Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Samuel 18:5

5 And the king commanded Joab, and Abishai, and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom . And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.

If you Conquer (which he presaged they would by Gods Gracious answer to his prayer for the turning of Ahitopbel's counsel into foolishness), take him Prisoner, but do not kill him. Which desire proceeded, partly, from his great indulgence towards his Children: partly, from David ▪s consciousness that he himself was the meritorious and procuring cause of this Rebellion, Absalom being given up to it for the punishment of David's sins; and therefore did indeed deserve some pity from him: partly, from the consideration of his youth, which commonly makes men foolish, and heady, and violent, and subject to ill counsels: and partly, from his Piety, being loth that he should be cut off in the act of his sin without any space, or means for repentance, whereby both his Soul and Body would be in danger to perish for ever.

To wit, the Citizens and others who stood with the King in the Gate when the Army Marched forth.