2 Samuel 18:6-17

6Then the people went out into the field against Israel, and the battle took place in 1the forest of Ephraim. 7The people of Israel were 2defeated there before the servants of David, and the slaughter there that day was great, 20,000 men. 8For the battle there was spread over the whole countryside, and the forest devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.

9Now Absalom happened to meet the servants of David. For Absalom was riding on his mule, and the mule went under the thick branches of a great oak. And 3his head caught fast in the oak, so he was 4left hanging between heaven and earth, while the mule that was under him kept going. 10When a certain man saw it, he told Joab and said, “Behold, I saw Absalom hanging in an oak.” 11Then Joab said to the man who had told him, “Now behold, you saw him! Why then did you not strike him there to the ground? And I would have given you ten pieces of silver and a belt.” 12The man said to Joab, “Even if I should receive a thousand pieces of silver in my hand, I would not put out my hand against the king’s son; for 5in our hearing the king charged you and Abishai and Ittai, saying, ‘6Protect for me the young man Absalom!’ 13Otherwise, if I had dealt treacherously against his life (and 7there is nothing hidden from the king), then you yourself would have stood aloof.” 14Then Joab said, “I will not 8waste time here with you.” 9So he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through the heart of Absalom while he was yet alive in the 10midst of the oak. 15And ten young men who carried Joab’s armor gathered around and struck Absalom and killed him.

16Then 11Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing Israel, for Joab restrained the people. 17They took Absalom and cast him into 12a deep pit in the forest and 13erected over him a very great heap of stones. And 14all Israel fled, each to his tent.