Joab Disapproves of David’s Mourning

19 ^[a]Then it was reported to Joab, “Behold, ^(A)the king is weeping and he mourns for Absalom.” ² So the ^[b]victory that day was turned into mourning for all the people, because the people heard it said that day, “The king is in mourning over his son.” ³ And the people entered the city surreptitiously that day, just as people who are humiliated surreptitiously flee in battle. ⁴ And the king ^(B)covered his face and ^[c]cried out with a loud voice, “^(C)My son Absalom, Absalom, my son, my son!” ⁵ Then Joab came into the house to the king and said, “Today you have shamed ^[d]all your servants, who have saved your life today 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 revealed today that ^[e]commanders and servants are nothing to you; for I know today that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, then it would be right ^[f]as far as you are concerned. ⁷ Now therefore arise, go out and speak ^[g]kindly to your servants, for I swear by the Lord, if you do not go out, ^(D)no man will stay the night with you, and this will be worse for you than all the misfortune that has ^[h]happened to you from your youth until now!”

David Restored as King

⁸ So the king got up and sat at the gate. When they told all the people, saying, “Behold, the king is ^(E)sitting at the gate,” then all the people came before the king.

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