2 Samuel 19 - Summary

Joab rebukes David: his mourning shames the army who saved his life; if Absalom had lived and all died, David would be pleased. David rouses himself to sit in the gate. He negotiates Israel's return, promising Amasa—Absalom's general—Joab's position. Shimei meets David at the Jordan begging forgiveness; David swears not to kill him. Mephibosheth explains he was deceived by Ziba and couldn't follow the king because of his disability; David divides the land between them. Barzillai the Gileadite, aged eighty, escorts David across but declines to come to Jerusalem, sending his son Chimham instead. Judah and Israel quarrel over who has more right to the king.