Then it was told Joab, “Behold, the king is weeping and mourns for Absalom.” The victory that day was turned to mourning for all the people, for the people heard it said that day, “The king is grieved for his son.” So the people went by stealth into the city that day, as people who are humiliated steal away when they flee in battle. The king covered his face and cried out with a loud voice, “ O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!” Then Joab came into the house to the king and said, “Today you have covered with shame the faces of all your servants, who today have saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, the lives of your wives, and the lives of your concubines, by loving those who hate you, and by hating those who love you. For you have shown today that princes and servants are nothing to you; for I know this day that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, then you would be pleased. Now therefore arise, go out and speak kindly to your servants, for I swear by the Lord, if you do not go out, surely not a man will pass the night with you, and this will be worse for you than all the evil that has come upon you from your youth until now.” 2 Samuel 19:1-7
Joab interrupted David’s grief for Absalom and reminded him of his duty to show loyalty back to the people who literally saved him. In his love for his rebellious son, he forgot the love that others had shown him and was about to offend them greatly. Joab, with big game… challenges David by saying basically… Get your program together man!
Do I have the courage of Joab to address the oversight of others, even the king? I wonder? Its a fine line of respect and challenge and seizing the teachable moment. Stories like this prepare me.
God, I praise You that I am saved by You. As Joab said, I want to love what You love and hate what You love. Let me stripes be visible and clear!
