(1) В¶ 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!
The unbecoming sorrow of David, concerning the death of Absalom, could not but have its effect upon the whole army. Some, no doubt, felt displeased; and others commiserated the king: but, as the HOLY GHOST is silent, as to what passed between David and the LORD, on this occasion, we can only hope that the affliction was rendered profitable.