2 Samuel 19 summary meaning ai explained commentary

2 Samuel 19 meaning explained in AI Summary

This chapter marks a turning point in 2 Samuel. David, consumed by grief over Absalom's death, is no longer focused on victory. His mourning threatens to undo the kingdom he just fought to reclaim.

Key Events:

David's Unending Grief (1-8): David is devastated by Absalom's death, weeping and repeating, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would God I had died for you!" Joab, realizing the danger of this public display, confronts David, accusing him of rejecting his loyal soldiers and jeopardizing the kingdom.
Return to Jerusalem (9-15): Shaken by Joab's words, David composes himself and shows his face to the people. The tribes of Israel, however, are hesitant to welcome him back, feeling slighted that Judah acted alone in bringing him back to Hebron.
Reconciliation and Forgiveness (16-30): Several key figures work to bridge the divide:
- Shimei: The man who cursed David while he fled Jerusalem comes seeking forgiveness, which David grants.
- Mephibosheth: Saul's grandson, neglected in his grief, explains his absence to David, who initially doubts him but eventually restores half his land.
- Barzillai: The elderly man who generously supported David during his exile is offered a place of honor in Jerusalem. He declines due to his age but sends his son Chimham in his place.
Judah's Rivalry with Israel (41-43): Despite the efforts at reconciliation, tensions remain between Judah and the other tribes. They argue over who has the right to escort the king back to the capital, highlighting the fragility of the reunited kingdom.

Themes:

The Cost of Victory: Victory comes at a heavy emotional price for David, who is overwhelmed by grief and guilt.
Leadership and Responsibility: Joab's harsh words remind David that a king's duty extends beyond personal feelings; he must prioritize the well-being of his people.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation: The chapter emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in healing divisions and restoring unity.
Lingering Tensions: Despite efforts to reunite the kingdom, underlying tensions and rivalries persist, foreshadowing future conflicts.

Overall: Chapter 19 depicts the difficult process of moving forward after a conflict. While David's return to Jerusalem signifies the restoration of his rule, the emotional scars of the rebellion and the lingering divisions within the kingdom cast a shadow over his victory.

2 Samuel 19 bible study ai commentary

2 Samuel 19 chronicles the difficult and politically charged return of King David to Jerusalem after Absalom's rebellion. The chapter moves from David’s paralyzing grief over his son to his active role as a reconciling, yet pragmatic, monarch. It is a masterful depiction of the tension between personal sorrow and public duty, showing how David navigates treacherous political waters to reunite a fractured kingdom. Each encounter on his journey home—with Joab, the leaders of Judah, Shimei, Mephibosheth, and Barzillai—serves as a test of his wisdom, mercy, and political acumen, ultimately exposing the fragile peace and foreshadowing future conflict.

2 Samuel 19 Context

This chapter is set immediately after the defeat of Absalom's army. The nation is in a state of political vacuum and civil unrest. The cultural context revolves around honor, shame, loyalty (hesed), and the restoration of a legitimate monarch. There is a deep-seated tribal tension between the southern tribe of Judah (David's own) and the ten northern tribes of Israel. A king returning victorious was expected to reward loyalists and execute traitors. David's actions in this chapter must be understood against this backdrop of consolidating power, reconciling a divided people, and setting a precedent for his restored reign.

2 Samuel 19:1-8

And it was told Joab, “Behold, the king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.” So the victory that day was turned into mourning for all the people, for the people heard that day, “The king is grieved for his son.” And the people stole away that day into the city, as people who are ashamed steal away when they flee in battle... But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!” Then Joab came into the house to the king and said, “You have today covered with shame the faces of all your servants, who have this day saved your life... because you love your enemies and hate your friends... now therefore arise, go out and speak kindly to your servants. For I swear by the LORD, if you do not go out, not a man will stay with you this night. And this will be worse for you than all the evil that has come upon you from your youth until now.” So the king arose and sat in the gate. And when all the people were told, “Behold, the king is sitting in the gate,” all the people came before the king.

In-depth-analysis

A Victory Turned to Mourning: David's profound grief for the rebel son invalidates the military victory. The soldiers, who should be heroes, "steal away" (ganab) in shame, a word used for thieves, highlighting the moral confusion David's actions create.
Private Grief vs. Public Duty: The central conflict of the passage. David acts as a father, but his role as king demands he act for the nation's morale and stability. His loud, public lament undermines the very men who secured his throne.
Joab's Brutal Honesty: Joab's speech is insubordinate and harsh, but politically essential. He accuses David of loving his enemies and hating his friends, a shocking reversal of a king's expected behavior.
The Threat: Joab’s oath, "not a man will stay with you," is a direct threat of a coup. He forces David to choose between his personal feelings and his crown. This will permanently fracture their relationship.
Sitting in the Gate: This was the public space for leadership, justice, and governance. By moving from his private mourning chamber to the gate, David signals his resumption of kingly duties, and "all the people came before the king," signifying the restoration of order.

Bible references

2 Sam 18:33: "O my son Absalom... Would I had died instead of you...!" (The source of the grief Joab confronts).
2 Sam 12:21-23: "while the child was still alive, I fasted and wept... But now he is dead. Why should I fast?" (Contrasts David's rational response to his infant's death with his emotional paralysis over Absalom).
Prov 27:6: "Faithful are the wounds of a friend..." (Describes the nature of Joab's necessary but painful rebuke).

Cross references

Prov 15:31 (value of rebuke), 1 Kgs 1:6 (David's parental failures), Ecc 7:2-4 (sorrow can be better than laughter, but here it's destructive).

2 Samuel 19:9-15

And all the people were arguing throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies... but he has fled out of the land from Absalom... why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?” And King David sent to Zadok and Abiathar the priests, saying, “Speak to the elders of Judah... Why are you the last to bring the king back to his house?... You are my brothers; you are my bone and my flesh..." And he swayed the heart of all the men of Judah as one man... Then the king returned and came to the Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal to meet the king and to bring the king over the Jordan.

In-depth-analysis

Political Vacuum: The northern tribes ("all the tribes of Israel") are the first to recognize the need for David's return, yet they hesitate. There is a leadership void.
David's Strategic Move: David doesn't wait for a formal invitation from all. He shrewdly sends a personal, emotional appeal to his own tribe, Judah, who had been the core of Absalom's rebellion.
"My bone and my flesh": This phrase (Hebrew: 'atsmi u'besari) is a powerful appeal to kinship and covenant loyalty, reminding Judah of their unique connection to him.
Appointing Amasa: David's offer to make Amasa (Absalom’s general and his own nephew) the new commander over Joab is a brilliant, albeit risky, political stroke. It offers amnesty and honor to the opposition's leader, aiming to heal the rift with Judah. This decision directly leads to future conflict (2 Sam 20:10).
Judah as One Man: David's appeal is successful, uniting Judah behind him. However, by prioritizing his own tribe, he inadvertently alienates the northern tribes, who feel bypassed.

Bible references

2 Sam 5:1: "all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Behold, we are your bone and your flesh.”" (David uses the same unifying phrase once used to make him king over all Israel).
Judg 9:2: "which is better for you, that all seventy of the sons of Jerubbaal rule over you, or that one man rule over you? Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh." (Abimelech's similar, but self-serving, appeal to kinship).
1 Kgs 12:16: "What portion have we in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse!" (The ultimate consequence of the tribal division exacerbated here).

Cross references

Gen 2:23 (origin of the kinship phrase), 2 Sam 2:4 (Judah originally anointing David), 2 Sam 17:25 (Amasa's genealogy).

2 Samuel 19:16-23

And Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjaminite... hurried to come down with the men of Judah to meet King David. And with him were a thousand men from Benjamin... and they rushed to the Jordan before the king... Shimei... fell down before the king... and said, “Let not my lord hold me guilty... for your servant knows that I have sinned. Therefore, behold, I have come this day, the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.” Abishai... answered, “Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD's anointed?” But David said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah... Shall anyone be put to death in Israel this day? For do I not know that I am this day king over Israel?” And the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king gave him his oath.

In-depth-analysis

Shimei's Haste: Shimei, who had cursed David so viciously (2 Sam 16), is now the "first of all the house of Joseph" (a term for the northern tribes) to greet him. This is a calculated act of self-preservation, showing submission to the restored power.
Abishai's Call for Justice: Abishai, one of the "sons of Zeruiah," again represents immediate, unyielding retribution. His zeal is consistent (see 2 Sam 16:9).
David's Political Mercy: David rebukes Abishai, framing his mercy as proof of his secure kingship. Executing an enemy on the day of his restoration would signal vengeance, not reconciliation. It was a politically necessary act.
A Temporary Pardon: David swears an oath that Shimei will not die, but this clemency is temporary. On his deathbed, David instructs Solomon to bring Shimei's "gray head down to Sheol with blood" (1 Kgs 2:9). This reveals the deep-seated political pragmatism behind the public display of mercy.

Bible references

2 Sam 16:5-8: "And Shimei... came out and cursed... and said, “Get out, get out, you man of blood, you worthless man!"" (The original offense being pardoned).
1 Kgs 2:8-9, 36-46: "...do not hold him guiltless... and you will bring his gray head down to Sheol with blood." (David's deathbed command to Solomon, revealing the limits of his mercy and culminating in Shimei's execution).
Exod 22:28: "You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people." (The law Shimei broke, for which Abishai wants him executed).

Cross references

Prov 19:11 (glory to overlook an offense), Lk 23:34 (Christ's genuine forgiveness), Rom 12:19 (leave vengeance to God).

2 Samuel 19:24-30

And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king. He had not taken care of his feet or trimmed his beard or washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came back in peace. And when he came to Jerusalem to meet the king, the king said to him, “Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?” He answered, “My lord, O king, my servant deceived me... And he has slandered your servant to my lord the king. But my lord the king is like the angel of God; do therefore what seems good to you... What right have I to cry to the king?” And the king said to him, “Why speak any more of your affairs? I have decided: you and Ziba shall divide the land.” And Mephibosheth said to the king, “Oh, let him take it all, since my lord the king has come safely to his own house.”

In-depth-analysis

Physical Evidence of Loyalty: Mephibosheth’s disheveled appearance is external proof of his mourning and loyalty, corroborating his story that Ziba betrayed him. In that culture, neglecting personal hygiene was a sign of deep grief.
"My servant deceived me": He claims his servant Ziba lied and prevented him from joining David, a direct contradiction of Ziba's story in 2 Sam 16:1-4.
David's Ambiguous Ruling: David's response, "you and Ziba shall divide the land," is puzzling. It's a pragmatic compromise that avoids fully judging the case. Perhaps he was weary, couldn't risk offending Ziba (who had supporters), or was bound by his earlier promise to Ziba. It is not an act of perfect justice.
Mephibosheth's Noble Reply: His response, "Oh, let him take it all," demonstrates his priority. His joy is in the king's safe return, not in his personal property. This seems to confirm his sincerity and contrasts sharply with the self-serving motives of others.

Bible references

2 Sam 9:7-8: "I will show you kindness... and you shall eat at my table always." (David’s original covenant kindness (hesed) to Mephibosheth).
2 Sam 16:3: "Ziba said to the king, “He remains in Jerusalem, for he said, ‘Today the house of Israel will restore to me the kingdom of my father.’”" (Ziba's slander that David now has to judge).
1 Cor 6:7: "To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?" (Echoes the spirit of Mephibosheth's final reply).

Cross references

Prov 18:17 (the first to plead his case seems right), Mic 6:8 (act justly, love mercy), Phil 2:3-4 (value others above yourselves).

2 Samuel 19:31-39

Barzillai the Gileadite also came down from Rogelim... He had provided the king with food while he stayed at Mahanaim, for he was a very wealthy man. And the king said to Barzillai, “Come over with me, and I will provide for you with me in Jerusalem.” But Barzillai said to the king, “How many years have I still to live...? I am this day eighty years old. Can I discern what is pleasant and what is not?... Why then should your servant be a further burden to my lord the king?... But here is your servant Chimham. Let him go over with my lord the king..." And the king said, “Chimham shall go over with me... and whatever you ask of me, I will do for you.”

In-depth-analysis

Barzillai, the Selfless Loyalist: He helped David at his lowest point (2 Sam 17) out of pure loyalty. Now, he seeks no reward for himself, a stark contrast to Shimei and Ziba.
Wisdom of Old Age: At 80, Barzillai recognizes his physical limitations and the vanity of courtly pleasures. His humility and self-awareness are models of godly wisdom. He represents someone whose identity is not tied to royal favor or wealth.
Legacy Through Another: Instead of personal gain, he seeks favor for the next generation, asking David to take Chimham (likely his son or dependant). This shows a forward-looking perspective.
David's Genuine Gratitude: David's treatment of Barzillai is warm and sincere. He honors the old man and graciously accepts his request concerning Chimham, showing he is capable of deep gratitude when confronted with true loyalty. David remembers this kindness on his deathbed (1 Kgs 2:7).

Bible references

2 Sam 17:27-29: "...Barzillai the Gileadite... brought beds, basins... and food for David and the people with him to eat..." (The initial act of loyalty being rewarded).
1 Kgs 2:7: "But show steadfast love to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite... for they came to me when I fled from Absalom your brother." (David instructs Solomon to continue this covenant of gratitude).
Ps 90:10: "The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble..." (Reflects Barzillai's humble assessment of his old age).

Cross references

Eccl 12:1-5 (description of old age), Lk 14:12-14 (give feasts for those who cannot repay you), Gal 6:9-10 (do good to all people).

2 Samuel 19:40-43

...all the people of Judah, and also half the people of Israel, brought the king over. Then all the men of Israel came to the king and said... “Why have our brothers the men of Judah stolen you away...? And all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “Because the king is our close relative. Why are you angry over this matter?... We have not eaten at the king's expense or been given any gift.” And the men of Israel answered... “We have ten parts in the king... Why then did you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of bringing back our king?” But the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel.

In-depth-analysis

The Division Re-emerges: The fragile unity of the nation immediately cracks. "Half the people of Israel" indicates a partial, not a unified, northern presence.
Israel's Complaint: The northern tribes feel slighted and politically "despised." They accuse Judah of "stealing" the king, asserting their numerical superiority ("ten parts") and their initiative in suggesting the king's return.
Judah's Arrogant Reply: Judah claims precedence based on kinship ("the king is our close relative"). Their justification is arrogant and dismissive of the larger national picture.
"Fiercer" Words: The escalating anger, culminating in Judah's "fiercer" words, shows that reconciliation is failing. Pride and tribalism are overpowering national unity. This argument directly ignites Sheba's rebellion in the next chapter. This is the smoldering ember that will burst into the fire that divides the kingdom permanently after Solomon's death.

Bible references

2 Sam 20:1-2: "And a worthless man happened to be there... Sheba... he blew the trumpet and said, 'We have no portion in David'... So all the men of Israel withdrew from David and followed Sheba" (The immediate result of this argument).
1 Kgs 12:16: "And when all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, the people answered the king, “What portion have we in David? ... To your tents, O Israel!"" (The final, permanent division of the kingdom, using almost the exact same language).
Judg 12:1-6: "The men of Ephraim... said to Jephthah, 'Why did you cross over to fight against the Ammonites and did not call us to go with you?'" (An earlier example of inter-tribal jealousy in Israel leading to bloodshed).

Cross references

Prov 15:1 (a harsh word stirs up anger), James 3:5-6 (the tongue as a fire), Gal 5:15 (if you bite and devour one another...).

2 Samuel Chapter 19 Analysis

The King's Two Bodies: This chapter powerfully illustrates the ancient political concept of the king having two bodies: a mortal, emotional private body (David the father) and an immortal, political public body (David the king). Joab’s confrontation in vv. 1-8 is a demand for the public body to supersede the private one.
A Theologically Realistic Narrative: The story refuses to offer simple solutions. David’s return is not a simple triumph of good over evil. It involves morally ambiguous compromises (Mephibosheth), delayed justice (Shimei), and the sowing of future discord (the Judah/Israel argument). It portrays leadership with stark realism, full of complex human motivations and flawed decisions.
The Meaning of Hesed (Covenant Loyalty): The chapter is a case study in hesed. Barzillai shows pure hesed without seeking reward. Mephibosheth claims his hesed was thwarted. David tries to act with hesed, but his mercy is often colored by political necessity. This contrasts with God's perfect, unfailing hesed.
Foreshadowing the Divided Kingdom: The fierce argument in vv. 40-43 is more than a petty squabble. The Deuteronomistic historian intentionally includes it as the definitive prelude to Sheba's rebellion (2 Sam 20) and the final schism under Rehoboam (1 Kings 12). The language of "ten parts in the king" and "no portion in David" becomes the formal declaration of secession.

2 Samuel 19 Summary

Upon defeating Absalom's rebellion, a grief-stricken David is forcefully reminded of his kingly duties by Joab. He then politically engineers his return, swaying his own tribe of Judah with a strategic offer to Absalom's general. On his journey back to Jerusalem, David dispenses a pragmatic and messy combination of mercy and justice: he pardons his vocal enemy Shimei, makes a compromised ruling in the dispute between Mephibosheth and Ziba, and sincerely honors the selfless loyalty of the elderly Barzillai. The chapter concludes with a bitter argument between the tribes of Judah and Israel over their respective shares in the king, an ominous sign that reveals the fragile state of the newly reunited kingdom and sets the stage for future rebellion.

2 Samuel 18 AI 2 Samuel 20 AI

2 Samuel 19 AI Image Audio and Video

2 Samuel chapter 19 kjv

¹ And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom.
² And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son.
³ And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.
⁴ But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!
⁵ 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;
⁶ In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well.
⁷ Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: 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.
⁸ Then the king arose, and sat in the gate. And they told unto all the people, saying, Behold, the king doth sit in the gate. And all the people came before the king: for Israel had fled every man to his tent.
⁹ And all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, The king saved us out of the hand of our enemies, and he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines; and now he is fled out of the land for Absalom.
¹⁰ And Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why speak ye not a word of bringing the king back?
¹¹ And king David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, Speak unto the elders of Judah, saying, Why are ye the last to bring the king back to his house? seeing the speech of all Israel is come to the king, even to his house.
¹² Ye are my brethren, ye are my bones and my flesh: wherefore then are ye the last to bring back the king?
¹³ And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.
¹⁴ And he bowed the heart of all the men of Judah, even as the heart of one man; so that they sent this word unto the king, Return thou, and all thy servants.
¹⁵ So the king returned, and came to Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to conduct the king over Jordan.
¹⁶ And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which was of Bahurim, hasted and came down with the men of Judah to meet king David.
¹⁷ And 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 Jordan before the king.
¹⁸ And there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king's household, and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, as he was come over Jordan;
¹⁹ And said unto the king, Let not my lord impute iniquity unto me, neither do thou remember that which thy servant did perversely the day that my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his heart.
²⁰ For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.
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, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel?
²³ Therefore the king said unto Shimei, Thou shalt not die. And the king sware unto him.
²⁴ And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace.
²⁵ And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth?
²⁶ And he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for thy servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go to the king; because thy servant is lame.
²⁷ And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes.
²⁸ For all of my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king?
²⁹ And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land.
³⁰ And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house.
³¹ And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan.
³² Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.
³³ And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem.
³⁴ And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?
³⁵ I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?
³⁶ Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward?
³⁷ Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.
³⁸ And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee.
³⁹ And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place.
⁴⁰ Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him: and all the people of Judah conducted the king, and also half the people of Israel.
⁴¹ And, behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and said unto the king, Why have our brethren the men of Judah stolen thee away, and have brought the king, and his household, and all David's men with him, over Jordan?
⁴² And all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, Because the king is near of kin to us: wherefore then be ye angry for this matter? have we eaten at all of the king's cost? or hath he given us any gift?
⁴³ And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, We have ten parts in the king, and we have also more right in David than ye: why then did ye despise us, that our advice should not be first had in bringing back our king? And the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel.

2 Samuel chapter 19 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,
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.
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?"
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?'
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.' "
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.
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.
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."
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 today I am king over Israel?"
²³ Therefore the king said to Shimei, "You shall not die." And the king swore to him.
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?"
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.
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.' "
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."
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.
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?
³⁵ I am today eighty years old. Can I discern between the good and bad? Can your servant taste what I eat or what I 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?
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."
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.
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.

2 Samuel chapter 19 niv

¹ Joab was told, "The king is weeping and mourning for Absalom."
² And for the whole army the victory that day was turned into mourning, because on that day the troops heard it said, "The king is grieving for his son."
³ The men stole into the city that day as men steal in who are ashamed when they flee from battle.
⁴ The king covered his face and cried aloud, "O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!"
⁵ Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, "Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines.
⁶ You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead.
⁷ Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the LORD that if you don't go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come on you from your youth till now."
⁸ So the king got up and took his seat in the gateway. When the men were told, "The king is sitting in the gateway," they all came before him. Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled to their homes.
⁹ Throughout the tribes of Israel, all the people were arguing among themselves, saying, "The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies; he is the one who rescued us from the hand of the Philistines. But now he has fled the country to escape from Absalom;
¹⁰ and Absalom, whom we anointed to rule over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?"
¹¹ King David sent this message to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests: "Ask the elders of Judah, 'Why should you be the last to bring the king back to his palace, since what is being said throughout Israel has reached the king at his quarters?
¹² You are my relatives, my own flesh and blood. So why should you be the last to bring back the king?'
¹³ And say to Amasa, 'Are you not my own flesh and blood? May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if you are not the commander of my army for life in place of Joab.'?"
¹⁴ He won over the hearts of the men of Judah so that they were all of one mind. They sent word to the king, "Return, you and all your men."
¹⁵ Then the king returned and went as far as the Jordan. Now the men of Judah had come to Gilgal to go out and meet the king and bring him across the Jordan.
¹⁶ Shimei son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David.
¹⁷ With him were a thousand Benjamites, along with Ziba, the steward of Saul's household, and his fifteen sons and twenty servants. They rushed to the Jordan, where the king was.
¹⁸ They crossed at the ford to take the king's household over and to do whatever he wished. When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell prostrate before the king
¹⁹ and said to him, "May my lord not hold me guilty. Do not remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king put it out of his mind.
²⁰ For I your servant know that I have sinned, but today I have come here as the first from the tribes of Joseph to come down and meet my lord the king."
²¹ Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said, "Shouldn't Shimei be put to death for this? He cursed the LORD's anointed."
²² David replied, "What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? What right do you have to interfere? Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? Don't I know that today I am king over Israel?"
²³ So the king said to Shimei, "You shall not die." And the king promised him on oath.
²⁴ Mephibosheth, Saul's grandson, also went down to meet the king. He had not taken care of his feet or trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes from the day the king left until the day he returned safely.
²⁵ When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king asked him, "Why didn't you go with me, Mephibosheth?"
²⁶ He said, "My lord the king, since I your servant am lame, I said, 'I will have my donkey saddled and will ride on it, so I can go with the king.' But Ziba my servant betrayed me.
²⁷ And he has slandered your servant to my lord the king. My lord the king is like an angel of God; so do whatever you wish.
²⁸ All my grandfather's descendants deserved nothing but death from my lord the king, but you gave your servant a place among those who eat at your table. So what right do I have to make any more appeals to the king?"
²⁹ The king said to him, "Why say more? I order you and Ziba to divide the land."
³⁰ Mephibosheth said to the king, "Let him take everything, now that my lord the king has returned home safely."
³¹ Barzillai the Gileadite also came down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan with the king and to send him on his way from there.
³² Now Barzillai was very old, eighty years of age. He had provided for the king during his stay in Mahanaim, for he was a very wealthy man.
³³ The king said to Barzillai, "Cross over with me and stay with me in Jerusalem, and I will provide for you."
³⁴ But Barzillai answered the king, "How many more years will I live, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king?
³⁵ I am now eighty years old. Can I tell the difference between what is enjoyable and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats and drinks? Can I still hear the voices of male and female singers? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?
³⁶ Your servant will cross over the Jordan with the king for a short distance, but why should the king reward me in this way?
³⁷ Let your servant return, that I may die in my own town near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Kimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king. Do for him whatever you wish."
³⁸ The king said, "Kimham shall cross over with me, and I will do for him whatever you wish. And anything you desire from me I will do for you."
³⁹ So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and bid him farewell, and Barzillai returned to his home.
⁴⁰ When the king crossed over to Gilgal, Kimham crossed with him. All the troops of Judah and half the troops of Israel had taken the king over.
⁴¹ Soon all the men of Israel were coming to the king and saying to him, "Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, steal the king away and bring him and his household across the Jordan, together with all his men?"
⁴² All the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, "We did this because the king is closely related to us. Why are you angry about it? Have we eaten any of the king's provisions? Have we taken anything for ourselves?"
⁴³ Then the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, "We have ten shares in the king; so we have a greater claim on David than you have. Why then do you treat us with contempt? Weren't we the first to speak of bringing back our king?" But the men of Judah pressed their claims even more forcefully than the men of Israel.

2 Samuel chapter 19 esv

¹ It was told Joab, "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 that day, "The king is grieving for his son."
³ And the people stole into the city that day as people steal in who are ashamed when they flee in battle.
⁴ The king covered his face, and the king cried 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, "You have today covered with shame the faces of all your servants, who have this day saved your life and the lives of your sons and your daughters and the lives of your wives and your concubines,
⁶ because you love those who hate you and hate those who love you. For you have made it clear today that commanders and servants are nothing to you, for today I know that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, then you would be pleased.
⁷ Now therefore arise, go out and speak kindly to your servants, for I swear by the LORD, if you do not go, not a man will stay with you this night, and this will be worse for you than all the evil that has come upon you from your youth until now."
⁸ Then the king arose and took his seat in the gate. And the people were all told, "Behold, the king is sitting in the gate." And all the people came before the king. David Returns to Jerusalem Now Israel had fled every man to his own home.
⁹ And all the people were arguing throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, "The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies and saved us from the hand of the Philistines, and now he has fled out of the land from Absalom.
¹⁰ But Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?"
¹¹ And King David sent this message to Zadok and Abiathar the priests: "Say to the elders of Judah, 'Why should you be the last to bring the king back to his house, when the word of all Israel has come to the king?
¹² You are my brothers; you are my bone and my flesh. Why then should you be the last to bring back the king?'
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 my army from now on in place of Joab.'"
¹⁴ And he swayed the heart of all the men of Judah as one man, so that they sent word to the king, "Return, both you and all your servants."
¹⁵ So the king came back to the Jordan, and Judah came to Gilgal to meet the king and to bring the king over the Jordan.
¹⁶ And Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjaminite, from Bahurim, hurried to come down with the men of Judah to meet King David.
¹⁷ And with him were a thousand men from Benjamin. And Ziba the servant of the house of Saul, with his fifteen sons and his twenty servants, rushed down to the Jordan before the king,
¹⁸ and they crossed the ford to bring over the king's household and to do his pleasure. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, as he was about to cross the Jordan,
¹⁹ and said to the king, "Let not my lord hold me guilty or remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. Do not let the king take it to heart.
²⁰ For your servant knows that I have sinned. Therefore, behold, I have come this day, the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king."
²¹ Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered, "Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD's anointed?"
²² But David said, "What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should this day be as an adversary to me? Shall anyone be put to death in Israel this day? For do I not know that I am this day king over Israel?"
²³ And the king said to Shimei, "You shall not die." And the king gave him his oath.
²⁴ And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king. He had neither taken care of his feet nor trimmed his beard nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came back in safety.
²⁵ And when he came to Jerusalem to meet the king, the king said to him, "Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?"
²⁶ He answered, "My lord, O king, my servant deceived me, for your servant said to him, 'I will saddle a donkey for myself, that I may ride on it and go with the king.' For your servant is lame.
²⁷ He has slandered your servant to my lord the king. But my lord the king is like the angel of God; do therefore what seems good to you.
²⁸ For all my father's house were but men doomed to death before my lord the king, but you set your servant among those who eat at your table. What further right have I, then, to cry to the king?"
²⁹ And the king said to him, "Why speak any more of your affairs? I have decided: you and Ziba shall divide the land."
³⁰ And Mephibosheth said to the king, "Oh, let him take it all, since my lord the king has come safely home."
³¹ Now Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim, and he went on with the king to the Jordan, to escort him over the Jordan.
³² Barzillai was a very aged man, eighty years old. He had provided the king with food while he stayed at Mahanaim, for he was a very wealthy man.
³³ And the king said to Barzillai, "Come over with me, and I will provide for you with me in Jerusalem."
³⁴ But Barzillai said to the king, "How many years have I still to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?
³⁵ I am this day eighty years old. Can I discern what is pleasant and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or what he drinks? Can I still listen to the voice of singing men and singing women? Why then should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?
³⁶ Your servant will go a little way over the Jordan with the king. Why should the king repay me with such a reward?
³⁷ Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the grave of my father and my mother. But here is your servant Chimham. Let him go over with my lord the king, and do for him whatever seems good to you."
³⁸ And the king answered, "Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do for him whatever seems good to you, and all that you desire of me I will do for you."
³⁹ Then all the people went over the Jordan, and the king went over. And the king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his own home.
⁴⁰ The king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him. All the people of Judah, and also half the people of Israel, brought the king on his way.
⁴¹ Then all the men of Israel came to the king and said to the king, "Why have our brothers the men of Judah stolen you away and brought the king and his household over the Jordan, and all David's men with him?"
⁴² All the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, "Because the king is our close relative. Why then are you angry over this matter? Have we eaten at all at the king's expense? Or has he given us any gift?"
⁴³ And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, "We have ten shares in the king, and in David also we have more than you. Why then did you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of bringing back our king?" But the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel.

2 Samuel chapter 19 nlt

¹ Word soon reached Joab that the king was weeping and mourning for Absalom.
² As all the people heard of the king's deep grief for his son, the joy of that day's victory was turned into deep sadness.
³ They crept back into the town that day as though they were ashamed and had deserted in battle.
⁴ The king covered his face with his hands and kept on crying, "O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!"
⁵ Then Joab went to the king's room and said to him, "We saved your life today and the lives of your sons, your daughters, and your wives and concubines. Yet you act like this, making us feel ashamed of ourselves.
⁶ You seem to love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that your commanders and troops mean nothing to you. It seems that if Absalom had lived and all of us had died, you would be pleased.
⁷ Now go out there and congratulate your troops, for I swear by the LORD that if you don't go out, not a single one of them will remain here tonight. Then you will be worse off than ever before."
⁸ So the king went out and took his seat at the town gate, and as the news spread throughout the town that he was there, everyone went to him. Meanwhile, the Israelites who had supported Absalom fled to their homes.
⁹ And throughout all the tribes of Israel there was much discussion and argument going on. The people were saying, "The king rescued us from our enemies and saved us from the Philistines, but Absalom chased him out of the country.
¹⁰ Now Absalom, whom we anointed to rule over us, is dead. Why not ask David to come back and be our king again?"
¹¹ Then King David sent Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, to say to the elders of Judah, "Why are you the last ones to welcome back the king into his palace? For I have heard that all Israel is ready.
¹² You are my relatives, my own tribe, my own flesh and blood! So why are you the last ones to welcome back the king?"
¹³ And David told them to tell Amasa, "Since you are my own flesh and blood, like Joab, may God strike me and even kill me if I do not appoint you as commander of my army in his place."
¹⁴ Then Amasa convinced all the men of Judah, and they responded unanimously. They sent word to the king, "Return to us, and bring back all who are with you."
¹⁵ So the king started back to Jerusalem. And when he arrived at the Jordan River, the people of Judah came to Gilgal to meet him and escort him across the river.
¹⁶ Shimei son of Gera, the man from Bahurim in Benjamin, hurried across with the men of Judah to welcome King David.
¹⁷ A thousand other men from the tribe of Benjamin were with him, including Ziba, the chief servant of the house of Saul, and Ziba's fifteen sons and twenty servants. They rushed down to the Jordan to meet the king.
¹⁸ They crossed the shallows of the Jordan to bring the king's household across the river, helping him in every way they could. David's Mercy to Shimei As the king was about to cross the river, Shimei fell down before him.
¹⁹ "My lord the king, please forgive me," he pleaded. "Forget the terrible thing your servant did when you left Jerusalem. May the king put it out of his mind.
²⁰ I know how much I sinned. That is why I have come here today, the very first person in all Israel to greet my lord the king."
²¹ Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said, "Shimei should die, for he cursed the LORD's anointed king!"
²² "Who asked your opinion, you sons of Zeruiah!" David exclaimed. "Why have you become my adversary today? This is not a day for execution, for today I am once again the king of Israel!"
²³ Then, turning to Shimei, David vowed, "Your life will be spared."
²⁴ Now Mephibosheth, Saul's grandson, came down from Jerusalem to meet the king. He had not cared for his feet, trimmed his beard, or washed his clothes since the day the king left Jerusalem.
²⁵ "Why didn't you come with me, Mephibosheth?" the king asked him.
²⁶ Mephibosheth replied, "My lord the king, my servant Ziba deceived me. I told him, 'Saddle my donkey so I can go with the king.' For as you know I am crippled.
²⁷ Ziba has slandered me by saying that I refused to come. But I know that my lord the king is like an angel of God, so do what you think is best.
²⁸ All my relatives and I could expect only death from you, my lord, but instead you have honored me by allowing me to eat at your own table! What more can I ask?"
²⁹ "You've said enough," David replied. "I've decided that you and Ziba will divide your land equally between you."
³⁰ "Give him all of it," Mephibosheth said. "I am content just to have you safely back again, my lord the king!"
³¹ Barzillai of Gilead had come down from Rogelim to escort the king across the Jordan.
³² He was very old ? eighty years of age ? and very wealthy. He was the one who had provided food for the king during his stay in Mahanaim.
³³ "Come across with me and live in Jerusalem," the king said to Barzillai. "I will take care of you there."
³⁴ "No," he replied, "I am far too old to go with the king to Jerusalem.
³⁵ I am eighty years old today, and I can no longer enjoy anything. Food and wine are no longer tasty, and I cannot hear the singers as they sing. I would only be a burden to my lord the king.
³⁶ Just to go across the Jordan River with the king is all the honor I need!
³⁷ Then let me return again to die in my own town, where my father and mother are buried. But here is your servant, my son Kimham. Let him go with my lord the king and receive whatever you want to give him."
³⁸ "Good," the king agreed. "Kimham will go with me, and I will help him in any way you would like. And I will do for you anything you want."
³⁹ So all the people crossed the Jordan with the king. After David had blessed Barzillai and kissed him, Barzillai returned to his own home.
⁴⁰ The king then crossed over to Gilgal, taking Kimham with him. All the troops of Judah and half the troops of Israel escorted the king on his way.
⁴¹ But all the men of Israel complained to the king, "The men of Judah stole the king and didn't give us the honor of helping take you, your household, and all your men across the Jordan."
⁴² The men of Judah replied, "The king is one of our own kinsmen. Why should this make you angry? We haven't eaten any of the king's food or received any special favors!"
⁴³ "But there are ten tribes in Israel," the others replied. "So we have ten times as much right to the king as you do. What right do you have to treat us with such contempt? Weren't we the first to speak of bringing him back to be our king again?" The argument continued back and forth, and the men of Judah spoke even more harshly than the men of Israel.