Shmuel Bais 18:3-5

Orthodox Jewish Bible

³ But HaAm answered, Thou shalt not go forth; for if we flee away, they will not set their lev on us; neither if half of us die, will they set their lev on us; but now thou art worth ten thousand of us; therefore, now it is better that thou support us from the Ir [i.e., Machanayim].

⁴ And HaMelech said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do. And HaMelech stood by the side of the sha’ar, and kol haAm came out by hundreds and by thousands.

⁵ And HaMelech commanded Yoav and Avishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the na’ar, even with Avshalom. And kol HaAm heard when HaMelech gave all the sarim charge concerning Avshalom.