2 Samuel 19 Summary

Joab orders that the victory not be proclaimed while the king grieves; Ahimaaz and Cushi carry tidings. David sits between the two gates awaiting news. When Ahimaaz arrives and says all is well, David asks if Absalom is safe. Ahimaaz evades answering, saying he saw a great tumult but knew not what it meant. David bids him stand aside. When Cushi arrives, he tells David the Lord has avenged him of his enemies. Again David asks if Absalom is safe. Cushi answers that all David's enemies and those who rise against him are as that young man is, meaning Absalom is dead. David is greatly moved, goes up to the chamber over the gate, and weeps, saying, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!" The victory that was meant to be a triumph turns to mourning for all the people; they steal away into the city as people ashamed who flee in battle. Joab comes to David and rebukes him, saying he has shamed the faces of all his servants who have saved his life and the lives of his sons, daughters, wives, and concubines by his declaration that he loves his enemies and hates his friends, showing he would prefer Absalom alive and all others dead. Joab swears that if David does not go forth and speak comfortingly to his servants, not one will tarry with him that night, which will be worse than all the evil that has befallen him since his youth. David arises, sits in the gate, and all the people come before him, for Israel has fled to his tents.