was obliged to remind him of this duty which was binding upon him as king (2Sa 19:1-8); but he even allowed himself to be carried away into the most inconsiderate measures (2Sa 19:9-14), and into acts of imprudence and injustice (2Sa 19:16-23, 2Sa 19:24-30), which could not contribute to the strengthening of his throne, however much the affection with which he wished to reward the old man Barzillai for his faithful services (2Sa 19:31-40) might show that the king was anxious to promote the welfare of his subjects.
Chap. 19
Verses 1-3
2Sa 19:1-3David's mourning, and Joab's reproof. - 2Sa 19:1-6. When Joab was told that the king was mourning and weeping for Absalom, he went to him into the house to expostulate with him. 2Sa 19:5 introduces the continuation of 2Sa 19:1; 2Sa 19:2-4 contain parenthetical sentences, describing the impression made upon the people by the king's mourning. Through the king's deep trouble, the salvation (the victory) upon that day became mourning for all the people who had fought for David, and they went by stealth in to the city (לבוא יתגּנּב: they stole to come, came by stealth), “as people steal away who have covered themselves with shame, when they flee in battle.”
Verse 4
But the king had covered his face, and cried aloud, “My son Absalom,” etc.
Verse 5
Then Joab went into the house to the king, and said to him, “Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants who have saved thy life, and the life of thy sons and daughters, thy wives and concubines” (covered them with shame, by deceiving their hope that thou wouldest rejoice in the victory).
Verse 6
2Sa 19:6 לאהבה, “to love” (i.e., in that thou lovest) “those who hate thee, and hatest those who love thee; for thou hast given to know to-day (through thy conduct) that chiefs and servants (commanders and soldiers) are nothing (are worth nothing); for I have perceived to-day (or I perceive to-day) that if (לא for לוּ) Absalom were alive, and we had all perished, that it would be right in thine eyes.”
Verse 7
2Sa 19:7 “And now rise up, go out and speak to the heart of thy servants (i.e., speak to them in a friendly manner: Gen 34:3; Gen 50:21, etc.): for I swear by Jehovah, if thou go not out, verily not a man will stay with thee to-night; and this will be worse to thee than all the evil that has come upon thee from thy youth until now.” Joab was certainly not only justified, but bound in David's own interests, to expostulate with him upon his conduct, and to urge
