2 Samuel 19:5-8
19:5 Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, “Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines.

Note: David never indicates that he knew it was Joab who had killed Absalom (see 1 Kings 2:5).

19:6 [Joab tried to help David see how others perceived his behavior; note Joab’s three charges against David…] [1] You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. [2] You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. [3] I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead.

Note: What are some appropriate and inappropriate things to say to one experiencing overwhelming grief?

19:7 Now go out and encourage your men [needed to hear words of reassurance and appreciation]. I swear by the LORD that if you don’t go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come upon you from your youth till now.”

Note: How can we help those who grieve to act responsibly?

19:8 So the king [in response to Joab’s counsel] got up and took his seat in the gateway. When the men were told, “The king [David] is sitting in the gateway,” they all came before him. Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled to their homes.