2 Samuel 18:12
And the man said unto Joab, Though I should receive a thousand shekels of silver in mine hand, yet would I not put forth mine hand against the king’s son: for in our hearing the king charged thee and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Beware that none touch the young man Absalom.
Cross-references
2 Samuel 18:5
Historical context
2 Samuel 18:5 records David's command to deal gently with Absalom — the exact order the messenger cites as his reason for not killing him.
2 Samuel 19:1
Historical context
2 Samuel 19:1 shows David weeping for Absalom — revealing the deep love behind the command the messenger faithfully obeyed.
1 Kings 2:5
Contrast
1 Kings 2:5 recounts Joab's murderous deeds — contrasting with the messenger's refusal to kill, which Joab himself ignored.