David divided his forces into three battalions under the command of Joab, Abishai, and Ittai the Gittite. It had been his purpose himself to lead his army in the field; but against this the officers of the army, the counselors, and the people vehemently protested. "Thou shalt not go forth," they said: "for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore 743 now it is better that thou be ready to succour us out of the city. And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do." 2 Samuel 18:3, 4, R.V.

David delte sit mandskab i tre dele og stillede dem under ledelse af henholdsvis Joab, Abisjaj og gatitten Ittaj. Han ville selv have anført hæren, men det satte officererne, rådgiverne og folket sig kraftigt imod. "Du må ikke drage med," sagde de, "thi om vi flygter, ænser man os ikke; ja, selv om halvdelen af os falder, ænser man ikke os, men du gælder lige så meget som ti tusinde af os; derfor er det bedst, at du holder dig rede til at ile os til hjælp fra byen." Kongen svarede: "Jeg gør, hvad I finder bedst!" 2. Sam. 18, 3-4.