2 Samuel 19:5

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;

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};

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.

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.

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;

Commentary

Second Samuel 19:5 captures a pivotal moment in King David's reign, immediately following the traumatic events of Absalom's rebellion. Here, David's chief commander, Joab, confronts the grieving king with a sharp rebuke, highlighting the disconnect between David's overwhelming personal sorrow and his duties as a leader to his victorious, yet neglected, army.

Context

This verse takes place right after the decisive battle where Absalom's rebellion was crushed, and Absalom himself was killed by Joab (2 Samuel 18:14). Despite the victory that secured his throne and family, King David was consumed by overwhelming grief for his deceased son, Absalom. Instead of celebrating with his triumphant soldiers, David was mourning publicly, turning the day of victory into a day of sorrow for his loyal troops. Joab, ever the pragmatic and fierce warrior, steps in to correct this detrimental behavior, understanding that such a display of grief would demoralize the army and undermine David's authority.

Key Themes

  • Leadership and Responsibility: The verse powerfully illustrates the tension between personal emotion and public duty. Joab reminds David that a king's primary responsibility is to his people, especially those who have risked their lives for him. David's grief, while understandable, was detrimental to the morale of his army.
  • Loyalty and Sacrifice: Joab emphasizes the immense sacrifice made by the 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 highlights the deep loyalty of David's servants and the high cost of their victory.
  • Shame and Honor: Joab's direct accusation, "Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants," speaks to the profound cultural value placed on honor in ancient Israel. To "shame the face" of someone was to disgrace them publicly, to deny them the honor they deserved for their actions. David's actions effectively dishonored his loyal fighting force.
  • Blunt Counsel: This passage showcases Joab's character as a loyal but often ruthless and incredibly direct advisor. He was not afraid to speak truth to power, even when it was uncomfortable for the king, because he prioritized the stability of the kingdom and the welfare of the army. This kind of faithful, though painful, counsel is sometimes necessary.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "shamed the faces" (Hebrew: hikhlim panim) is a strong idiom. It means to disgrace, humiliate, or put to shame. It implies a public act that causes embarrassment or loss of honor. Joab uses this direct and culturally impactful language to convey the depth of David's misstep, painting a vivid picture of the soldiers returning home to a king who treated them as if they had lost, rather than secured, his kingdom and family.

Practical Application

This passage offers several timeless lessons:

  1. Balancing Personal and Public Life: Leaders, whether in a family, community, or nation, must learn to balance personal struggles with their responsibilities to those they lead. While grief is natural, it should not overshadow the recognition and appreciation due to those who serve and sacrifice.
  2. Acknowledging Sacrifice: It is crucial to recognize and appreciate the efforts and sacrifices of others. Neglecting to do so can lead to demoralization and resentment among those who are committed to a cause or leader.
  3. The Value of Honest Feedback: Even when difficult, honest and direct feedback from trusted individuals (like Joab to David) can be vital for a leader's effectiveness and the well-being of the group.
  4. Empathy and Morale: A leader's actions directly impact the morale of their followers. Showing empathy and celebrating victories (even bittersweet ones) is essential for maintaining a strong and loyal team.

Reflection

Joab's confrontation with David was a harsh but necessary intervention. It forced David to move beyond his personal sorrow and embrace his role as king, acknowledging the bravery and loyalty of his men. This moment of crisis highlights the complexities of leadership and the often-uncomfortable truths that must be faced for the greater good of the community. David's eventual heeding of Joab's advice, as seen in the subsequent verses (2 Samuel 19:8), demonstrates his capacity for growth and his ultimate commitment to his people.

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Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 9:27 (1 votes)

    Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest [them] from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.

  • Psalms 18:47 (1 votes)

    [It is] God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me.

  • Psalms 18:48 (1 votes)

    He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.

  • Psalms 3:8 (1 votes)

    Salvation [belongeth] unto the LORD: thy blessing [is] upon thy people. Selah.