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!"
5 Then Joab went into the king's house. He said to him, "Today you have made all of your men feel ashamed. They have just saved your life. They have saved the lives of your sons and daughters. And they have saved the lives of your wives and concubines.
6 "You love those who hate you. You hate those who love you. The commanders and their troops don't mean anything to you. You made that very clear today. I can see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead.