John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 1. And it was told Joab , etc.] When returned to Mahanaim, or on his way to it; perhaps by the messengers he sent; and this report he had before he saw the king: behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom ; for the death of him, instead of rejoicing at the victory obtained, and the deliverance from his enemies.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-8 - To continue to lament for so bad a son as Absalom, was very unwise, an very unworthy. Joab censures David, but not with proper respect an deference to his sovereign. A plain case may be fairly pleaded with those above us, and they may be reproved for what they do amiss, but it must not be with rudeness and insolence. Yet David took the reproof an the counsel, prudently and mildly. Timely giving way, usually prevent the ill effects of mistaken measures.
Original Hebrew ויגד5046 ליואב3097 הנה2009 המלך4428 בכה1058 ויתאבל56 על5921 אבשׁלם׃53
