What an awful day that was for David, seated between the inner and outer gates, scanning the landscape, and speaking now and again to the sentry posted above him. Did not the Spirit work an even deeper repentance than ever before, recalling the self-indulgence, the failure to watch, the lapse of fellowship? But was it not also an hour when David put his finger on the Covenant and asked God, notwithstanding all, to do as he had said, 2 Samuel 7:15?
As David waited, his heart interceded for Absalom. How exactly his attitude is that of many who read these words, who are unable to join in the activities of life, and who spend days and nights in uttering one dear name before God! But he loves our Absaloms more than we do! David wished that he might have died for his son, and you have felt the same. But did not Jesus die for the ungodly? We must leave all with Him, the Judge of all the earth, but also its Redeemer and Savior. [source]
Chapter Summary: 2 Samuel 19
1Joab causes the king to cease his mourning 9The Israelites are earnest to bring the king back 11David sends to the priest to incite them of Judah 18Shimei is pardoned 24Mephibosheth excused 32Barzillai dismissed, and Chimham his son taken into the king's family 41The Israelites expostulate with Judah for bringing home the king without them
What do the individual words in 2 Samuel 19:1 mean?
and was toldJoabbeholdthe kingis weepingand mourningforAbsalom