And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines;

2 SAMUEL 19:5KJV
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2 Samuel 19:5 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 19:5 mean?

2 Samuel 19:5 describes Joab confronting King David, telling him that by mourning openly, David has embarrassed his loyal servants who risked their lives to save him and his family. Joab points out that David’s grief over Absalom’s death has made his supporters feel ashamed, even though they protected him.

Joab is speaking directly to David inside the house after the battle where Absalom, David’s son, was killed. The verse shows Joab’s frustration with David’s public mourning, which he believes is discouraging to the soldiers and servants who fought for David’s safety. Joab is urging David to recognize the sacrifices his people made for him and to consider their feelings.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 19:5

  • "Shamed" (הִכְלַמְתָּ, hikhlamta): This word means to cause humiliation or disgrace. Joab accuses David of making his loyal followers feel dishonored by his actions, which is a strong rebuke in their culture.
  • "Faces" (פְּנֵי, penei): This word refers to the presence or dignity of a person. To "shame the faces" means to publicly embarrass or lower the honor of someone, highlighting how David’s mourning affects the morale of his people.
  • "Saved" (מָלַט, malat): This word means to deliver or rescue. Joab reminds David that his servants have actively rescued not just him but his whole household, emphasizing the seriousness of their loyalty and effort.

Why 2 Samuel 19:5 matters

  • This verse clarifies the tension between David’s personal grief and his responsibilities as a leader, showing how private emotions can impact public morale.
  • Joab’s words highlight the loyalty and bravery of David’s followers, reminding the reader that leadership involves recognizing and honoring the sacrifices of others.
  • The verse connects to the wider story by marking a turning point where David must choose how to respond to his people after a painful victory, shaping the next steps in his reign.

Where else these words appear

“concubines” Hebrew H6370 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 22:24 And his concubine, whose name was Reumah, she bare also Tebah, and Gaham, and Thahash, and Maachah.
  • Judges 19:27 And her lord rose up in the morning, and opened the doors of the house, and went out to go his way: and, behold, the woman his concubine was fallen down at the door of the house, and her hands were upon the threshold.
  • 2 Samuel 21:11 And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done.

“shamed” Hebrew H3001 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 8:7 And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth.
  • Isaiah 19:5 And the waters shall fail from the sea, and the river shall be wasted and dried up.
  • Jeremiah 51:36 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will plead thy cause, and take vengeance for thee; and I will dry up her sea, and make her springs dry.

“saved” Hebrew H4422 · used in 85 verses

  • Genesis 19:17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.
  • Esther 4:13 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.
  • Isaiah 46:2 They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity.

“Joab” Hebrew H3097 · used in 124 verses

  • 1 Samuel 26:6 Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee.
  • 2 Samuel 14:21 And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.
  • 2 Samuel 24:4 Notwithstanding the king's word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel.