David had defeated his rival to the throne. The tribes of Israel were scrambling for the honor of being first to escort him home and swear allegiance to him. But David was sad, lonely, and looking for friends he could trust. He was tired of Joab’s disregard of orders. He didn’t know who to trust. Why do you think Joab wanted a non-Israelite taking the news of Absalom’s defeat and death to King David rather than Ahimaaz, the priest’s son? (2 Sam. 18:19–21; see 1:1–16; 4:8–12) What signs of anxiety