They crept back into the town that day as though they were ashamed and had deserted in battle.
Why did you slip away secretly? Why did you deceive me? And why didn’t you say you wanted to leave? I would have given you a farewell feast, with singing and music, accompanied by tambourines and harps.
David soon arrived at Mahanaim. By now, Absalom had mobilized the entire army of Israel and was leading his troops across the Jordan River.
As all the people heard of the king’s deep grief for his son, the joy of that day’s victory was turned into deep sadness.
He was very old—eighty years of age—and very wealthy. He was the one who had provided food for the king during his stay in Mahanaim.
The king covered his face with his hands and kept on crying, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!”