² David then sent out the army—a third under the leadership of Joab, a third under the leadership of Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under the leadership of Ittai the Gittite. The king said to the troops, “I too will indeed march out with you.”

³ But the soldiers replied,^[a] “You should not do this!^[b] For if we should have to make a rapid retreat, they won’t be concerned about us.^[c] Even if half of us should die, they won’t be concerned. But you^[d] are like 10,000 of us! So it is better if you remain in the city for support.” ⁴ Then the king said to them, “I will do whatever seems best to you.”

So the king stayed beside the city gate, while all the army marched out by hundreds and by thousands.