2 Samuel 19:7 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Now, therefore, arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants Show thyself to thy people, acknowledge their good services, and congratulate their success. For I swear by the Lord He confirms his threat with the most solemn oath. If thou go not forth, &c. If thou do not instantly quit thy apartment, appear in public, and treat thy people as they deserve; there will not tarry one with thee this night, &c. Thy subjects will desert thee as one man. This, he signifies, would be far worse than all the calamities that had hitherto befallen him. David appears to have answered nothing to these harsh words of Joab; but, however offended he might be by such rough treatment, he thought fit to dissemble his resentment for the present. He, therefore, immediately left his chamber, and went to the gate, the seat of public justice, where he gave audience to the people, who immediately resorted thither in crowds to him, and were received and treated by him as kindly as his present distress would allow.