2 Samuel 18:1-2

International Standard Version

The Battle Begins

18 David mustered his forces and appointed officers in charge of regiments and companies.^{[a] 2} Dividing his forces into three groups, he set Joab as commander of one third of his army, Zeruiah’s son Abishai, Joab’s brother, as commander of another third, and Ittai from Gath as commander of another third. The king informed the army, “I’m going out to battle^[b] with you, too.”