seekeroftruth
Well-Known Member
2 Samuel 19:1 Joab was told, “The king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.” 2 And for the whole army the victory that day was turned into mourning, because on that day the troops heard it said, “The king is grieving for his son.” 3 The men stole into the city that day as men steal in who are ashamed when they flee from battle. 4 The king covered his face and cried aloud, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!”
5 Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, “Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines. 6 You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead. 7 Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come on you from your youth till now.”
8 So the king got up and took his seat in the gateway. When the men were told, “The king is sitting in the gateway,” they all came before him.
Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled to their homes.
Here's the link to the commentary I use.The people stole back into the city that day, as people who are ashamed: David’s excessive sorrow made his loyal friends and supporter feel ashamed they won a great victory.
Today you have disgraced all your servants who today have saved your life: Joab gave David a stern wake-up call. “David, your excessive mourning is selfish. It isn’t all about you. These loyal, sacrificial supporters of yours deserve to feel good about their victory and you are making them feel terrible. Snap out of it.”
Now therefore, arise, go out and speak comfort to your servants: “Go out and encourage the team — they deserve it. If you don’t you will lose most of them.”
So all the people came before the king: This is what they needed to see — David sitting as king in the place of authority (sitting in the gate). This told them that their sacrifice was worth it, that it was appreciated, and that David would continue to reign. Joab’s rebuke worked because Joab cared enough to say it, and David was wise enough to receive it.
Everything wasn't normal after Joab told David what was what. David was still in a precarious situation. Yes, his troops had been victorious, but not all of his troops had been fighting for David and his people. Some of the Israelites were fighting for Absalom, not David. They were fighting for a new Head of State, not David. Some of the Israelites had sworn allegiance to Absalom and vowed to defeat David. Now Absalom has been returned to David after hanging from his gorgeous hair in an oak tree, dead.
Check out verse 8, the last part... that stands out by itself.
2 Samuel 19:8 Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled to their homes.
This is all political. This is all a result of David's horrible decision to take Bathsheba who belonged to another man.
This is all David's fault. Now neighbors would be arguing with neighbors because although they were all God-Fearing Israelites, they took opposite sides in the political battle that is now raging in Israel due to Absalom's decision to take the throne from King David, God's Annointed King.
God never wanted them to have a king. Now look what they've gotten themselves into.
Joab told it to David straight.
Time for an attitude check!
"Today you have humiliated all your men!"
