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 befell thee from thy youth until now.
Now get up, go out, and speak kindly to your servants. I swear by the LORD that if you don't go out to them, not one person will stay with you tonight. And that would be worse for you than all the trouble you've faced from your youth until now.
Joab is urgently warning King David that he must stop mourning and go encourage his troops, or he'll lose everyone's loyalty and face disaster worse than anything before.
📚 Historical Context
This verse occurs in the context of King David's return to power after his son Absalom's rebellion and subsequent death in battle. Joab, David's loyal military commander, is rebuking him for excessive mourning that is demoralizing the troops and supporters who fought on his behalf. Joab warns David that failing to encourage his followers could lead to their desertion, worsening his situation more than any past troubles.
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