2 samuel 19:6 - in that you love those who hate you, and hate those who love you. For you have declared today, that princes and servants are nothing to you. For today I perceive that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died today, then it would have pleased you well.
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What does "2 samuel 19:6" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 19:6 is a scathing rebuke delivered by Joab, David's general, to King David. It's spoken after Absalom's rebellion has been crushed and Absalom himself is dead. Joab is furious with David's excessive mourning and grief for Absalom, even though Absalom was a traitor who tried to overthrow David's throne and kill him. Let's break down the meaning:
"in that you love those who hate you, and hate those who love you." This is the core accusation. Joab is saying that David is rewarding his enemies (Absalom and his followers) with grief and affection, while simultaneously neglecting and alienating his loyal supporters who risked their lives to defend him and his kingdom. David's grief is seen as a betrayal of his loyal subjects.
"For you have declared today, that princes and servants are nothing to you." David's excessive grief implies that the lives of his loyal servants (princes and common soldiers alike) are worthless to him. He's so consumed by the loss of his rebellious son that he seemingly doesn't care about the well-being or sacrifices of those who fought for him. By showing no gratitude or acknowledgment, David devalues their service and their lives.
"For today I perceive that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died today, then it would have pleased you well." This is the harshest part of Joab's criticism. He's saying that David's behavior suggests that he would have preferred Absalom to live, even if it meant the death of all his loyal soldiers. This implies that David cares more about his personal affection for Absalom than he does about the welfare and security of his kingdom and the people who defended it.
In essence, Joab is accusing David of the following:
Ingratitude: Failing to appreciate the sacrifices of his loyal followers.
Prioritizing personal feelings over the good of the kingdom: Letting his love for Absalom blind him to the needs and feelings of his loyal subjects.
Weak leadership: Demonstrating poor judgment and undermining the morale of his army.
Joab's words are harsh, but they are intended to shock David out of his grief and remind him of his responsibilities as king. He needs to prioritize the needs of his kingdom and show appreciation for the loyalty of his subjects, not wallow in grief over a traitorous son.
2 samuel 19:6 - in that you love those who hate you, and hate those who love you. For you have declared today, that princes and servants are nothing to you. For today I perceive that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died today, then it would have pleased you well.
What does "2 samuel 19:6" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 19:6 is a scathing rebuke delivered by Joab, David's general, to King David. It's spoken after Absalom's rebellion has been crushed and Absalom himself is dead. Joab is furious with David's excessive mourning and grief for Absalom, even though Absalom was a traitor who tried to overthrow David's throne and kill him. Let's break down the meaning:
"in that you love those who hate you, and hate those who love you." This is the core accusation. Joab is saying that David is rewarding his enemies (Absalom and his followers) with grief and affection, while simultaneously neglecting and alienating his loyal supporters who risked their lives to defend him and his kingdom. David's grief is seen as a betrayal of his loyal subjects.
"For you have declared today, that princes and servants are nothing to you." David's excessive grief implies that the lives of his loyal servants (princes and common soldiers alike) are worthless to him. He's so consumed by the loss of his rebellious son that he seemingly doesn't care about the well-being or sacrifices of those who fought for him. By showing no gratitude or acknowledgment, David devalues their service and their lives.
"For today I perceive that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died today, then it would have pleased you well." This is the harshest part of Joab's criticism. He's saying that David's behavior suggests that he would have preferred Absalom to live, even if it meant the death of all his loyal soldiers. This implies that David cares more about his personal affection for Absalom than he does about the welfare and security of his kingdom and the people who defended it.
In essence, Joab is accusing David of the following:
Ingratitude: Failing to appreciate the sacrifices of his loyal followers.
Prioritizing personal feelings over the good of the kingdom: Letting his love for Absalom blind him to the needs and feelings of his loyal subjects.
Weak leadership: Demonstrating poor judgment and undermining the morale of his army.
Joab's words are harsh, but they are intended to shock David out of his grief and remind him of his responsibilities as king. He needs to prioritize the needs of his kingdom and show appreciation for the loyalty of his subjects, not wallow in grief over a traitorous son.