Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Samuel 19:7

7 Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the LORD , if thou go not forth , there will not tarry one with thee this night , and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that be[illegible: 1+ letters]el thee from thy youth until now.

This Oath was either assertory of what he believed might in reason be expected, as likely in great measure to come to pass; or else promissory; or rather, minatory of what he by his influence could and would effect; and if so, it was much more than became him to say to his Sovereign; and could onely be excused by the circumstances which at this time might make it seem necessary: For David was indeed to blame in taking no more notice of their good service (however Ioab might be faulty also in disobeying the Kings express command as to Absalom's person); and great reason there was that David, as Ioab did now advise, should shew himself less displeased to the people, who had exposed their lives to preserve him and his.

To the Gate, to shew thy self to thy people, and kindly and thankfully to acknowledge the good service that they have now done thee.

The hearts of all thy people will forth with be irrecoverably alienated from thee, and they will look out for some other person on whom they may set the Crown.

Marginal references: Heb. to the heart of thy servants.