2 Samuel 19:4

4 The king covered his face and cried loudly, "O my son! My son Absalom! Absalom, my son!"

2 Samuel 19:4 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 19:4

But the king covered his face
And would not see his generals, and thank them for their services: but wrapped himself in his mantle, after the manner of mourners:

and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my
son, my son!
and this was some time, perhaps some days after he had received the news of his death, since Joab and the army were returned from the battle; had it been a sudden start of passion, upon first hearing thee news, and had continued a few hours, it would have been more excusable; but to continue some days, as it is very probable it did, was very unbecoming.

2 Samuel 19:4 In-Context

2 And so the joy of victory was turned into sadness for all of David's troops that day, because they heard that the king was mourning for his son.

3 They went back into the city quietly, like soldiers who are ashamed because they are running away from battle.

4 The king covered his face and cried loudly, "O my son! My son Absalom! Absalom, my son!"

5 Joab went to the king's house and said to him, "Today you have humiliated your men - the men who saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and of your wives and concubines.

6 You oppose those who love you and support those who hate you! You have made it clear that your officers and men mean nothing to you. I can see that you would be quite happy if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead.