Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart [was] toward Absalom.
Ver. 1. Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived,] sc., By probable signs; as being a cunning old courtier, and long conversant about David: he could easily find which way his pulse beat.
That the king's heart was toward Absalom.] As the eldest now (for Chileab alias Daniel was dead), the fairest of all his sons, and the people's darling. Only he wanted a fair excuse of fetching him home. Joab, therefore, to gratify David and ingratiate with Absalom, secretly brides this Tekoitess, by her wily discourse to bring about the business. How many good princes are persuaded to anything by the cunning craftiness of their favourites and followers; yea, even bought and sold by them! as it was said of Aurelian the emperor.