Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/283

 Absalom, having  resolved  to  destroy  David  and  his  army, went in  pursuit  of  them. David however  reviewed  his  men  and placed brave  captains  in  command,  and  said  that  he  would  himself march at  their  head. But this  his  men  would  not  permit,  saying that if  ten  thousand  of  them  fell  in  battle,  they  would  not  despair; but that  if  he  perished,  all  was  lost. The king  therefore  remained in the  city  of  Mahanaim,  but  he  commanded  Joab  and  his  other officers, saying:  "Spare  me  the  boy  Absalom.”



The battle  was  fought  in  the  midst  of  a great  wood,  and Absalom’s army  was  cut  to  pieces. He himself  fled,  but  he could  not  escape  from  divine  justice,  which  pursues  the  wicked wherever they  go. Having mounted  a mule,  he  endeavoured  to escape  through  the  forest; but  his  long  hair  having  become  entangled in a tree,  he  remained  hanging  from  a branch,  while  his  mule passed on.