David orders everyone, including Joab, to mourn for Abner. The Hebrew word for mourn, sapad, means to wail or lament deeply. David even walks behind Abner’s coffin, taking a public role in the funeral. This is surprising—Abner was a rival, yet David honors him with genuine grief. In a world that often celebrates the downfall of enemies, David’s actions push back against gloating or indifference. He models respect and humanity, even toward someone who stood against him. For someone navigating conflict or loss, this verse shows that it’s possible to honor others, even when relationships are complicated. Mourning together can be a way to heal, not just for individuals but for whole communities.