Question 1

Why was David mourning so deeply for Absalom after the victory?

Accepted Answer

David mourned so deeply for Absalom because Absalom was his son, even though he had rebelled against him. When David heard of Absalom’s death, his fatherly love and sorrow poured out in loud crying. His grief was so strong that it overshadowed the victory his army had just won and turned the day of triumph into a day of mourning for everyone. This shows how torn David was between his role as king and his heart as a father. His personal pain did not disappear just because the rebellion was over.

Question 2

Why did Joab rebuke David for his mourning over Absalom?

Accepted Answer

Joab rebuked David because David’s public grief made the soldiers feel ashamed instead of honored. They had risked their lives to save David, his family, and his kingdom, yet his behavior made it seem as if he wished Absalom had lived and they had died. Joab told David he was loving his enemy and hating his friends. He warned that if David did not go out and speak kindly to his men, they would leave him by night. Joab’s sharp words pushed David to remember his duty to the people who had stood by him.

Question 3

What is the significance of David sitting in the gate after Joab spoke to him?

Accepted Answer

When David sat in the gate, he was stepping back into his public role as king. The city gate was the place where leaders met the people, made decisions, and heard cases. By leaving his private mourning and sitting in the gate, David showed his army and the nation that he was again ready to lead them. The people then came before him, which helped turn the scattered, ashamed troops into a gathered people under their king. It marked a turning point from sorrow toward restored order after the rebellion.

Question 4

Why did David send for Judah and promise Amasa the role of captain?

Accepted Answer

David knew Judah was his own tribe, his “bone and flesh,” yet they had been slow to call him back. He reached out through the priests, reminding them of this family bond and asking why they were last to bring him home. David also promised Amasa, who had led Absalom’s army, that he would become captain in Joab’s place. This was a bold move to win back those who had followed Absalom and to heal the split in the nation. By honoring Amasa, David was trying to pull former opponents into unity under his rule.

Question 5

Who is Shimei in this passage, and why does David spare his life?

Accepted Answer

Shimei was a man from Benjamin who had earlier cursed David when David fled from Absalom. Now, as David returns, Shimei rushes to meet him, admits his sin, and begs not to have his wrongdoing counted against him. Abishai wants Shimei put to death for cursing the Lord’s anointed, but David refuses. He calls Abishai and his brother “adversaries” for pushing for bloodshed on such a day. David knows he is restored as king and chooses mercy instead of revenge, swearing that Shimei will not die that day.

Question 6

What happens with Mephibosheth and Ziba when David returns?

Accepted Answer

Mephibosheth, Saul’s crippled grandson, comes to meet David looking unkempt, showing he has been in mourning since David left. David asks why he did not go with him. Mephibosheth explains that he planned to ride to David but was deceived by his servant Ziba and slandered before the king. He throws himself on David’s judgment, saying he does not deserve the kindness he has already received. David decides that Mephibosheth and Ziba must divide the land. Mephibosheth answers that he only cares that the king has come back in peace.

Question 7

Who is Barzillai, and why does he refuse David’s offer to go to Jerusalem?

Accepted Answer

Barzillai is an elderly man from Gilead who had supplied David with food and support while David stayed at Mahanaim. David invites him to cross the Jordan and live with him in Jerusalem so he can care for him there. Barzillai gently refuses, saying he is eighty years old, can no longer enjoy the pleasures of court life, and does not want to be a burden. He asks to return to his own city to die near his parents’ graves. Instead, he offers his servant Chimham to go with David, and David kindly agrees.

Question 8

Why are the men of Israel and the men of Judah arguing at the end of the passage?

Accepted Answer

After David crosses the Jordan, the men of Israel complain that the men of Judah “stole” the king by bringing him over first. Judah answers that the king is their close relative and they did not gain any special gifts by escorting him. Israel responds that they have more tribes and claim they have more right in the king and should have been first in advising how to bring him back. The argument shows how quickly old rivalries rise again, even after the king’s return, and hints at ongoing division within the nation.

Question 9

What does this passage teach about leadership and personal grief?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that leaders are real people who feel deep pain, but their private sorrow can affect the whole community. David’s unchecked mourning discouraged his army and nearly cost him their loyalty. When Joab confronted him, David listened, changed his behavior, and went out to the people. The story suggests that leaders need to balance honest emotion with care for those they lead. It does not say grief is wrong, but it shows that those in public roles must sometimes set aside their feelings to serve others.

Question 10

How can this passage guide someone who is dealing with broken relationships?

Accepted Answer

This passage is full of broken and mended relationships: a grieving father and a dead son, a king correcting his general, tribes who had turned away now asking for their king back, a former enemy begging for mercy, and loyal friends who are honored. It shows that confession, mercy, and wise words can begin to heal old wounds. At the same time, it also shows that not every tension disappears, as seen in the argument between Israel and Judah. For someone today, it encourages seeking peace, owning sin, offering forgiveness, and being patient when unity comes slowly.

2 Samuel 19:1

And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom.

Joab Reproves David

David Restored as King

Shimei Pardoned

Mephibosheth Excused

David’s Kindness to Barzillai

Contention over the King

Joab Reproves David

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2 Samuel 19:1

And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom.

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share.allVerses

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Joab Reproves David

David Restored as King

Shimei Pardoned

Mephibosheth Excused

David’s Kindness to Barzillai

Contention over the King

Joab Reproves David

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