2 David sent the people out, one third under the command of Joab , one third under the command of Abishai the son of Zeruiah , Joab's brother , and one third under the command of Ittai the Gittite . And the king said to the people , "I myself will surely go out with you also ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:2
Commentary on 2 Samuel 18:1-8
(Read 2 Samuel 18:1-8)
How does David render good for evil! Absalom would have only David smitten; David would have only Absalom spared. This seems to be a resemblance of man's wickedness towards God, and God's mercy to man, of which it is hard to say which is most amazing. Now the Israelites see what it is to take counsel against the Lord and his anointed.