David had reached the town of Mahanaim by the time Absalom and the Israelites had crossed the Jordan.

Sensible people will see trouble coming and avoid it, but an unthinking person will walk right into it and regret it later.

"Listen! I am sending you out just like sheep to a pack of wolves. You must be as cautious as snakes and as gentle as doves.

and reported, "Sir, we have counted the soldiers under our command and not one of them is missing.

(He said this so that what he had said might come true: "Father, I have not lost even one of those you gave me.")