Mercy, Loyalty, and Division

David's grief for Absalom threatened his kingdom. The army returned in shame instead of triumph. Joab confronted the king with hard words: by loving those who hated him and hating those who loved him, David was showing that his commanders and servants meant nothing to him. Joab warned that if David did not speak comfortably to them, no one would remain with him by night. David arose and sat in the gate.

Restoring the kingdom required wise outreach. David appealed to the elders of Judah as his bone and flesh and offered Amasa, Absalom's commander, the place of Joab. Judah's hearts were won. At the Jordan, Shimei, who had cursed David, came with a thousand Benjamites and begged forgiveness. Abishai again demanded his death, but David declared that no one would be put to death in Israel that day and swore to Shimei that he would not die.

Mephibosheth's appearance told its own story: he had not dressed his feet, trimmed his beard, or washed his clothes since the king left. He explained that Ziba had deceived him and slandered him. David, perhaps unsure who was truthful, ordered the land divided. Mephibosheth answered, Yes, let him take all, because my lord the king has come in peace to his own house. Old Barzillai declined a place at court but crossed the Jordan with David and received his kiss and blessing. The chapter ends ominously, as the men of Israel and Judah quarrel over the king, with Judah's words fiercer.