2 Samuel 19:6

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.

In that thou lovest {H157} thine enemies {H8130}, and hatest {H8130} thy friends {H157}. For thou hast declared {H5046} this day {H3117}, that thou regardest neither princes {H8269} nor servants {H5650}: for this day {H3117} I perceive {H3045}, that if {H3863} Absalom {H53} had lived {H2416}, and all we had died {H4191} this day {H3117}, then it had pleased thee well {H3477}{H5869}.

But you love those who hate you and hate those who love you. Today you said that princes and servants mean nothing to you - for I can see today that it would have pleased you more if Avshalom had lived today, and we had all died!

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!

in that thou lovest them that hate thee, and hatest them that love thee. For thou hast declared this day, that princes and servants are nought unto thee: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well.

Commentary

2 Samuel 19:6 features a sharp and direct rebuke from Joab, King David's general, to David himself. This pivotal moment occurs immediately after the defeat of Absalom's rebellion, where David is found in deep, public mourning for his rebellious son, Absalom, instead of celebrating the victory and acknowledging the loyalty of his army.

Context of 2 Samuel 19:6

Following the decisive battle where Absalom was killed, David was consumed by grief for his son (2 Samuel 18:33). This intense mourning, however, had a severely demoralizing effect on the victorious Israelite army. The soldiers, who had just risked their lives for David and his kingdom, felt unappreciated and even despised. Joab, ever the pragmatic and fierce protector of David's throne and the army's morale, confronts David directly, highlighting the dangerous implications of his public display of sorrow. Joab's words are harsh but necessary to prevent the army from abandoning David.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Misplaced Affection: Joab accuses David of loving his enemies (Absalom, the rebel) and hating his friends (the loyal soldiers who fought for him). This rhetorical exaggeration underscores the perceived injustice of David's grief.
  • Leadership and Morale: The verse powerfully illustrates the critical link between a leader's actions and the morale of their followers. David's public grief for Absalom threatened to alienate his entire army, jeopardizing the stability of his reign. A king's duty often requires prioritizing the kingdom's welfare and the people's confidence over personal sorrow.
  • Consequences of Rebellion: While Absalom's rebellion was crushed, the emotional and political fallout continued. David's inability to move past his personal loss posed a new threat to his leadership.
  • Duty vs. Personal Grief: This verse highlights the tension between a ruler's personal feelings and their public responsibilities. Joab forces David to confront his duty to his loyal subjects.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends" is a strong rhetorical device used by Joab to shock David into action. It's not a literal statement of David's true feelings but rather a depiction of how his actions were being interpreted by his loyal supporters. The words "regardest neither princes nor servants" emphasize that David's behavior was seen as disrespectful to all who served him, from the highest-ranking officials to the lowliest soldiers, making them feel worthless in comparison to the deceased rebel.

Practical Application

The message of 2 Samuel 19:6 resonates beyond ancient kingship, offering valuable lessons for modern leadership and personal conduct:

  • Appreciation is Key: Leaders must consistently show appreciation and affirmation to those who are loyal and committed, especially after they have made significant sacrifices.
  • Prioritize the Collective Good: While personal feelings are valid, effective leadership often requires subordinating private emotions to the greater good and the welfare of the community or organization.
  • Impact of Perception: How a leader's actions are perceived can be as important as their intentions. David's grief, though genuine, sent the wrong message to his army, endangering their loyalty.
  • Encouraging Loyalty: To maintain loyalty and trust, leaders must ensure their actions demonstrate that those who stand with them are valued above those who oppose them. This aligns with principles of righteous leadership, as seen in Proverbs 29:2.
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Cross-References

  • Acts 23:5 (2 votes)

    Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

  • 2 Samuel 3:24 (2 votes)

    Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done? behold, Abner came unto thee; why [is] it [that] thou hast sent him away, and he is quite gone?

  • 2 Samuel 3:25 (2 votes)

    Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou doest.

  • Proverbs 19:9 (2 votes)

    ¶ A false witness shall not be unpunished, and [he that] speaketh lies shall perish.

  • Proverbs 19:10 (2 votes)

    ¶ Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

  • Job 34:18 (2 votes)

    [Is it fit] to say to a king, [Thou art] wicked? [and] to princes, [Ye are] ungodly?