2 Samuel 19:4

4 And the king covered his head, and cried with a loud voice: O my son Absalom, O Absalom my son, O 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 And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day: The king grieveth for his son.

3 And the people shunned the going into the city that day as a people would do that hath turned their backs, and fled away from the battle.

4 And the king covered his head, and cried with a loud voice: O my son Absalom, O Absalom my son, O my son.

5 Then Joab going into the house to the king, said: Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, that 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.

6 Thou lovest them that hate thee, and thou hatest them that love thee: and thou hast shewn this day that thou carest not for thy nobles, nor for thy servants: and I now plainly perceive that if Absalom had lived, and all we had been slain, then it would have pleased thee.