191 And word was given to Joab that the king was weeping and sorrowing for Absalom. 2 And the salvation of that day was changed to sorrow for all the people: for it was said to the people, The king is in bitter grief for his son. 3 And the people made their way back to the town quietly and secretly, as those who are shamed go secretly when they go in flight from the war.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:1-3
Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:1-8
(Read 2 Samuel 19:1-8)
To continue to lament for so bad a son as Absalom, was very unwise, and very unworthy. Joab censures David, but not with proper respect and deference to his sovereign. A plain case may be fairly pleaded with those above us, and they may be reproved for what they do amiss, but it must not be with rudeness and insolence. Yet David took the reproof and the counsel, prudently and mildly. Timely giving way, usually prevents the ill effects of mistaken measures.