40 And the king passeth over to Gilgal, and Chimham hath passed over with him, and all the people of Judah, and they bring over the king, and also the half of the people of Israel. 41 And, lo, all the men of Israel are coming unto the king, and they say unto the king, 'Wherefore have they stolen thee—our brethren, the men of Judah?' (and they bring the king and his household over the Jordan, and all the men of David with him). 42 And all the men of Judah answer against the men of Israel, 'Because the king 'is' near unto us, and why 'is' this—ye are displeased about this matter? have we at all eaten of the king's 'substance?' a gift hath he lifted up to us?' 43 And the men of Israel answer the men of Judah, and say, 'Ten parts we have in the king, and also in David more than you; and wherefore have ye lightly esteemed us, that our word hath not been first to bring back our king?' And the word of the men of Judah is sharper than the word of 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.