1 Someone told Joab, "The king is sobbing over Absalom. He's filled with sadness because his son has died."
2 The army had won a great battle that day. But their joy turned into sadness. That's because someone had told the troops, "The king is filled with sorrow because his son is dead."
3 The men came quietly into the city that day. They were like fighting men who are ashamed because they've run away from a battle.
4 The king covered his face. He sobbed out loud, "My son Absalom! Absalom, my son, my son!"