1. People told Joab, “Look, the king is sad and crying because of Absalom.”
2. David’s army had won the battle that day. But it became a very sad day for all the people, because they heard that the king was very sad for his son.
3. The people came into the city quietly that day. They were like an army that had been defeated in battle and had run away.
4. The king covered his face and cried loudly, “My son Absalom! Absalom, my son, my son!”
5. Joab went into the king’s house and said, “Today you have shamed all your men. They saved your life and the lives of your sons, daughters, wives, and slave women.
6. You have shamed them because you love those who hate you, and you hate those who love you. Today you have made it clear that your commanders and men mean nothing to you. What if Absalom had lived and all of us were dead? I can see you would be pleased.