October 19, 2024 - 2 Samuel 19:1-8

October 19, 2024 - 2 Samuel 19:1-8

19 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 grieving for his son.” And the people stole into the city that day as people steal in who are ashamed when they flee in battle. 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 and the lives of your sons and your daughters and the lives of your wives and your concubines, 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. 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.” 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.

Now Israel had fled every man to his own home.

Here we see a father’s deep grief and yet we see Joab give David a mouthful. Joab wanted David to understand that these people had fought for David and risked their life in battle. He did not sense an attitude of gratitude in David. Joab encouraged David to go out and speak kindly to the Israelites.

How easy it would be to not be grateful to your people when your heart is choked in grief. May we always be grateful for what God has done for us, even in the darkest of times. Easy to say and so hard to do. All we can do is cry out to our Savior. May we never forget that He is always with us.

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