2 Samuel 18:2
And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.
Cross-reference
In 2 Samuel 15:19-22, Ittai pledges loyalty to David; now he commands a third of the army.
In 2 Samuel 15:18, Ittai the Gittite and his 600 men are introduced as loyal followers — Ittai later commands a third of David's army in 18:2.
In 2 Samuel 10:7-10, Joab divides the army into two groups; here David uses three, similar command.
In 2 Samuel 20:6, David instructs Abishai to pursue Sheba — same commander as in 18:2 but in a later rebellion.
In 2 Samuel 23:18, Abishai's heroic deeds are recounted, providing background on one of the three commanders in 18:2.
In Judges 7:16, Gideon divides his army into three companies, mirroring David's three-division tactic.
In Judges 9:43, Abimelech divides his forces into three companies for an ambush, paralleling David.
Psalm 3:6, written during Absalom's rebellion, shows David's trust in God despite overwhelming odds — the same battle where he divided his army.
In 1 Chronicles 11:20, Abishai's military exploits are detailed, similar to 2 Sam 23:18 — background on a commander from 18:2.
In Psalm 27:1-3, David declares fearlessness even if an army besieges him, paralleling the trust needed when he sent troops against Absalom.
In Psalm 118:6-8, the psalmist affirms trust in the Lord over human help — a theme that resonates with David's reliance on God amid his divided army.