A Victorious Day Becomes a Day of Mourning

2 Samuel 19:1-8, NKJV

The passage began with Joab being told the king was “weeping and mourning for Absalom,” (v.1). Joab was the head of David’s army and wasn’t pleased to hear of the king’s sorrow for a son who had rebelled against him, trying to overthrow his kingship. He expected the king to greet his army with commendations deserved for victory; instead, it was a day of mourning. All the people heard the king’s weeping said, “The king is grieving for his son” (v.2). Seemingly out of respect for the king, the people went back stealthilyinto the city that day as people who were ashamed after fleeing in battle (v.3). The king covered his face, and cried out with a loud voice, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son (v.4)!”

Joab came into the house to the king, and harshly censured him (vv.5-7, paraphrased). He told David that today he had disgraced his servants who saved his life, his sons and daughters, his wives, and his concubines (v.5), in that he loved his enemies and hated his friends. Joab declared that David didn’t respect either princes or servants. He perceived that if Absalom had lived and all of them had died this day, David would have been well pleased (v.6). He commanded David to arise, go out, and speak comfort to his servants. He swore by the Lord, if David didn’t, they would all desert him by night. No evil he’d ever had from his youth until now would be worse (v.7). Then the king arose and sat in the gate, and they told all the people where he was. All the Israelites came from their tents to before him (v.8).

David accepted Joab’s harsh rebuke, pulled himself together, and stopped the loud, excessive mourning.Those in authority are to be respected; sometimes they must be censured for actions taken. Leaders are accountable to God because “all authority comes from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God” (Romans 13:1). David listened to Joab because everyone deserves respect. Yes, David “cried out with a loud voice,” mourning the death of his son; we too mourn for those we love. Let us as believers hold firmly to our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He promises us a never-ending stream of love, comfort, and hope. Give God glory!