(2) And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also. (3) But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that thou succour us out of the city. (4) And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands.
Every one perfectly well knew the personal courage of David; but beside the reasons here given on both sides for David staying at home, there was in David's breast, a secret cause to keep him back. How unnatural soever Absalom's conduct was towards his father, yet David's heart, as the sequel proved, loved this unnatural child too well to fight against him.