2 Samuel 19

In this chapter, David mourns Absalom's death, which creates a complicated dynamic for his return to kingship. Joab rebukes David for showing excessive grief, which discourages his supporters. David eventually returns to Jerusalem, and his leadership is restored. This chapter focuses on the political and emotional aftermath of Absalom's rebellion, David's reconciliation with various parties, and the complexities of his leadership.

2 Samuel 19:1-5 (NKJV)
1 And Joab was told, “Behold, the king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.”
2 So the victory that day was turned into mourning for all the people. For the people heard it said that day, “The king is grieved for his son.”
3 And the people stole back into the city that day, as people who are ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.
4 But the king covered his face, and the king cried out with a loud voice, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!”
5 Then Joab came into the house to the king, and said, “Today you have disgraced all your servants who today have saved your life, the lives of your sons and daughters, the lives of your wives and the lives of your concubines,

David's grief over Absalom's death casts a shadow over the victory, making his troops feel ashamed despite their success. Joab rebukes David, emphasizing that his mourning makes it seem as if he values his rebellious son more than the lives of his loyal servants. Joab points out that the soldiers risked everything to save David and his family, yet David’s public display of grief dishonors their sacrifices.

2 Samuel 19:6-8 (NKJV)
6 in that you love your enemies and hate your friends. For you have declared today that you regard neither princes nor servants; for today I perceive that if Absalom had lived and all of us had died today, then it would have pleased you well.
7 Now therefore, arise, go out and speak comfort to your servants. For I swear by the Lord, if you do not go out, not one will stay with you this night. And that will be worse for you than all the evil that has befallen you from your youth until now.”
8 Then the king arose and sat in the gate. And they told all the people, saying, “There is the king, sitting in the gate.” So all the people came before the king. For everyone of Israel had fled to his tent.

Joab accuses David of caring more for his enemies than for his allies, warning him that his soldiers will abandon him if he doesn’t show appreciation for their loyalty. Realizing the gravity of the situation, David follows Joab’s advice and presents himself at the gate, a public gesture of leadership. This action helps restore morale among the people and secures their loyalty once again.

2 Samuel 19:9-10 (NKJV)
9 Now all the people were in a dispute throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “The king saved us from the hand of our enemies, he delivered us from the hand of the Philistines, and now he has fled from the land because of Absalom.
10 But Absalom, whom we anointed over us, has died in battle. Now therefore, why do you say nothing about bringing back the king?”

There is division among the tribes of Israel regarding David’s return. The people remember David’s past victories but are confused about their loyalty due to his flight from Absalom. With Absalom now dead, the people begin to discuss the need to bring David back to reclaim his rightful position as king. This reveals the uncertainty and political turmoil in Israel at the time.

2 Samuel 19:11-12 (NKJV)
11 So King David sent to Zadok and Abiathar the priests, saying, “Speak to the elders of Judah, saying, ‘Why are you the last to bring the king back to his house, since the words of all Israel have come to the king, to his very house?
12 You are my brethren, you are my bone and my flesh. Why then are you the last to bring back the king?’”

David sends a message to the leaders of Judah, reminding them of their close kinship and asking why they are hesitant to bring him back as king. This is a strategic move, as David seeks to unify the nation by appealing to his own tribe first, urging them to show loyalty. His plea emphasizes his connection to the people of Judah, encouraging them to take the lead in restoring him to power.

2 Samuel 19:13 (NKJV)
13 And say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my bone and my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if you are not commander of the army before me continually in place of Joab.’”

David promises Amasa, who had led Absalom's army, the position of commander in place of Joab. This is a politically savvy move to win over Amasa and those loyal to him, showing David’s intent to reconcile with former enemies. At the same time, it serves as a subtle rebuke to Joab for his harsh actions, particularly in killing Absalom.

2 Samuel 19:14-15 (NKJV)
14 So he swayed the hearts of all the men of Judah, just as the heart of one man, so that they sent this word to the king: “Return, you and all your servants!”
15 Then the king returned and came to the Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to escort the king across the Jordan.

David’s message succeeds in uniting the people of Judah, and they send an invitation for him to return as king. Judah’s unified response reflects their loyalty to David, and they meet him at the Jordan River to bring him back to Jerusalem in a public display of support. This marks the beginning of David’s official return to power.

2 Samuel 19:16-18 (NKJV)
16 And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite who was from Bahurim, hurried and came down with the men of Judah to meet King David.
17 There were a thousand men of Benjamin with him, and Ziba the servant of the house of Saul, and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants with him; and they went over the Jordan before the king.
18 Then a ferryboat went across to carry over the king’s household, and to do what he thought good. Now Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king when he had crossed the Jordan.

Shimei, who had previously cursed David during his flight from Absalom, now approaches the king humbly. He is accompanied by a large group of Benjamites and Ziba, demonstrating his intent to seek forgiveness. Shimei’s act of repentance before David symbolizes the shifting loyalties as people begin to reconcile with the restored king.

2 Samuel 19:19-20 (NKJV)
19 Then he said to the king, “Do not let my lord impute iniquity to me, or remember what wrong your servant did on the day that my lord the king left Jerusalem, that the king should take it to heart.
20 For I, your servant, know that I have sinned. Therefore here I am, the first to come today of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.”

Shimei confesses his wrongdoings, asking David not to hold his past actions against him. He acknowledges his sin and expresses repentance by being the first from the tribe of Joseph to meet the king. Shimei’s plea for mercy shows his fear of retribution but also highlights the king’s ability to forgive and restore relationships.

2 Samuel 19:21-22 (NKJV)
21 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, “Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the Lord’s anointed?”
22 And David said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should be adversaries to me today? Shall any man be put to death today in Israel? For do I not know that I am king over Israel today?”

Abishai, Joab's brother, advocates for Shimei’s execution for cursing David, but David rejects this suggestion. David’s response reflects his desire for unity and reconciliation rather than vengeance. By choosing not to execute Shimei, David demonstrates his authority and magnanimity, reinforcing his position as the rightful and merciful king over all Israel.

2 Samuel 19:23 (NKJV)
23 Therefore the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king swore to him.

David swears to Shimei that he will not be put to death, offering him forgiveness. This act of clemency solidifies David’s desire to heal the nation and avoid further bloodshed. Shimei’s life is spared, showing that David seeks to restore peace and move beyond the conflicts caused by Absalom’s rebellion.

2 Samuel 19:24-25 (NKJV)
24 Now Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and he had not cared for his feet, nor trimmed his mustache, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he returned in peace.
25 So it was, when he had come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said to him, “Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?”

Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, meets David in a state of neglect, having not groomed himself since David’s departure. This signals his deep mourning and loyalty to David. When David questions him for not fleeing with him during Absalom’s rebellion, the implication is that David is seeking clarification on Mephibosheth’s loyalty and whether he had betrayed him during the revolt.

2 Samuel 19:26-27 (NKJV)
26 And he answered, “My lord, O king, my servant deceived me. For your servant said, ‘I will saddle a donkey for myself, that I may ride on it and go to the king,’ because your servant is lame.
27 And he has slandered your servant to my lord the king, but my lord the king is like the angel of God. Therefore do what is good in your eyes.

Mephibosheth explains that Ziba, his servant, deceived him by leaving him behind and then falsely slandering him to David. As Mephibosheth is lame, he was unable to follow David on his own. He appeals to David’s wisdom and fairness, asking the king to judge him based on his character rather than the accusations made by Ziba.

2 Samuel 19:28-29 (NKJV)
28 For all my father’s house were but dead men before my lord the king. Yet you set your servant among those who eat at your own table. Therefore what right have I still to cry out anymore to the king?”
29 So the king said to him, “Why do you speak anymore of your matters? I have said, ‘You and Ziba divide the land.’”

Mephibosheth humbly acknowledges that David had shown him great mercy by allowing him to eat at the royal table, despite being a descendant of Saul. David, wanting to put an end to the dispute, decides to split the land between Mephibosheth and Ziba. This decision reflects David’s desire for resolution and avoidance of further conflict between the two.

2 Samuel 19:30 (NKJV)
30 Then Mephibosheth said to the king, “Rather, let him take it all, inasmuch as my lord the king has come back in peace to his own house.”

Mephibosheth’s response shows his true loyalty to David. He willingly forfeits his claim to the land, stating that his only concern is David’s safe return to power. This declaration underscores his sincerity and selflessness, placing his relationship with the king above material possessions.

2 Samuel 19:31-32 (NKJV)
31 And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim and went across the Jordan with the king, to escort him across the Jordan.
32 Now Barzillai was a very aged man, eighty years old. And he had provided the king with supplies while he stayed at Mahanaim, for he was a very rich man.

Barzillai, an elderly and wealthy man, had supported David during his time of exile. He now accompanies David across the Jordan as a gesture of loyalty and friendship. Barzillai’s generosity during the rebellion played a crucial role in sustaining David and his men, and his presence reflects his deep commitment to the king.

2 Samuel 19:33-34 (NKJV)
33 And the king said to Barzillai, “Come across with me, and I will provide for you while you are with me in Jerusalem.”
34 But Barzillai said to the king, “How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?

David offers to bring Barzillai with him to Jerusalem, promising to take care of him for the rest of his life. However, Barzillai, acknowledging his old age, declines the offer. His humility and contentment are evident, as he recognizes that he doesn’t need such provisions and prefers to live out his final years in peace.

2 Samuel 19:35-36 (NKJV)
35 I am today eighty years old. Can I discern between the good and bad? Can your servant taste what I eat or drink? Can I hear any longer the voice of singing men and singing women? Why then should your servant be a further burden to my lord the king?
36 Your servant will go a little way across the Jordan with the king. And why should the king repay me with such a reward?

Barzillai further explains that at his age, he can no longer enjoy the pleasures of life, such as good food or music. He doesn’t want to burden David by joining him in Jerusalem. Barzillai’s refusal shows his practical outlook on life and his desire to continue living simply. He views David’s offer as an unnecessary reward for the help he had given out of loyalty.

2 Samuel 19:37-38 (NKJV)
37 Please let your servant turn back again, that I may die in my own city near the grave of my father and mother. But here is your servant Chimham; let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what seems good to you.”
38 And the king answered, “Chimham shall cross over with me, and I will do for him what seems good to you. Now whatever you request of me, I will do for you.”

Barzillai asks to return to his home to be buried near his family, but he offers his servant Chimham to accompany David in his place. David agrees and promises to treat Chimham well, respecting Barzillai’s wishes. This exchange highlights Barzillai’s humility and his concern for ensuring that his household remains loyal to David even after his death.

2 Samuel 19:39-40 (NKJV)
39 Then all the people went over the Jordan. And when the king had crossed over, the king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his own place.
40 Now the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him. And all the people of Judah escorted the king, and also half the people of Israel.

David bids a warm farewell to Barzillai, kissing and blessing him before he returns home. Chimham, Barzillai’s servant, accompanies David, symbolizing Barzillai’s continued loyalty. David then continues on to Gilgal, escorted by the people of Judah and half of Israel, demonstrating his restored kingship and the unity of the tribes as they rally around him once again.

2 Samuel 19:41-43 (NKJV)
41 Just then all the men of Israel came to the king, and said to the king, “Why have our brethren, the men of Judah, stolen you away and brought the king, his household, and all David’s men with him across the Jordan?”
42 So all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “Because the king is a close relative of ours. Why then are you angry over this matter? Have we ever eaten at the king’s expense? Or has he given us any gift?”
43 And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, “We have ten shares in the king; therefore we also have more right to David than you. Why then do you despise us—were we not the first to advise bringing back our king?” Yet the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel.

A dispute arises between the men of Israel and the men of Judah over who has the right to escort David. The men of Israel feel slighted that Judah took the lead in bringing David back, while Judah defends their actions by pointing out their close kinship with the king. This argument reveals lingering tensions between the tribes, even after David’s return to power. Although Judah’s words prevail in this instance, the conflict foreshadows ongoing divisions between the tribes of Israel.