2 Samuel 3:31

“And David said to Joab, and to all the people that [were] with him, etc.] To his whole court, Joab being present: for he did not flee, nor was he laid hold on in order to be brought to justice; which shows how great his power was, and that he was too hard for David, as in (<100339>2 Samuel 3:39); however this he did, he enjoined his whole court, and Joab also, to express public mourning on this account: rend your clothes and gird you with sackcloth; which were expressions of mourning used on various occasions, and on account of the dead, and which with the Heathens were carried to a greater excess, even to the tearing of their flesh, and mourn before Abner; before his corpse, as carried to…”

“David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth--David's sorrow was sincere and profound, and he took occasion to give it public expression by the funeral honors he appointed for Abner. King David himself followed the bier--a sort of wooden frame, partly resembling a coffin, and partly a hand-barrow.”

“Joab - Him he especially obliged to it, to bring him to repentance for his sin, and to expose him to public shame. Followed - That is, attending upon his corps, and paying him that respect which was due to his quality. Though this was against the usage of kings, and might seem below David's dignity; yet it was now expedient to vindicate himself from all suspicion of concurrence in this action. 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 3:33”

“3:31 David himself walked: David’s public presence in the mourning procession, his open weeping at the gravesite (3:32), and his dramatic fast (3:35) made evident to the public that he had not ordered Abner’s killing (3:37).”

“And David: David, intending no doubt to punish Joab, and to lessen his authority with the people, commanded him to take upon him the office of chief mourner; but, as his revenge was gratified, his rival removed, and no heavier punishment inflicted, it is probable his hardened mind would feel but little objection to the ceremony. Rend: Sa2 1:2, Sa2 1:11; Gen 37:29, Gen 37:34; Jos 7:6; Jdg 11:35; Kg2 19:1 bier: Heb. bed, Luk 7:14 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 3:32”