191 Joab was told that David was weeping and lamenting over Absalom. 2 The day's victory turned into a day of mourning as word passed through the army, "David is grieving over his son." 3 The army straggled back to the city that day demoralized, dragging their tails. 4 And the king held his face in his hands and lamented loudly, O my son Absalom, Absalom my dear, dear son! 5 But in private Joab rebuked the king: "Now you've done it - knocked the wind out of your loyal servants who have just saved your life, to say nothing of the lives of your sons and daughters, wives and concubines. 6 What is this - loving those who hate you and hating those who love you? Your actions give a clear message: officers and soldiers mean nothing to you. You know that if Absalom were alive right now, we'd all be dead - would that make you happy? 7 Get hold of yourself; get out there and put some heart into your servants! I swear to God that if you don't go to them they'll desert; not a soldier will be left here by nightfall. And that will be the worst thing that has happened yet." 8 So the king came out and took his place at the city gate. Soon everyone knew: "Oh, look! The king has come out to receive us." And his whole army came and presented itself to the king. But the Israelites had fled the field of battle and gone home.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:1-8
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.