141 Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom.
141 Joab son of Zeruiah knew that the king's heart longed for Absalom.
141 Now Joab the son of Zeruiah knew that the king's heart went out to Absalom.
141 Joab son of Zeruiah knew that the king, deep down, still cared for Absalom.
141 So Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was concerned about Absalom.
141 Joab realized how much the king longed to see Absalom.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:1
Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:1-20
(Read 2 Samuel 14:1-20)
We may notice here, how this widow pleads God's mercy, and his clemency toward poor guilty sinners. The state of sinners is a state of banishment from God. God pardons none to the dishonour of his law and justice, nor any who are impenitent; nor to the encouragement of crimes, or the hurt of others.