2 Samuel 14:22

“And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself, etc.] Or bowed so low as to the ground, in reverence of the king: and thanked the king; for giving him leave to fetch Absalom home, as if it was a favour done to himself: or “blessed” f244 him; wished all happiness and prosperity might attend him, in consequence of this grant, which he knew would be acceptable to the people: and Joab said, today thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant; he might presume upon this, that as the king had given orders at his request to recall Absalom, who had murdered his brother, which was tacitly giving him a…”

“JOAB BRINGS ABSALOM TO JERUSALEM. (Sa2 14:22-33) To-day thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight--Joab betrayed not a little selfishness amid his professions of joy at this act of grace to Absalom, and flattered himself that he now brought both father and son under lasting obligations. In considering this act of David, many extenuating circumstances may be urged in favor of it; the provocation given to Absalom; his being now in a country where justice could not overtake him; the risk of his imbibing a love for heathen principles and worship; the safety and interests of the Hebrew kingdom; together with the strong predilection of the Hebrew people for Absalom, as represented…”

“Fulfilled - But it seems David had no power to dispense with God's laws, nor to spare any whom God appointed him to destroy: for the laws of God bound the kings and rulers, as well as the people of Israel. How justly did God make this man, whom he had so sinfully spared, a scourge to him? 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 14:24”

“thanked: Heb. blessed, Sa2 19:39; Neh 11:2; Job 29:11, Job 31:20; Pro 31:28 I have found: Gen 6:8; Exo 33:16, Exo 33:17; Rut 2:2; Sa1 20:3 his: or, thy 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 14:23”