2 Samuel 19:1 - Meaning and Application

Soon after the messengers brought news of Absalom’s defeat and death to the court at Mahanaim, Joab and his victorious army followed. They came to honor the king’s victory and receive his next orders. But when they arrived, they found the king weeping for Absalom’s death. They took this as a sign that David was displeased with them for what they had done, though they had expected joy and thanks for their service.

The news spread through the army how the king was grieving for his son (2 Samuel 19:2). People pay close attention to what their rulers say and do. The more influence a person has, the more carefully they must speak and act, and the more strictly they must control their feelings. When they came into the city, they found the king in deep mourning (2 Samuel 19:4). He covered his face and would not even look up or notice the generals who stood before him.

It must have shocked them to see how openly the king showed his grief, which he should have been ashamed to display so publicly. He would have hidden it if he had thought about his own honor, or about the people’s welfare. Instead, he cried out loudly, “My son Absalom!” His servants had all returned safely, but his son was dead, and David feared that Absalom had died in sin and was lost forever. He could no longer say, “I will go to him,” because he knew his soul would not be gathered with such sinners. He kept crying, “What shall be done for you, my son Absalom, my son, my son?”

It was also wrong that he kept grieving so long, even after the army had come back. If he had poured out his sorrow for a short time when he first heard the news, that would have been understandable. But to continue mourning in this way for such a wicked son, just as Jacob mourned for Joseph, was unwise and unworthy of a king. David was determined to go to the grave mourning and to stain his triumph with tears.

The people were deeply troubled by this. They were reluctant to criticize the king, since whatever he did usually pleased them (2 Samuel 3:36). Still, they felt hurt and embarrassed. Their victory was turned into mourning (2 Samuel 19:2). They slipped into the city like ashamed men (2 Samuel 19:3). Out of respect for their king, they would not rejoice in a victory that clearly grieved him, but they were uneasy that they had to hide their joy. Those in authority should not place such a burden on those under them.

Joab then rebuked David very plainly and sharply for this unwise behavior at such a serious moment (2 Samuel 19:5-7). David needed the support of his people more than ever, and anything that damaged their loyalty was badly timed and harmful to his friends. Joab spoke with real force and truth, though not with the respect owed to a king. It is not right to say to a king, “You are wicked,” in a rude or insolent way. A serious mistake may be corrected by someone above or below us, but it should be done with proper respect.

David did need to be shaken awake, and Joab thought there was no time for gentle words. If those above us act foolishly, they should not be surprised if those below them point it out, even if they do so bluntly. First, Joab praised the soldiers’ service. He said they had saved David’s life that day, so they deserved notice and appreciation, and had reason to feel hurt if they were ignored. By grieving over Absalom, David seemed to honor the man who wanted his ruin, while slighting the men who had preserved him and all he loved. Great harm has often come to rulers when they have despised great service.

Second, Joab pressed home the shame David had brought on his soldiers. He had “shamed their faces,” because they had valued his life, but he seemed to place no value on theirs. He acted as though he preferred a ruined, wicked young man, a false traitor to his king and country, over all his wise advisers, brave commanders, and loyal subjects. Nothing is more foolish than to love one’s enemies and hate one’s friends.

Third, Joab urged David to go at once to his troops, greet them warmly, rejoice in their success, and thank them for what they had done. Even those who must obey orders still expect thanks when they do well, and they deserve it.

Fourth, Joab warned David that another rebellion could follow if he refused. He hinted that he himself would rather lead a revolt than serve such an ungrateful prince. He was so sure of his own influence with the people that he said not one man would remain with David if he left. David had nothing left to mourn over now, but if he kept on this way, Joab would give him something truly bitter to mourn over.

David accepted the rebuke and advice wisely and gently (2 Samuel 19:8). He put aside his grief, anointed his head, and washed his face so he would no longer appear to be mourning. Then he came out publicly in the gate, which served as the city’s main meeting place. The people gathered there to congratulate him on his safety and theirs, and everything was set right again.

When we are shown our fault and become convinced of it, we must change, even if the correction comes from someone below us or is delivered sharply and in anger.