5. The king gave a command to Joab, Abishai and Ittai. He said, “Be gentle with young Absalom for my sake.” Everyone heard the king’s orders about Absalom to the commanders.
6. David’s army went out into the field against Absalom’s Israelites. They fought in the forest of Ephraim.
7. There David’s army defeated the Israelites. Many died that day—20,000 men.