2 Samuel 3:36

And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people.

EXPOSITORY (ENGLISH BIBLE)

Benson Commentary

2 Samuel 3:36-37. All the people took notice of it, and it pleased them — They were satisfied concerning David’s integrity, and the sincerity of his sorrow at the death of Abner, and pleased with the honour he had done that great man. Whatsoever the king did pleased the people — By this conduct he so ingratiated himself with them that they were disposed to put a kind construction upon all his actions, as wise and well becoming him. For all Israel understood that it was not of the king to slay Abner — That he neither ordered it, nor consented to it, nor in any way approved of it; but was heartily grieved for his death.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

3:22-39 Judgments are prepared for such scorners as Abner; but Joab, in what he did, acted wickedly. David laid Abner's murder deeply to heart, and in many ways expressed his detestation of it. The guilt of blood brings a curse upon families: if men do not avenge it, God will. It is a sad thing to die like a fool, as they do that any way shorten their own days, and those who make no provision for another world. Who would be fond of power, when a man may have the name of it, and must be accountable for it, yet is hampered in the use of it? David ought to have done his duty, and then trusted God with the issue. Carnal policy spared Joab. The Son of David may long delay, but never fails to punish impenitent sinners. He who now reigns upon the throne of David, has a kingdom of a nobler kind. Whatever He doeth, is noticed by all his willing people, and is pleasing to them.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

To eat meat ... - Fasting was a sign of the deepest mourning 2 Samuel 1:12. The fast lasted until the sun was set.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

33, 34. the king lamented over Abner—This brief elegy is an effusion of indignation as much as of sorrow. As Abner had stabbed Asahel in open war [2Sa 2:23], Joab had not the right of the Goel. Besides, he had adopted a lawless and execrable method of obtaining satisfaction (see on [258]1Ki 2:5). The deed was an insult to the authority, as well as most damaging to the prospects of the king. But David's feelings and conduct on hearing of the death, together with the whole character and accompaniments of the funeral solemnity, tended not only to remove all suspicion of guilt from him, but even to turn the tide of popular opinion in his favor, and to pave the way for his reigning over all the tribes more honorably than by the treacherous negotiations of Abner.

Matthew Poole's Commentary

Took notice of it; observed what the king said and did. It pleased them; they were satisfied concerning David’s integrity, and the method he used here for his own just vindication.

Whatsoever the king did; either in this matter; or rather, in all things following this action. The meaning is, by his carriage herein he gained so great an interest in the hearts of his people, that they judged most favourably of, and put the best construction upon, all his words and actions; as, on the contrary, when people have a prejudice against or an ill will towards their prince, they are apt to judge most harshly of all his counsels and doings.

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

And all the people took notice of it,.... Not only of his oath, that he would not eat food till evening, but of his whole conduct at the funeral of Abner; the sorrow he expressed for his death, and the oration he made on account of it, in which he pretty severely reflected on his murderer:

and it pleased them; that he showed such a concern for his death, and that it was a clear case he had no hand in it:

as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people; what he did at this time, burying Abhor with so much pomp and ceremony; and indeed he had so much the hearts of the people, and such a share in their affections, and they had such an high opinion of him, that all that he did in public and private affairs they reckoned well done; they were highly approved of by them, such an interest had he in them.

Geneva Study Bible

And all the people took notice of it, and it {p} pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people.

(p) It is expedient sometimes not only to conceive inward sorrow, but also that it may appear to others, so that they may be satisfied.

EXEGETICAL (ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 36. - Whatsoever the king did pleased all the people. This is a tribute to the king's conduct generally. The people would have been grieved and astonished if David had been guilty of this mean murder; but his indignant disavowal of it was in accordance with his usual justice and uprightness, and so it confirmed their high opinion of him. Thus while the more distant tribes condemned David, those who had the best opportunity for forming a judgment gave their verdict in his favour. 2 Samuel 3:36

Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament

"And all the people perceived it (i.e., his trouble), and it pleased them, as everything that the king did pleased all the people."