2 Samuel 19:8

Contextual Overview

¹It was reported to Joab, “The king is weeping. He’s mourning over Absalom.” ¹ It was told Yo'av, Behold, the king weeps and mourns for Avshalom. ¹ And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom. ¹ And it was told to Joab that the king was weeping and he mourned over Absalom, ¹ It was told Joab, "Behold, the king is weeping and mourning for Absalom." ¹ People told Joab, "Look, the king is sad and crying because of Absalom." ¹ Joab was told, "The king is weeping and mourning over Absalom." ¹It was told to Joab, "Behold, the king is weeping and mourning for Absalom." ¹ Then it was reported to Joab, "Behold, the king is weeping and he mourns for Absalom." ¹ And it was tolde Ioab, Behold, the King weepeth and mourneth for Absalom.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

sat in the gate: How prudently and mildly David took the reproof and counsel given him! He shook off his grief, anointed his head, and washed his face, that he might not appear unto men to mourn, and then made his appearance at the gate of the city, which was the public place of resort for the hearing of causes and giving judgment, as well as a place to ratify special bargains. Thither the people flocked to congratulate him on his and their safety, and that all was well. When we are convinced of a fault, we must amend, though we are told of it by our inferiors in a way which is peculiarly painful to our natural feelings. This ancient custom still obtains in the East; for when Dr. Pococke returned from viewing the town of ancient Byblus, he says, "The sheik and the elders were sitting in the gate of the city, after the ancient manner, and I sat awhile with them." 2 Samuel 18:4, 2 Samuel 18:24

for Israel: 2 Samuel 19:3, 2 Samuel 18:6-8, 1 Kings 22:36, 2 Kings 14:12

Cross-References

Genesis 18:5
I will get a morsel of bread so you can refresh your heart. After that you may go your way, now that you have come to your servant." They said, "Very well, do as you have said."

Genesis 18:5
And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.

Genesis 18:5
And let me bring a piece of bread, then refresh yourselves. Afterward you can pass on, once you have passed by with your servant." Then they said, "Do so as you have said."

Genesis 18:5
and I will get some bread for you so you can regain your strength. Then you may continue your journey." The three men said, "That is fine. Do as you said."

Genesis 18:5
And let me get a bit of food so that you may refresh yourselves since you have passed by your servant's home. After that you may be on your way." "All right," they replied, "you may do as you say."

Genesis 18:5
And I will bring a piece of bread to refresh and sustain you; after that you may go on, since you have come to your servant." And they replied, "Do as you have said."

Genesis 18:5
and I will bring a piece of bread, so that you may refresh yourselves; after that you may go on, since you have visited your servant." And they said, "So do as you have said."

Genesis 18:5
And I will bring a morsell of bread, that you may comfort your hearts, afterward ye shall go your wayes: for therefore are ye come to your seruant. And they said, Do euen as thou hast said.

Genesis 18:5
and let me bring a piece of bread, that you may refresh your hearts; after that you may pass on, since in such a manner you have passed by your servant." And they said, "So you shall do, as you have said."

Genesis 18:5
Let me get you some food to give you strength before you leave. I would be honored to serve you." "Thank you very much," they answered. "We accept your offer."

Gill's Notes on the Bible

Than the king arose, and sat in the gate,.... Of the city, a public place, where the inhabitants met on divers accounts at times, and where there were always people passing and repassing:

and they told unto all the people; or it was reported to the soldiers particularly:

saying, behold the king doth sit in the gate; has laid aside his mourning, appears in public, and receives his friends, and attends to business:

and all the people came before the king; to congratulate him on the victory obtained, to receive his thanks and his favours:

for Israel had fled every man to his tent: or to his city, as the Targum; that is, those that followed Absalom; which is observed not on account of what goes before, but of what follows after; see 2 Samuel 18:17.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

David saw the justice of what Joab said, and the new danger which threatened him if he did not rouse himself from his grief.

For Israel ... - Not David’s followers, but as before 2Sa 17:26; 2 Samuel 18:6, 2 Samuel 18:17, Absalom’s army.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse 2 Samuel 19:8. The king - sat in the gate. — The place where justice was administered to the people.