Joab Tells David to Speak to His Servants

19 Then it was told to Joab, “Behold, ^(A)the king is weeping and mourns for Absalom.” ² And the salvation that day was turned to mourning for all the people, for the people heard it said that day, “The king is grieved for his son.” ³ So the people stole away to enter into the city that day, as people who are dishonored steal away when they flee in battle. ⁴ But as for the king, he ^(B)wrapped his face up. Then the king cried out with a loud voice, “^(C)O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!” ⁵ Then Joab came into the house to the king and said, “Today you have shamed the faces of all your servants, who today have provided escape for your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, the lives of your wives, and the lives of your concubines, ⁶ by loving those who hate you, and by hating those who love you. For you have informed all of us today that ^[a]princes and servants are nothing to you; for I know this day that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, surely then it would be right in your eyes. ⁷ So now, arise, go out and speak to the heart of your servants, for I swear by Yahweh, if you do not go out, surely ^(D)not a man will pass the night with you, and this will be of greater evil for you than all the evil that has come upon you from your youth until now.”

David Returns to Jerusalem

⁸ So the king arose and sat in the gate. And they told all the people, saying, “Behold, the king is ^(E)sitting in the gate.” Then all the people came before the king.

Now ^(F)Israel had fled, each to his tent.