2 Samuel 3:31-39 - All the people were pleased

3:31,32

David does not actually seem to be that angry with Joab. If he had been serious he would have sacked Joab, instead he made him walk in front of the bier (coffin stand) wearing sackcloth. This would be humiliating for Joab. David himself walked behind the bier. The point of the funeral was to show that David and all Israel deeply regretted the death of Abner.

3:33-36

David then sings a lament, and this led to more weeping from the people. David also fasted on the day of the funeral. He pulled out all the stops to show that he deeply regretted Abner’s death. It seems that this worked, for we are told that “all the people took note and were pleased”. It is then added that “everything the king did pleased them”. David’s popularity rating at this point is very high.

3:37-39

It has now been firmly established that David had no part in Abner’s death. However, David still seems to feel very insecure. First he tells his men that Abner was a great man, and then fears the sons of Zeruiah (Abner’s family). It is not clear who the oath “may the Lord repay the evildoer according to his deeds” is directed against, probably Joab.