‏ 2 Samuel 19

Joab's Reproof of David

After the defeat and death of Absalom, Joab and his army returned to Mahanaim expecting a joyful welcome from King David. However, instead of celebrating, they found David deeply mourning his son Absalom. This section shows how David’s grief affected the whole army and how Joab strongly confronted David about his actions, urging him to consider his responsibilities as king.

v. 1: News quickly spread through the army that the king was grieving for his son (2 Samuel 19:1 ^a). The soldiers felt disappointed and discouraged because they thought David was upset with them for killing Absalom, even though they risked their lives for the kingdom. When they entered the city, they saw David in deep mourning, covering his face and refusing to look at anyone (2 Samuel 19:4 ^b). His open and intense sorrow surprised the soldiers. Instead of feeling proud of their victory, they felt ashamed and quietly entered the city as if they had done something wrong (2 Samuel 19:2-3 ^c). The people respected David, but his grief turned their joy into sadness. Leaders should be careful not to make their followers feel bad for doing the right thing.

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v. 5-7: Joab spoke to David very directly and told him that his sadness was hurting the people who had saved his life (2 Samuel 19:5-7 ^d). He reminded David that Absalom, the son he was crying for, had tried to destroy him and his family. Joab said David was making his loyal soldiers feel unappreciated by mourning for his enemy instead of thanking his friends. Joab urged David to go out and thank his troops, warning that if he did not, everyone might leave him, and he would be left alone. Sometimes, people in authority need to listen to honest criticism, even if it is uncomfortable.

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v. 8: David listened to Joab’s advice. He stopped mourning, cleaned himself up, and sat in the city gate where people could see him . The people then came to him, and peace returned to the city. This teaches us that when we realize we’ve made a mistake, we should change our actions, even if the correction comes from someone below us or is given in a harsh way.

David's Return to the Jordan

After Absalom’s defeat, David did not rush back to Jerusalem, even though he could have. He wanted to return as a true king, welcomed by his people, not as a conqueror forcing his way in. David waited for the people’s invitation, showing he respected their freedom and wanted to restore peace and honor to the kingdom. This section describes how the tribes of Israel and Judah discussed and arranged for David’s return, and how David wisely managed the situation to unite the people again.

v. 9-10: The people of Israel, the ten northern tribes, were the first to talk about bringing David back as king (2 Samuel 19:9-10 ^e). There was a lot of discussion and even arguments about it. Some remembered how David had fought for them and protected them in the past. They felt it was wrong for him to stay away after all he had done. Others realized that following Absalom had been a mistake, since Absalom was now dead and had almost destroyed them. Everyone agreed David should return, but they blamed each other for not acting sooner. This shows that when something important is neglected, everyone shares some responsibility.

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v. 11-12: David noticed that his own tribe, Judah, was not as eager as the others to bring him back, even though he had always cared for them (2 Samuel 19:11-12 ^f). He sent the priests Zadok and Abiathar to speak to the elders of Judah and encourage them to invite him home. David reminded them that they were his family—his “bone and flesh”—and promised not to be harsh with them. Sometimes, people need encouragement to do the right thing, especially if they feel guilty or afraid.

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v. 13: David also reached out to Amasa, who had been Absalom’s general but was also David’s nephew . David promised to make Amasa the commander of his army instead of Joab, showing forgiveness and a desire to unite former enemies. This was a smart move to win over those who had supported Absalom, but it also led to problems later, as Joab became jealous (2 Samuel 20:10 ^g).

v. 14: The plan worked. The people of Judah agreed together to bring David back as king . God used the influence of the priests and Amasa to change their hearts. David waited for their invitation before returning, showing patience and wisdom. In the same way, Jesus rules in the hearts of those who invite him in, making them willing to follow him (Psalm 110:2-3 ^h).

v. 15: Once Judah invited him, David came as far as the Jordan River, where the people were ready to meet him and welcome him back . This moment marked the restoration of David as king and the beginning of peace for Israel.

David Pardons Shimei

David’s return across the Jordan River was full of important events, similar to when Joshua led Israel over the river long before. This time, David crossed with honor. His soldiers managed their own crossing, but a special boat was provided for David’s family (2 Samuel 19:18 ⁱ). As David returned, he was met by two men who had treated him badly during his time of trouble: Ziba and Shimei. Their encounters show how people often change their attitude when someone’s situation improves.

v. 16-17: Ziba, who had once lied about his master Mephibosheth to gain his property (2 Samuel 16:4 ^j), came to meet David with his sons and servants (2 Samuel 19:17 ^k). Ziba wanted to win David’s favor before Mephibosheth could explain the truth about what had happened (2 Samuel 19:26 ^l).

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v. 18-20: Shimei, who had cursed David when he fled from Absalom (2 Samuel 16:5 ^m), also came quickly to ask for forgiveness. He brought a thousand men from the tribe of Benjamin and joined the men of Judah to show his loyalty. Shimei bowed before David in front of everyone and admitted his sin. He said, “Thy servant doth know that I have sinned” (2 Samuel 19:20 ⁿ). He pleaded for David not to hold his past actions against him and pointed out that he was the first from his tribe to welcome the king back.

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v. 21: Abishai, one of David’s commanders, wanted Shimei to be punished with death for his past actions as a traitor . He thought Shimei should be made an example for everyone. Abishai had wanted to kill Shimei before (2 Samuel 16:9 ^o), and now he saw an opportunity, since David was king again.

v. 22-23: David refused Abishai’s request and said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah?” (2 Samuel 19:22 ^p). David wanted to show mercy, not revenge, especially now that God had restored him as king. He knew that real strength is shown by forgiving those who are sorry, not by punishing them. David also understood that punishing Shimei might frighten others who had rebelled, making it harder to unite the nation. So, David promised Shimei safety with an oath. This act showed both his wisdom and his kindness. David’s forgiveness reminded everyone that the throne is established by mercy.

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Mephibosheth Meets David

The day David returned was a time when many things from the past needed to be settled. Old situations were brought up again, including the case of Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son. After dealing with Shimei, David now faced Mephibosheth and listened to his side of the story.

v. 24: Mephibosheth went down with the crowd to meet King David as he returned . To show his sadness for David’s exile, Mephibosheth had not taken care of himself—he did not trim his beard or wash his clothes. He mourned deeply for the king and the troubles in the kingdom. This reminds us that during times of national sorrow, we should also put away our usual comforts and join in the sadness of others.

v. 25-27: When David arrived in Jerusalem, Mephibosheth came before him (2 Samuel 19:25 ^q). David asked why Mephibosheth hadn’t joined him when he left the city. Mephibosheth explained that his servant Ziba had deceived him. Ziba took the donkey that was meant for Mephibosheth and left him behind because he was lame (2 Samuel 19:26 ^r). Then, Ziba lied to David and said Mephibosheth wanted the throne for himself (2 Samuel 19:27 ^s). This shows how much harm a dishonest servant can do.

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v. 28: Mephibosheth thanked David for his kindness in the past. He remembered how, when he and his family could have been treated as enemies, David gave him a place at the royal table . Because David had already shown him so much mercy, Mephibosheth did not feel he had the right to ask for anything more. He trusted David’s judgment and was thankful for what he had received.

v. 29: David decided that the land should be divided between Mephibosheth and Ziba . This was the same arrangement as before (2 Samuel 9:10 ^t). David did not punish Ziba for his lies, choosing instead to make peace with everyone. He wanted to show forgiveness during this joyful time, even though the law said that people who lied like Ziba should be punished (Deuteronomy 19:18-19 ^u).

v. 30: Mephibosheth replied that Ziba could take everything, because all he really wanted was to see David safe and back on his throne . For Mephibosheth, the king’s return was more important than his own wealth. This shows the heart of a person who cares more about God’s people and God’s chosen leader than about their own gain.

Barzillai Honored by David

After forgiving those who had wronged him, David now rewarded those who had helped him. Barzillai the Gileadite had supported David with food and supplies when he was in trouble. Even though Barzillai could have lost everything if Absalom had won, he stayed loyal. Now, David wanted to show his gratitude in a generous way.

v. 31-32: Barzillai came down from Rogelim to meet David and help him cross the Jordan River (2 Samuel 19:31 ^v). He had provided David and his family with much food while David stayed at Mahanaim (2 Samuel 19:32 ^w). Barzillai was a wealthy man, but he also had a big heart and loved to do good. His example shows that those who have much should use it to help others, especially those in need.

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v. 33: David invited Barzillai to come with him to Jerusalem . He wanted Barzillai as a friend and counselor at court and wanted to repay his kindness by letting him eat at the royal table. David showed that he valued friendship and loyalty, and he wanted to give back to those who had supported him in hard times.

v. 34-35: Barzillai kindly refused David’s invitation. He explained that he was old—already eighty years—and not able to enjoy the pleasures of court life anymore (2 Samuel 19:34-35 ^x). He said, “How long have I to live?” and pointed out that at his age, he could not taste food or hear music as he once did. Barzillai did not want to be a burden to the king. He teaches us that it is wise for older people to accept their limitations and focus on what really matters as life draws to a close (Psalm 90:10; Ecclesiastes 12:1 ^y).

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v. 36-37: Barzillai admired David’s generous offer and did not think he deserved such a reward (2 Samuel 19:36 ^z). Instead of accepting for himself, he asked the king to show kindness to his son Chimham, allowing him to go with David to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 19:37 ^aa). Barzillai wanted the best for the younger generation, even if he could not enjoy those things himself.

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v. 38-39: David agreed to Barzillai’s request and promised to do whatever Barzillai wished for Chimham (2 Samuel 19:38 ^ab). David said goodbye to Barzillai with a kiss and a blessing as Barzillai returned home (2 Samuel 19:39 ^ac). David took Chimham with him, and later gave him land near Bethlehem, showing that the king kept his promises and valued loyal friends and their families.

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Quarrel between Israel and Judah

This section describes a disagreement between the tribes of Israel and Judah after King David returned across the Jordan River. The argument began because some tribes felt left out of welcoming the king back. This quarrel spoiled what should have been a joyful occasion and was the start of more trouble between the tribes.

v. 41: The men of Israel complained to King David. They were upset because the men of Judah brought the king over the Jordan River and did not invite them to join in the ceremony . The Israelites felt insulted, as if they did not care about the king as much as Judah did. However, David knew that the Israelites had actually talked about bringing him back before Judah did (2 Samuel 19:11 ^ad). The Israelites also worried that Judah wanted to keep the king’s favor just for themselves. This shows how pride and jealousy can cause problems among people.

v. 42: The men of Judah answered the complaint. First, they said, He is near of kin to us. They believed it made sense for them to bring the king home because he belonged to their tribe. Second, they denied taking any special advantage. They said, Have we eaten at all of the king's cost? and Hath he given us any gift? They insisted they did not benefit from David’s return more than anyone else. Many people who serve a king do so only for personal gain, but Judah claimed this was not true for them .

v. 43: The men of Israel defended their complaint. They said, We have ten parts in the king, meaning most of the tribes belonged to Israel, while Judah only had the tribe of Simeon with them. They felt insulted that they were not asked for advice about bringing the king back. Just a short time before, these same people were fighting against the king. Now, they were competing to honor him the most. This shows that public opinion can change quickly. Often, arguments start because people feel ignored or insulted, even over small things. The men of Judah could have avoided this trouble by including Israel. Still, the Israelites should not have become so angry. If something good is done, we should not be upset just because we did not help do it (2 Samuel 19:43 ^ae).

Finally, the Bible notes that the men of Judah argued more fiercely than the men of Israel. Even if we are right, speaking with harshness and anger is wrong in God’s eyes. God notices when we speak with too much passion and is displeased by it.