Joab Criticizes David

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. —2 Samuel 19:5

As the victorious hosts approached the city, the king, who should have been on hand to greet them, was not there. Instead of offering words of thanks and cheer for the troops who that day had risked their lives for him, David sat above the gate, loudly wailing for the loss of his son. Instead of marching proudly in triumph the men now broke their ranks, slinking into the city, downcast and ashamed. It seemed that all their effort had been in vain, and what they had thought of as a glorious victory was only a mistake and, in the eyes of the king, a sad defeat. They entered the city with the air of men defeated in battle.” Joab confronted David about his response. “The gruff old commander in chief took the king severely to task for his conduct before his returning soldiers. These men had fought valiantly and well. They had risked their all for the king, and for the members of his family, but he had no word of thanks for them. He could think only of his personal loss. That others too that day were sad and mourned the loss of brothers, husbands, and fathers who had given their lives in order that David might retain his throne, meant nothing to the king. It was a cutting and bitter rebuke from the old general, but he was simply telling the harsh truth.” Absalom had commanded a large part of Israel’s sympathies, and David was now in danger of alienating even those who still remained loyal.

Joab said, “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” (2 Samuel 19:7). David realized Joab spoke the truth.

His grief for a rebel son would cost him his throne.

He needed to be seen by his troops and thank them for their loyalty and courage. He removed himself to the city gate, where he mingled with and offered words of thanks and comfort to those returning from battle. Always remember to thank those who support you.