2 Samuel 18

David organizes his loyal forces and divides them into three divisions under the command of Joab, Abishai, and Ittai. David insists on staying behind in the city, but gives the crucial, emotional command to his generals: "Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom." The two armies clash in the forest of Ephraim. Absalom's army is defeated. Absalom flees, but his long, thick hair gets caught in the branches of a tree. Joab, ignoring David's command, ruthlessly kills Absalom with three javelins.