5 Then Joab came into the house to the king and said , "Today you have covered with shame the faces of all your servants , who today have saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters , the lives of your wives , and the lives of your concubines ,

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:5

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.