Matthew Henry on 2 Samuel 19:1-8
Soon after the messengers had brought the news of the defeat and death of Absalom to the court of Mahanaim, Joab and his victorious army followed, to grace the king's triumphs and receive his further orders. Now here we are told,
I. What a damp and disappointment it was to them to find the king in tears for Absalom's death, which they construed as a token of displeasure against them for what they had done, whereas they expected him to have met them with joy and thanks for their good services: It was told Joab, v. 1 The report of it ran through the army (Sa2 19:2), how the king was grieved for his son. The people will take particular notice what their princes say and do. The more eyes we have…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 19:4
the king covered his face--one of the usual signs of mourning (see on Sa2 15:30).
Adam Clarke on 2 Samuel 19:4
The king covered his face - This was the custom of mourners.
O my son Absalom - Calmet has properly remarked that the frequent repetition of the name of the defunct, is common in the language of lamentation. Thus Virgil, act. v., ver. 51: -
- Daphnin que team tollemus ad astra;
Daphnin ad astra feremus: amavit nos quoque Daphnis.
"With yours, my song I cheerfully shall join,
To raise your Daphnis to the powers Divine.
Daphnis I'll raise unto the powers above,
For dear to me was Daphnis' well tried love."
See the notes on the preceding chapter,2 Samuel 18 (note).
John Gill on 2 Samuel 19:4
But the king covered his face,.... And would not see his generals, and thank them for their services: but wrapped himself in his mantle, after the manner of mourners:
and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son! and this was some time, perhaps some days after he had received the news of his death, since Joab and the army were returned from the battle; had it been a sudden start of passion, upon first hearing thee news, and had continued a few hours, it would have been more excusable; but to continue some days, as it is very probable it did, was very unbecoming.
