2 Samuel 19:4

4 The king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, my son Avshalom, Avshalom, my son, 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 The victory that day was turned into mourning to all the people; for the people heard say that day, The king grieves for his son.

3 The people got them by stealth that day into the city, as people who are ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.

4 The king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, my son Avshalom, Avshalom, my son, my son!

5 Yo'av came into the house to the king, and said, You have shamed this day the faces of all your servants, who this day have saved your life, and the lives of your sons and of your daughters, and the lives of your wives, and the lives of your concubines;

6 in that you love those who hate you, and hate those who love you. For you have declared this day, that princes and servants are nothing to you: for this day I perceive that if Avshalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased you well.