2 Samuel 19:1-8

1It was reported to Joab, “The king is weeping. He’s mourning over Absalom.”

2That day’s victory was turned into mourning for all the troops because on that day the troops heard, “The king is grieving over his son.”

3So they returned to the city quietly that day like troops come in when they are humiliated after fleeing in battle.

4But the king covered his face and cried loudly, “My son Absalom! Absalom, my son, my son!”

5Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, “Today you have shamed all your soldiers — those who saved your life as well as your sons, your wives, and your concubines —

6by loving your enemies and hating those who love you! Today you have made it clear that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. In fact, today I know that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would be fine with you!

7“Now get up! Go out and encourage your soldiers, for I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out, not a man will remain with you tonight. This will be worse for you than all the trouble that has come to you from your youth until now!”

8So the king got up and sat in the city gate, and all the people were told, “Look, the king is sitting in the city gate.” Then they all came into the king’s presence. Meanwhile, each Israelite had fled to his tent.