Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Samuel 18:16

"And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel; for Joab held back the people." — 2 Samuel 18:16 (ASV)

Blew the trumpet. — Compare to 2 Samuel 2:28 and 2 Samuel 20:22. With the death of Absalom the rebellion was at an end, and Joab would stop further slaughter.