שמואל ב, פרק י״ח, פסוק ו׳

The fateful clash between David's loyalists and Absalom's army finally reaches its breaking point, shifting from a tense standoff to active combat. Taking the initiative, David's troops boldly march out to the battlefield to confront the opposing forces [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This proactive move highlights their courage and readiness to attack. On the other side, Absalom's army remains completely stationary in the Gilead region near the Jordan River, passively waiting for David's men to advance. This hesitation and defensive posture reveals that fear and cowardice have already begun to spread through their ranks [מלבי״ם].

The battle unfolds in a wooded area known as the Forest of Ephraim, a location that presents a geographic puzzle. The tribe of Ephraim lived entirely on the western side of the Jordan River, while the eastern side was settled exclusively by the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and half of Manasseh. The primary approach among commentators resolves this by pointing to an ancient law established by Joshua. To maintain peace between the tribes, Joshua decreed that shepherds were free to graze their animals in any forested area, even if it belonged to another tribe. Since Ephraim's land bordered the Jordan, their shepherds would regularly cross the water to graze their flocks in the woods on the opposite bank. Over time, their constant presence led people to call the area the Forest of Ephraim [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

It is within this very forest, an area traditionally defined by peaceful grazing and tribal cooperation, that the brutal conflict erupts. The fierce fighting ultimately ends in a heavy defeat for Absalom's men, who are completely crushed by David's loyal servants [אברבנאל].