TSK · 2 Samuel 18:7

Then Abner called to Joab, and said, "Shall the sword devour forever? Don't you know that it will be bitterness in the latter end? How long shall it be then, before you ask the people to return from following their brothers?"

Absalom did this sort of thing to all Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

The children of Israel fled before Judah; and God delivered them into their hand.

Most certainly, the evil man will not be unpunished, but the seed of the righteous will be delivered.