“You love those who hate you, and hate those who love you” (2 Samuel 19:6).

In express defiance of the king’s orders, Joab had killed Absalom and put his rebel army to flight. Though David was restored to his throne, he grieved loud and long for Absalom. That is why Joab charged him with confused values. But David was not confused. Joab was. The king wanted to save his quisling son—and retrieve the kingdom. Joab only wanted to cover himself with glory through conquest. Like all human beings, Joab wanted the king to stop loving Absalom and show gratitude for the military victory that had vanquished him. In this he is like all of us. We would like God to abandon his values and pay homage to ours.