of Absalom.
King David sent word to the priests Zadok and Abiathar: ‘Say to the elders of Judah, “Why should you be the last to restore the king to his palace? The talk of all Israel has reached the king at his house.
David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, ‘Get up. We have to flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! Leave quickly, or he will overtake us quickly, heap disaster on us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword.’