12. The man said to Joab, “Even if I felt the weight of a thousand pieces of silver in my palms, I would not have sent my hand against the son of the king, for in our ears the king commanded you and Abishai and Ittai, ‘Whoever you may be, protect the young man Absalom.’
13. If I had dealt treacherously against his life, and there is not any matter hidden from the king, you would have presented yourself aloof.”
14. Joab said, “No longer will I wait in your presence.” Then he took three spears in his hand and thrust them into the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak tree.
15. Then ten of the young men who bore the weapons of Joab surrounded him and struck and killed Absalom.
16. Then Joab blew on the trumpet and the troops returned from pursuing after Israel, for Joab kept back the troops.
17. They took Absalom and they threw him into the large pit in the forest and raised a very great heap of stones over him. Then all of Israel fled, each to his tent.