שמואל ב, פרק י״ח, פסוק י״ז

The dramatic end of the rebellion is marked by a hasty burial deep in the forest and the complete collapse of the rebel army. Absalom's body is thrown into a large, deep trench [מצודת ציון, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Above him, a massive heap of stones is piled [מצודת ציון, אברבנאל]. The immense size of this stone mound was necessary because the pit itself was exceptionally deep. The hole had to be completely filled with stones just to reach the surface, and only then could the large mound be built above ground [רד״ק].

The surrounding Israelites were the men who had followed Absalom and actively participated in his uprising [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Upon seeing and hearing that their leader was dead, they understood that the rebellion no longer had any purpose, prompting them to flee immediately [אברבנאל, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The singular phrasing used to describe their retreat to their tents reveals a profound sense of shame among the rebels [מנחת שי, רד״ק]. Overcome with embarrassment for their actions, they did not fall back together as an organized military force. Instead, every man ran away alone, completely isolated as he returned to his own tent [רד״ק].