David’s Kingdom Restored

19 It was reported to Joab, “The king is weeping. He’s mourning over Absalom.” ² That day’s victory was turned into mourning for all the troops because on that day the troops heard, “The king is grieving over his son.” ³ So they returned to the city quietly that day like people come in when they are humiliated after fleeing in battle. ⁴ But the king hid his face^(A) and cried out at the top of his voice, “My son Absalom! Absalom, my son, my son!”

⁵ Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, “Today you have shamed all your soldiers—those who rescued your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, your wives, and your concubines. ⁶ You love your enemies and hate those who love you! Today you have made it clear that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. In fact, today I know that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would be fine with you!^[a]

⁷ “Now get up! Go out and encourage^[b] your soldiers, for I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out, not a man will remain with you tonight.^(B) This will be worse for you than all the trouble that has come to you from your youth until now!”

⁸ So the king got up and sat in the gate,^(C) and all the people were told: “Look, the king is sitting in the gate.” Then they all came into the king’s presence.

Meanwhile, each Israelite had fled to his tent.^(D)