2 Samuel 18:11-15 ▼

11 “You just saw him! ” Joab exclaimed. “Why didn’t you strike him to the ground right there? I would have given you ten silver pieces and a belt! ”

12 The man replied to Joab, “Even if I had the weight of a thousand pieces of silver in my hand, I would not raise my hand against the king’s son. For we heard the king command you, Abishai, and Ittai, ‘Protect the young man Absalom for me.’

13 If I had jeopardized my own life—and nothing is hidden from the king—you would have abandoned me.”

14 Joab said, “I’m not going to waste time with you! ” He then took three spears in his hand and thrust them into Absalom’s chest. While Absalom was still alive in the oak tree,

15 ten young men who were Joab’s armor-bearers surrounded Absalom, struck him, and killed him.