(22) So the messenger went, and came and shewed David all that Joab had sent him for. (23) And the messenger said unto David, Surely the men prevailed against us, and came out unto us into the field, and we were upon them even unto the entering of the gate. (24) And the shooters shot from off the wall upon thy servants; and some of the king's servants be dead, and thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also. (25) Then David said unto the messenger, Thus shalt thou say unto Joab, Let not this thing displease thee, for the sword devoureth one as well as another: make thy battle more strong against the city, and overthrow it: and encourage thou him.
Observe, how hardened the heart of David still remained. He hears of the death of Uriah, of the death of several of his brave servants, wholly on this account, for this dreadful sin of his. He hears of the triumph of the Ammonites in consequence thereof; and yet, in the midst of all, only sends a message to Joab, as if it was an ordinary event, and bids him be encouraged. What an awful state was he now in! Still hardened, unfeeling, and without the least remorse!