1. David counted his men and chose captains over 1000 and captains over 100 to lead them.
2. He separated the people into three groups and sent them out. Joab led a third of the men. Joab’s brother, Abishai son of Zeruiah, led another third. And Ittai from Gath led the last third. King David said to the people, “I will also go with you.”
3. But they said, “No! You must not go with us. If we run away in the battle, Absalom’s men will not care. No, even if only half of us are killed, Absalom’s men will not care. But you are worth 10,000 of us! It is better for you to stay in the city. Then, if we need help, you can come to help us.”
4. The king said to them, “I will do what you think is best.” Then the king stood by the gate as the army went out in groups of 100 and 1000.