“I’ll do what you think best,” the king responded. So the king stood by the gate while all the troops marched out by battalions and regiments.
David called together the troops that were with him. He appointed commanders in charge of regiments and battalions.
David was sitting between the two gates while the watchman walked along the roof of the gate by the wall. As he looked, he saw a man running alone.
The king ordered Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, “Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” All the troops heard him give all the commanders this order regarding Absalom.
He will give a spirit of justice to those who judge. He will give strength to those who defend the city gates in battle.
The Philistine leaders were marching by with their companies and regiments. David and his men were marching in the rear with Achish.