Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned He knew Absalom's men had been drawn unthinkingly into this rebellion, and would return to their duty, now they had none to head them. For Joab held back the people Who otherwise, being highly incensed against the rebels, would have hotly pursued, and made still greater slaughter among them. In this Joab acted like a wise and merciful man, who wished to stop the further effusion of Israelitish blood.
Related Commentaries of 2 Samuel 18:16
2 Samuel 18:16
16 And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people.