Thoughts On Second Samuel 19 and 20

I took notes right after I read, so everything will be fresher. In chapter 19, I found the part where Joab told David what to do, very interesting. From what I gathered, Joab demanded David to visibly stand before the people, because he (Joab) thought that David was mourning for Absalom (the enemy) rather than rejoicing in winning. I found it more interesting that David took his advice. The next thing that I found interesting is when Shimei asked forgiveness of David as soon as he saw that David was to be king again. I believe that Shimei wanted to please those who held the power (the Kingdom of Israel and Judah). Later in the same chapter, I found the fact that Mephibosheth's servant had decieved David into thinking that Mephibosheth was against David, very interesting. In a previous chapter, I found it odd that Mephibosheth was against David, because David had provided for Mephibosheth. I also found the fact that David crossed over the Jordan with the tribe of Judah to be intriguing. But I guess this was because it was harder for him to convince the tribe of Judah to let him be king over them than it was for him to convince Israel. I guess David thought that this honor would smooth things over with the tribe of Judah. However, the tribes of Israel were angered by this. This even led to Israel's break away when Sheba instigated the tribes of Israel at the beginning of chapter 20. David put or kept Amasa as the military commander of the tribe of Judah. Absalom had placed Amasa in charge of the military when he reigned as king. Later in the chapter, Joab tricks Amasa and murders him. In my opinion, Joab did this, because he wanted to get rid of any trace of the short reign of Absalom and also because he was jealous of David's relationship with Amasa. Lastly, I found the fact that a woman was able to save the city, Abel of Beth Maachah, to be intriguing. I thought that at that time a woman did not have any major influence outside of the home. I was glad to read that part. After reading these two chapters, I think that Joab is manipulating David; I wonder if the truth about Joab will ever come to light before David.