1 It was reported to Joab, “The king is weeping. He’s mourning over Absalom.”
2 That day’s victory was turned into mourning for all the troops because on that day the troops heard, “The king is grieving over his son.”
3 So they returned to the city quietly that day like people come in when they are humiliated after fleeing in battle.
4 But the king hid his face and cried out at the top of his voice, “My son Absalom! Absalom, my son, my son! ”
5 Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, “Today you have shamed all your soldiers — those who rescued your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, your wives, and your concubines.
6 You love your enemies and hate those who love you! Today you have made it clear that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. In fact, today I know that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would be fine with you!
7 “Now get up! Go out and encourage your soldiers, for I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out, not a man will remain with you tonight. This will be worse for you than all the trouble that has come to you from your youth until now! ”