שמואל ב, פרק י״ח, פסוק ז׳

The military campaign ends in a crushing defeat for Absalom's army. The forces aligned with the rebellious son, gathered from various tribes, lack sufficient organization and training. Standing against them are David’s men, led by seasoned commanders who fight with fierce determination out of a desperate need to survive, which ultimately gives them the upper hand [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The collapse of Absalom's forces unfolds in two distinct stages. Initially, his army is struck and begins to panic as they face David's experienced fighters. This breakdown in morale paves the way for a second, far more deadly phase of the battle, resulting in a massive slaughter [מלבי״ם].

The staggering death toll of twenty thousand men is not merely the result of a mismatch in military skill or battlefield tactics. Rather, it serves as a severe divine punishment. The people suffer this devastating loss because they choose to rebel against David, a king directly appointed by God, and actively support his son's treasonous uprising [רד״ק].