31
David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes, and clothe yourselves with sackcloth, and mourn in front of Abner.” King David followed the bier.
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ExplanationCommentary
Verse 31. Joab. Requiring him to make some reparation, at least, for the offence, and to render the funeral pomp more solemn. All were obliged to rend their garments, and to put on sackcloth, on such occasions. It was very rough, and consisted chiefly of goat and camel’s hair.—Bier, contrary to the custom of kings. Some copies of the Septuagint say, he “went before the bier,” ( Calmet.) where women commonly were placed. Grotius.
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