TRV
Translation
King James Version
And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines;
KJV (with Strong's)
And Joab H3097 came H935 into the house H1004 to the king H4428, and said H559, Thou hast shamed H3001 this day H3117 the faces H6440 of all thy servants H5650, which this day H3117 have saved H4422 thy life H5315, and the lives H5315 of thy sons H1121 and of thy daughters H1323, and the lives H5315 of thy wives H802, and the lives H5315 of thy concubines H6370;
Complete Jewish Bible
Yo'av went inside to the king and said, "Today you made all your servants feel ashamed. They saved your life today, and the lives of your sons, daughters, wives and concubines.
Berean Standard Bible
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.
American Standard Version
And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, who this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines;
World English Bible Messianic
Joab came into the house to the king, and said, “You have shamed this day the faces of all your servants, who this day have saved your life, and the lives of your sons and of your daughters, and the lives of your wives, and the lives of your concubines;
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Ioab came into the house to the King, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy seruants, which this day haue saued thy life and the liues of thy sones, and of thy daughters, and the liues of thy wiues, and the liues of thy concubines,
Young's Literal Translation
And Joab cometh in unto the king to the house, and saith, `Thou hast put to shame to-day the faces of all thy servants, those delivering thy life to-day, and the life of thy sons, and of thy daughters, and the life of thy wives, and the life of thy concubines,
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 8,517 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 2 Samuel 19 verses 1–8
1 ¶ And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom.
2 And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son.
3 And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.
4 But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!
5 And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines;
6 In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well.
7 Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the LORD, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now.
8 Then the king arose, and sat in the gate. And they told unto all the people, saying, Behold, the king doth sit in the gate. And all the people came before the king: for Israel had fled every man to his tent.
Soon after the messengers had brought the news of the defeat and death of Absalom to the court of Mahanaim, Joab and his victorious army followed, to grace the king's triumphs and receive his further orders. Now here we are told,
I. What a damp and disappointment it was to them to find the king in tears for Absalom's death, which they construed as a token of displeasure against them for what they had done, whereas they expected him to have met them with joy and thanks for their good services: It was told Joab, v. 1 The report of it ran through the army (Sa2 19:2), how the king was grieved for his son. The people will take particular notice what their princes say and do. The more eyes we have upon us, and the greater our influence is, the more need we have to speak and act wisely and to govern our passions strictly. When they came to the city they found the king in close mourning, Sa2 19:4. He covered his face, and would not so much as look up, nor take any notice of the generals when they attended him. It could not but surprise them to find, 1. How the king proclaimed his passion, of which he ought to have been ashamed, and which he would have striven to smother and conceal if he had consulted either his reputation for courage, which was lessened by his mean submission to the tyranny of so absurd a passion, or his interest in the people, which would be prejudiced by his discountenancing what was done in zeal for his honour and the public safety. Yet see how he avows his grief: He cries with a loud voice, O my son Absalom! "My servants have all come home safe, but where is my son? He is dead; and, dying in sin, I fear he is lost for ever. I cannot now say, I shall go to him, for my soul shall not be gathered with such sinners; what shall be done for thee, O Absalom! my son, my son!" 2. How he prolonged his passion, even till the army had come up to him, which must be some time after he received the first intelligence. If he had contented himself with giving vent to his passion for an hour or two when he first heard the news, it would have been excusable, but to continue it thus for so bad a son as Absalom, like Jacob for so good a son as Joseph, with a resolution to go to the grave mourning and to stain his triumphs with his tears, was very unwise and very unworthy. Now see how ill this was taken by the people. They were loth to blame the king, for whatever he did used to please them (Sa2 3:36), but they took it as a great mortification to them. Their victory was turned into mourning, Sa2 19:2. They stole into the city as men ashamed, Sa2 19:3. In compliment to their sovereign, they would not rejoice in that which they perceived so afflictive to him, and yet they could not but be uneasy that they were thus obliged to conceal their joy. Superiors ought not to put such hardships as these on their inferiors.
II. How plainly and vehemently Joab reproved David for this indiscreet management of himself in this critical juncture. David never more needed the hearts of his subjects than now, nor was ever more concerned to secure his interest in their affections; and therefore whatever tended to disoblige them now was the most impolitic thing he could do, and the greatest wrong imaginable to his friends that adhered to him. Joab therefore censures him, Sa2 19:5-7. He speaks a great deal of reason, but not with the respect and deference which he owed to his prince. Is is fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? A plain case may be fairly pleaded with those that are above us, and they may be reproved for what they do amiss, but it must not be done with rudeness and insolence. David did indeed need to be roused and alarmed; and Joab thought it no time to dally with him. If superiors do that which is foolish, they must neither think it strange nor take it ill if their inferiors tell them of it, perhaps too bluntly. 1. Joab magnifies the services of David's soldiers: "This day they have saved thy life, and therefore deserve to be taken notice of, and have reason to resent it if they be not." It is implied that Absalom, whom he honoured with his tears, sought his ruin and the ruin of his family, while those whom by his tears he puts a slight upon were such as preserved from ruin him and all that was dear to him. Great mischiefs have arisen to princes from the contempt of great merits. 2. He aggravates the discouragement David had given them: "Thou hast shamed their faces; for, while they have shown such a value for thy life, thou hast shown no value for theirs, but preferrest a spoiled wicked youth, a false traitor to his king and country, whom we are happily rid of, before all thy wise counsellors, brave commanders, and loyal subjects. What can be more absurd than to love thy enemies and hate thy friends?" 3. He advises him to present himself immediately at the head of his troops, to smile upon them, welcome them home, congratulate their success, and return them thanks for their services. Even those that may be commanded yet expect to be thanked when they do well, and ought to be. 4. He threatens him with another rebellion if he would not do this, intimating that rather than serve so ungrateful a prince he himself would head a revolt from him, and then (so confident is Joab of his own interest in the people) "there will not tarry with thee one man. If I go, they will go. Thou hast now nothing to mourn for: but, if thou persist, I will give thee something to mourn for (as Josephus expresses it) with a true and more bitter mourning."
III. How prudently and mildly David took the reproof and counsel given him, Sa2 19:8. He shook off his grief, anointed his head, and washed his face, that he might not appear unto men to mourn, and then made his appearance in public in the gate, which was as the guild-hall of the city. Hither the people flocked to him to congratulate his and their safety, and all was well. Note, When we are convinced of a fault, we must amend, though we are told of it by our inferiors, and indecently, or in heat and passion.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–8. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying 2 Samuel 19:5 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Second Samuel 19:5 details a pivotal confrontation between King David and his chief commander, Joab, in the immediate aftermath of Absalom's rebellion. David, consumed by profound grief over his son's death, had neglected to honor his victorious army, whose immense sacrifices had preserved his life, family, and kingdom. Joab's blunt and forthright rebuke serves as a necessary intervention, aiming to reorient David from personal sorrow to his critical public duties as king, underscoring the indispensable need for leadership, troop morale, and the recognition of those who risked everything for the realm.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated at a critical juncture following the decisive battle in the forest of Ephraim, which saw the defeat of Absalom's rebellion and Absalom's death at Joab's hands, despite David's explicit command to spare his son's life (2 Samuel 18:14-15). The preceding narrative in 2 Samuel 18 vividly portrays David's overwhelming and public lamentation for Absalom, even expressing a wish to have died in his son's place (2 Samuel 18:33). The army, returning victorious, finds their king in deep mourning, effectively transforming their day of triumph into a day of shame and sorrow. Joab's sharp intervention is a direct and urgent response to this detrimental display, which severely threatened to demoralize the troops and undermine David's authority at a crucial moment for the stability of his newly restored reign.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, the king held a multifaceted role as both a political and divinely appointed leader, expected to embody the nation's strength, honor, and well-being. Victory in battle was a profound cause for national celebration, often marked by public parades, songs of praise, and formal recognition of the warriors. For a king to mourn publicly after a decisive military victory, particularly one that secured his throne and family's survival, was highly unconventional and deeply dishonoring to his fighting force. The concept of "shame" (Hebrew: yabesh or kalam) carried immense social and cultural weight in this honor-shame society. To "shame the faces" of one's servants implied a public disgrace, a denial of their deserved honor and recognition, which could lead to severe demoralization, disloyalty, and even defection. Joab's immediate concern extended beyond David's personal well-being; it encompassed the cohesion, morale, and future loyalty of the army, which constituted the very bedrock of David's power and the stability of the kingdom.
Key Themes: The passage powerfully encapsulates several enduring themes central to the narrative of 2 Samuel. Foremost is the inherent tension between personal grief and public responsibility, vividly illustrating the immense burden of leadership where private emotions must often be subordinated to the pressing demands of office. David's profound sorrow for Absalom, while deeply understandable for a father, directly conflicted with his paramount duty to his loyal subjects who had risked their lives to preserve his kingdom. This highlights the pervasive theme of leadership and its costs, demonstrating that even a righteous and divinely favored king like David could falter under immense personal pressure. Furthermore, the verse underscores the critical importance of loyalty and recognition, as Joab forcefully reminds David of the immense sacrifice made by his soldiers who "saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines." This emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between a leader and their followers, where loyalty and sacrifice must be met with appreciation and honor. Finally, Joab's blunt counsel exemplifies the theme of truth spoken to power, a recurring motif throughout the biblical narrative and a necessary, albeit often uncomfortable, aspect of wise and effective governance, echoing the wisdom found in Proverbs 27:6.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and critical message. Irony is profoundly present, as the day of decisive military victory, which should have been a national cause for celebration and joy, is paradoxically transformed into a day of shame and sorrow for the victorious army due to the king's self-absorbed grief. This creates a stark contrast between David's intense internal emotional state and his external kingly responsibilities and duties. Joab's language is characterized by hyperbole when he states David has "shamed... all thy servants," emphasizing the widespread, profound, and detrimental impact of the king's actions on the entire military force. The phrase "shamed the faces" is a powerful idiom or metonymy, where "faces" represents the honor, dignity, and public standing of the soldiers, making the disgrace vivid, personal, and deeply felt. Joab's speech also functions as a form of rhetorical question (though not explicitly phrased as one), implicitly challenging David to confront the illogical and damaging consequences of his actions by so thoroughly disregarding those who had saved his entire household.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly illustrates the complex interplay between human emotion, divine appointment, and the practicalities of leadership within a covenantal framework. While David's grief for Absalom was deeply human and understandable, Joab's intervention highlights that even a divinely chosen king must, at times, prioritize the well-being, morale, and stability of his people over personal sorrow, especially when the kingdom's very existence is at stake. The theological implication is that leadership, particularly sacred leadership, often demands self-sacrifice, wisdom, and an unwavering focus on the collective good, even at great personal cost. It serves as a stark reminder that God works through human leaders, but their inherent humanity and its frailties can sometimes impede their divine calling, necessitating correction, even from unexpected sources. The passage also underscores the biblical value of recognizing and honoring those who serve faithfully, reflecting God's own character of remembrance, justice, and reward for loyalty and sacrifice.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joab's harsh but undeniably necessary confrontation with King David serves as a timeless and potent lesson in the complexities of leadership and the vital importance of balancing personal emotion with public responsibility. Leaders, whether within a family, a community organization, a business, or a nation, are entrusted with the spiritual, emotional, and practical care and morale of those they lead. David's profound grief, while entirely natural for a father, tragically overshadowed his immediate duty to acknowledge the immense sacrifice and unwavering loyalty of his soldiers, thereby risking their demoralization and the very stability of his hard-won kingdom. This passage compels us to deeply consider how we, in our various spheres of influence, honor and affirm those who serve us, whether they are family members, dedicated colleagues, or selfless community volunteers. Neglecting to genuinely acknowledge their efforts and sacrifices can inadvertently "shame their faces," subtly eroding morale, trust, and future engagement. It also powerfully highlights the moral courage required for faithful counsel, reminding us that true loyalty sometimes demands speaking uncomfortable truths for the greater good of the collective. Ultimately, David's eventual heeding of Joab's advice demonstrates a crucial capacity for humility, self-awareness, and a renewed commitment to his people that is essential for effective, righteous, and enduring leadership, even in the face of profound personal pain.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Was Joab justified in his harsh confrontation with King David?
Answer: Yes, from both a pragmatic and a theological standpoint, Joab was profoundly justified in his intervention. While his methods were undoubtedly blunt and bordered on disrespectful, his direct confrontation was absolutely crucial for the immediate stability of David's kingdom and the long-term morale of his army. David's overwhelming grief, though deeply understandable for a father, was actively undermining his authority and publicly dishonoring the very soldiers who had risked their lives to save him and his entire family. Joab, with his keen understanding of military and political realities, recognized that a king's primary duty was to his people and the preservation of the kingdom, especially after such a costly victory. His actions, though harsh, effectively compelled David to fulfill his kingly responsibilities and prevented further demoralization that could have led to widespread defection and a renewed threat to his reign (2 Samuel 19:7). In this critical instance, Joab acted as a necessary, albeit imperfect, instrument to restore order, proper leadership, and the crucial bond between king and army.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic confrontation between Joab and David in 2 Samuel 19:5—born out of David's profound grief and his consequent neglect of his loyal army—finds its ultimate and perfect contrast in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Unlike King David, who momentarily failed to adequately acknowledge the immense sacrifice of his servants, Jesus, the perfect King, always perfectly honors, values, and rewards those who serve Him. He did not mourn His own impending suffering, but rather endured the cross for the profound joy set before Him, which was the salvation and restoration of His people (Hebrews 12:2). While David's men saved his physical family from earthly enemies, Jesus, the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, offered His own perfect life as the ultimate, atoning sacrifice, not to save His earthly family, but to save His spiritual family—His Church—from the eternal consequences of sin and death (Ephesians 5:25). He perfectly balances divine authority with profound empathy and unwavering justice, never shaming His followers but rather empowering them with His Holy Spirit, promising them eternal reward, honor, and a share in His glorious kingdom (John 14:1-3 and Revelation 2:10). Jesus is the King who not only recognizes the sacrifices of His faithful servants but Himself made the supreme sacrifice, ensuring that His victory over sin and death is shared with all who believe, forever turning their earthly sorrow into everlasting joy and triumph (John 16:20).