5. The king gave an order to Joab, Abishai and Ittai. He commanded them, "Be gentle with the young man Absalom. Do it for me." All of the troops heard the king give the commanders that order about Absalom.
6. David's army marched into the field to fight against Israel. The battle took place in the forest of Ephraim.
7. There David's men won the battle over Israel's army. A huge number of men were wounded or killed that day. The total number was 20,000.