He advised a collection of all the troops in the kingdom; that success might be in a manner insured; and that Absalom should command them in person. By which means, he affirmed that they should overwhelm David and his party, wherever they found him.* Hushai gained the ascendancy; and when he knew that his scheme was accepted, he gave immediate notice to the priests:** with instructions for David how to conduct himself.*** David divided his forces into three bodies; commanded by Joab, Abishai, and Ittai: but by the prudent care of his men, was not permitted to hazard his person, by being present in action.**** When he had reviewed his army, he gave his generals especial charge to preserve the life of Absalom; and with a policy that reflects honour upon his military knowledge, expected the enemy in the wood Ephraim:(5) a covert situation, being the most judicious that could be chosen, for a small army(6) to encounter one more numerous. David's men were tried veterans, among whom were the remains of those who served under, and lived with him at Gath;(7) whereas, Absalom's army must have consisted chiefly of fresh men. The battle decided in favour of David(8) with great slaughter of the rebel army: and as Absalom fled on a mule, his hair, which is celebrated for its beauty and quantity, entangled in the boughs of an oak, and he remained suspended in the air; while his mule ran away from between his legs.(9) He was observed in this condition by a man who went and told Joab; and he, who consulted the safety of David, rather than his parental weakness in behalf of an unnatural son, killed Absalom with a dart.(10) David grieved immoderately for this reprobate son, on whom he had misplaced a great affection:(11) and though he had _acted_ the mourner on several former occasions, this is the only one, in which his sincerity need not be questioned. * 2 Sam. xiii. 11. ** Ver. 15. *** Ver. 16. **** Chap. xviii. 1-3 (5) Ver. 4-6. (6) According to Josephus, David had but four thousand men. (7) 2 Sam. xv. 18. (8) Chap. xviii. 7. (9) Ver. 9. (10) Ver. 14. (11) Ver. 33., Chap. xix. 4. It is true, he might be really concerned at the murder of Abner; but men circumstances ought to be attended to; Abner was killed prematurely; he had not finished his treacherous negociation; David had much to hope from him; but--when his expectations had been answered, it is far from being improbable, that he would have found an opportunity himself to have got rid of a man, on whom he could have placed no reliance. But to return.