2 Samuel 19:4

4 and because the king had covered his face and cried with a loud voice, "My son, Absalom, Absalom, 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 so the victory turned to mourning on that day for all the army, because they had heard that day, "The king is grieving over his son."

3 The army {came secretly} into the city on that day because the army was disgraced when they fled in the battle,

4 and because the king had covered his face and cried with a loud voice, "My son, Absalom, Absalom, my son, my son."

5 Then Joab came to the king's house and said, "Today you have humiliated the faces of all of your servants who have saved your life this day, and the life of your sons and your daughters, the life of your wives, and the life of your concubines,

6 by loving those who hate you and hating those who love you. Indeed, you have made clear this day that you have no [regard for your] commanders or officers, for I have realized today that [were] Absalom alive, and all of us were dead, then [that would] have been right in your eyes!