2 Samuel 19:1

KJV

¶ And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it was told {H5046} Joab {H3097}, Behold, the king {H4428} weepeth {H1058} and mourneth {H56} for Absalom {H53}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yo'av was told, "The king is weeping, mourning for Avshalom."

Berean Standard Bible

Then it was reported to Joab, “The king is weeping and mourning over Absalom.”

American Standard Version

And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 19:1 captures the immediate, somber aftermath of Absalom's rebellion, revealing that King David, despite the decisive victory that secured his throne, is consumed by profound grief, openly weeping and mourning for his deceased son. This pivotal verse shifts the narrative focus from military triumph to the king's personal anguish, setting the stage for a critical confrontation between David's overwhelming sorrow and his royal duties, thereby highlighting the complex interplay of family, leadership, and the painful consequences of rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the direct continuation and emotional pivot from the climactic battle described in [2 Samuel 18](/2_samuel/18 "2 Samuel 18 - Absalom's Defeat and Death"). Specifically, it follows David's inconsolable lament upon receiving news of Absalom's death in [2 Samuel 18:33](/2_samuel/18-33 "2 Samuel 18:33 - David's Lament for Absalom"), where his repeated cry, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!" vividly portrays his anguish. [2 Samuel 19:1](/2_samuel/19-1 "2 Samuel 19:1 - Joab Hears of David's Grief") transitions from David's private despair to the public awareness of his state, indicating that his grief has become a matter of widespread knowledge and concern within the victorious army. This dramatic shift sets the scene for Joab's subsequent intervention, as he recognizes the detrimental impact of the king's prolonged mourning on the morale and stability of the kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's reign, though divinely established, was frequently marked by internal strife, particularly within his own household, a consequence prophesied by Nathan in [2 Samuel 12:10-11](/2_samuel/12-10-11 "2 Samuel 12:10-11 - Nathan's Prophecy of Trouble in David's House"). Absalom's rebellion represented a severe challenge to the stability of the monarchy, typical of the volatile nature of ancient Near Eastern kingdoms where succession was often contested. In this cultural milieu, a king's public persona and actions were crucial for maintaining authority, inspiring loyalty, and rewarding his troops. David's open and prolonged mourning for a rebellious son, rather than celebrating the victory that preserved his kingdom and the lives of his loyal soldiers, would have been perceived as deeply demoralizing and even disrespectful to those who risked everything for him. The army, expecting recognition and reward, found their king seemingly valuing his enemy more than his saviors.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Samuel 19:1](/2_samuel/19-1 "2 Samuel 19:1 - Joab Hears of David's Grief") powerfully encapsulates several major themes central to the book of [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel - David's Reign and Troubles"). First, it highlights the theme of **Profound Parental Grief**, demonstrating that even a king's public duty cannot extinguish the deep love and sorrow a father feels for his child, regardless of that child's transgressions. David's lament is a raw expression of human emotion that transcends political realities, echoing the universal pain of loss. Second, it underscores the **Conflict of Duty and Emotion**, presenting the stark tension between David's personal anguish and his responsibilities as a monarch to his people and army. This conflict is central to Joab's subsequent actions, as he prioritizes the kingdom's stability over the king's personal sorrow. Finally, the verse implicitly reinforces the theme of the **Consequences of Sin and Rebellion**. Absalom's ambition and treachery led directly to his tragic end, and his death, in turn, brought immense suffering to his father and threatened to destabilize the very kingdom he sought to usurp. This serves as a stark reminder of the often-devastating ripple effects of disobedience and moral compromise.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **weepeth (Hebrew, _bâkâh'_):** From H1058. This primitive root means "to weep; generally to bemoan." It describes the outward, often audible, expression of deep sorrow through tears. David's weeping was not merely an internal feeling but a visible and public display of profound distress, indicating an uncontained and intense emotional response to Absalom's death. It highlights the raw, physical manifestation of his grief, making his sorrow evident to all.
* **mourneth (Hebrew, _ʼâbal'_):** From H56. This primitive root means "to bewail; lament, mourn." This term denotes a deeper, more comprehensive state of grief, often involving a prolonged period of sorrow and outward signs of lamentation beyond just tears. When paired with "weepeth," it emphasizes the totality of David's sorrow, suggesting a state of profound and pervasive lamentation that encompassed his entire being and was evident to those around him, signifying a deep, perhaps even ritualistic, expression of loss.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And it was told Joab,"**: This opening phrase immediately shifts the narrative focus from David's personal lament to the perspective of his chief military commander, Joab. The passive construction "it was told" implies that the news of David's state was spreading throughout the camp, reaching Joab as a matter of significant concern, indicating that the king's grief had become public knowledge and a pressing issue for the army.
* **"Behold,"**: This interjection serves as an emphatic particle, drawing immediate attention to the critical nature of the information being conveyed. It signals a surprising or alarming revelation, underscoring the gravity of the king's condition and its potential implications for the morale of the army and the stability of the kingdom. It demands Joab's immediate attention and action.
* **"the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom."**: This is the core message, revealing David's profound emotional state. The use of both "weepeth" (shedding tears) and "mourneth" (lamenting, expressing deep sorrow) emphasizes the intensity and public nature of David's grief. The object of his grief, "Absalom," is crucial, as it is the rebellious son whose death secured David's throne, yet for whom David feels overwhelming personal loss. This statement sets up the central conflict of the chapter: the king's personal sorrow versus his public duty.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the news conveyed to Joab is not of celebration for a decisive victory, but of the king's profound grief over the very individual whose death secured that victory. This stark contrast highlights the tragic cost of the rebellion and David's complex emotional landscape. **Pathos** is powerfully evoked through the description of David's weeping and mourning, drawing the reader into the king's deep personal suffering, despite Absalom's treachery. The simple, direct reporting of David's state ("the king weepeth and mourneth") creates a sense of immediate and raw emotion. Furthermore, the verse acts as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for Joab's harsh but necessary intervention, as he recognizes the detrimental impact of David's public grief on the morale of his loyal army and the stability of his newly re-established reign. The dramatic tension introduced here will drive the subsequent narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the profound and often conflicting nature of human emotions, even within the context of divine sovereignty and justice. David's grief, while deeply personal, also reflects the tragic consequences of sin, both Absalom's rebellion and the broader moral failings within David's own family that contributed to the crisis. The theological tension lies in reconciling God's justice, which allowed the rebellion to be put down, with the deep human suffering that accompanies such events. It reminds us that even when God's purposes are fulfilled, the path can be fraught with pain and loss. The passage implicitly raises questions about leadership, the delicate balance between personal sorrow and public duty, and the enduring pain that can result from fractured relationships, even those within a divinely chosen lineage. It underscores the truth that sin's ripple effects can devastate even the most sacred bonds.

* [Psalm 30:5](/psalm/30-5 "Psalm 30:5 - Weeping May Endure for a Night")
* [Proverbs 14:13](/proverbs/14-13 "Proverbs 14:13 - Even in Laughter the Heart May Ache")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene depicted in [2 Samuel 19:1](/2_samuel/19-1 "2 Samuel 19:1 - Joab Hears of David's Grief") offers a profound glimpse into the human heart, even that of a king. It challenges us to consider the complexities of grief, particularly when it arises from difficult or morally ambiguous circumstances. David's sorrow for Absalom, despite his son's heinous rebellion, speaks to the enduring power of parental love and the deep pain of loss, irrespective of the deceased's actions. This passage encourages empathy for those who grieve, reminding us that sorrow is a universal human experience that transcends social standing or past grievances. For leaders, it highlights the delicate balance between personal emotion and public responsibility. While authentic emotion is vital, a leader must also discern when personal feelings threaten the well-being and morale of those they lead. It prompts us to reflect on how we navigate our own deep emotions while fulfilling our duties to our families, communities, and God, seeking wisdom to know when to mourn and when to act decisively for the greater good, always considering the broader impact of our emotional expressions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you reconcile David's profound grief for Absalom with Absalom's treachery and the suffering he inflicted on the kingdom?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the tension between personal feelings and public duty, especially for those in leadership roles?**
* **In what ways might our personal sorrows, if unaddressed or disproportionately expressed, negatively impact those around us or our responsibilities?**
* **How does this story encourage empathy for those who grieve, even when their grief seems misplaced or complicated?**

### FAQ

**Why was David weeping for Absalom when Absalom had rebelled against him and tried to kill him?**

Answer: David's grief for Absalom, as described in [2 Samuel 18:33](/2_samuel/18-33 "2 Samuel 18:33 - David's Lament for Absalom") and reiterated in [2 Samuel 19:1](/2_samuel/19-1 "2 Samuel 19:1 - Joab Hears of David's Grief"), stems from a profound parental love that transcended Absalom's rebellion and treachery. Despite Absalom's actions, he was still David's son, and David had a deep emotional attachment to him. This intense sorrow highlights the universal human experience of parental grief, where the loss of a child is devastating, regardless of the circumstances or the child's character. David's lament also reflects the tragic consequences of the sin within his own family, fulfilling prophecies of trouble in his house ([2 Samuel 12:10-11](/2_samuel/12-10-11 "2 Samuel 12:10-11 - Nathan's Prophecy to David")). His grief was not an endorsement of Absalom's actions but a raw expression of personal loss and perhaps even regret over the circumstances that led to such a tragic outcome.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's profound grief for his rebellious son, Absalom, though deeply human, finds a profound echo and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David wept for a son who was his enemy, a son whose death brought him political peace but personal anguish. This foreshadows a greater divine sorrow and a more glorious redemption. God, the ultimate Father, grieves over the rebellion of humanity, His creation, who have turned away from Him in sin ([Genesis 6:6](/genesis/6-6 "God's Grief Over Humanity")). Yet, unlike Absalom, who died in his rebellion, God, in His infinite love, sent His own Son, Jesus, not to be killed by His enemies, but to die *for* His enemies ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Christ Died for Us While We Were Still Sinners")). Jesus, the true Son of David, willingly laid down His life to reconcile rebellious humanity to the Father, bearing the ultimate sorrow and separation from God on the cross ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ conquered sin and death, offering true peace and reconciliation, a peace far greater than the temporary political stability David achieved. Thus, David's lament for Absalom, though tragic, points to the divine heart that grieves over sin but triumphs over it through the sacrificial love of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering eternal life to all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 18:5

And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, [Deal] gently for my sake with the young man, [even] with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.

2 Samuel 18:14

Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he [was] yet alive in the midst of the oak.

2 Samuel 18:33

And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!

Proverbs 17:25

¶ A foolish son [is] a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.

2 Samuel 18:20

And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead.

2 Samuel 18:12

And the man said unto Joab, Though I should receive a thousand [shekels] of silver in mine hand, [yet] would I not put forth mine hand against the king's son: for in our hearing the king charged thee and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Beware that none [touch] the young man Absalom.