40 Then the king, Kimham with him, crossed over at Gilgal. 41 The men of Israel came to the king and said, "Why have our brothers, the men of Judah, taken over as if they owned the king, escorting the king and his family and close associates across the Jordan?" 42 The men of Judah retorted, "Because the king is related to us, that's why! But why make a scene? You don't see us getting treated special because of it, do you?" 43 The men of Israel shot back, "We have ten shares in the king to your one. Besides we're the firstborn - so why are we having to play second fiddle? It was our idea to bring him back." But the men of Judah took a harder line than the men of Israel.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:40-43
Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:40-43
(Read 2 Samuel 19:40-43)
The men of Israel though themselves despised, and the fiercer words of the men of Judah produced very bad effects. Much evil might be avoided, if men would watch against pride, and remember that a soft answer turneth away wrath. Though we have right and reason on our side, if we speak it with fierceness, God is displeased.