Joab Reproves David

Then it was reported to Joab,“The king is weeping and mourning over Absalom.” 2 And that day’s victory was turned into mourning for all the people, because on that day [they] were told,“The king is grieving over his son.”

3 

So they returned to the city quietly that day, as people steal away in humiliation after fleeing a battle. 4 But the king covered his face and cried out at the top of his voice,“O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!”

5 

Then Joab went into the house and said to the king,“Today you have disgraced all your servants who have saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, of your wives, and of your concubines. 6 You love those who hate you and hate those who love you! For you have made it clear today that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. I know today that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would have pleased you

7 

Now therefore get up! Go out and speak comfort to your servants, for I swear by the LORD that if you do not go out, not a man will remain with you tonight. This will be worse for you than all the adversity that has befallen you from your youth until now!”

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