2 Samuel 18:16

And Joab blew the trumpet,.... As the sign of a retreat:

and the people returned from pursuing after Israel; upon the sound of the trumpet, the meaning of which they understood:

for Joab held back…

Blew the trumpet - To stop the pursuit and slaughter 2Sa 2:28; 2Sa 20:22.

Joab blew the trumpet - He knew that the rebellion was now extinguished by the death of Absalom; and was not willing that any farther slaughter should be made of the deluded people.

Here is Absalom quite at a loss, at his wit's end first, and then at his life's end. He that began the fight, big with the expectation of triumphing over David himself, with whom, if he had had him in…

blew the trumpet Sounded the recall to stop further pursuit. Cp. ch. 2Sa 2:28, 2Sa 20:22.