2 Samuel 19:7

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.

Now therefore arise {H6965}, go forth {H3318}, and speak {H1696} comfortably {H3820} unto thy servants {H5650}: for I swear {H7650} by the LORD {H3068}, if thou go not forth {H3318}, there will not tarry {H3885} one {H376} with thee this night {H3915}: and that will be worse {H7489} unto thee than all the evil {H7451} that befell {H935} thee from thy youth {H5271} until now.

Now get up, go out and speak heart-to-heart with your servants. For I swear by ADONAI that if you don't go out, not one man will stay here with you tonight - and that will be worse for you than all the misfortunes you have suffered from your youth until now."

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!”

Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants; for I swear by Jehovah, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry a man with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that hath befallen thee from thy youth until now.

Commentary

2 Samuel 19:7 records a pivotal moment where Joab, King David’s military commander, confronts David about his excessive mourning over Absalom’s death, urging him to restore the morale of his victorious but neglected army.

Context of 2 Samuel 19:7

Following the crushing defeat of Absalom’s rebellion, David, instead of celebrating the victory and the preservation of his kingdom, was consumed by profound grief for his rebellious son. He refused to acknowledge the valor and sacrifice of his loyal soldiers who had fought for him. This attitude severely demoralized the army, leading to widespread discontent. Joab, recognizing the imminent danger of the army deserting David, issues a stern ultimatum. This verse is the climax of Joab's forceful intervention, highlighting the critical need for David to reassume his role as king and leader.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Leadership Responsibility: The verse powerfully illustrates that true leadership demands prioritizing the welfare and morale of one’s followers, even amidst deep personal sorrow. David's personal grief, while understandable, was threatening his kingdom's stability and the loyalty of his people.
  • Consequences of Neglect: Joab's stark warning—"there will not tarry one with thee this night"—underscores the severe repercussions of a leader failing to acknowledge and appreciate those who serve them. Such neglect can lead to complete abandonment.
  • Blunt Truth for the Greater Good: Joab's approach was harsh but necessary. Sometimes, difficult and uncomfortable truths must be spoken to those in authority to avert catastrophe, even if it means risking personal disfavor.
  • Balancing Grief and Duty: David was challenged to move beyond his personal sorrow and fulfill his royal duties. This moment forced him to confront the tension between private emotion and public responsibility.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "speak comfortably unto thy servants" uses the Hebrew word translated as "comfortably" (לֵב / lev), which literally means "to the heart." It signifies speaking kindly, reassuringly, and with genuine appreciation. It's not just about uttering words, but about conveying heartfelt gratitude and restoring a sense of worth and recognition to the soldiers.

Related Scriptures

This passage is a stark reminder of the challenges of leadership, even for a man "after God's own heart" like David (1 Samuel 13:14). David's earlier flight from Absalom's rebellion showed his vulnerability, but Joab's intervention here prevents an even greater disaster. The importance of leaders valuing their people is a recurring biblical theme, echoed in principles of wise governance found in Proverbs 29:2, which speaks to the people's joy or sorrow under different rulers.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Samuel 19:7 offers valuable lessons on leadership in all spheres of life:

  • Acknowledge and Appreciate: Whether in family, church, or workplace, recognizing and affirming the efforts of others is crucial for maintaining morale and fostering loyalty.
  • Prioritize Duty: While personal struggles are real, leaders must learn to manage them in a way that doesn't compromise their responsibilities to those they lead.
  • Courageous Counsel: The passage highlights the importance of having trusted advisors who are willing to speak difficult truths when necessary, even to those in power.
  • Empathy and Engagement: Effective leadership requires active engagement with followers, understanding their needs, and communicating care and empathy.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 14:28 (4 votes)

    ¶ In the multitude of people [is] the king's honour: but in the want of people [is] the destruction of the prince.

  • Genesis 34:3 (3 votes)

    And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto the damsel.

  • Proverbs 19:15 (2 votes)

    ¶ Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

  • Psalms 71:4 (2 votes)

    Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.

  • Psalms 71:6 (2 votes)

    By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise [shall be] continually of thee.

  • Isaiah 40:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.

  • Psalms 71:9 (2 votes)

    Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.