It seems as if the readings for today have a theme of lies, betrayal, painful truth, and repentance.  

Soon after the messengers had brought the news of the defeat and death of Absalom to the court of Mahanaim, Joab and his victorious army followed expecting King David to meet them joyfully with thanksgiving for their military success.  Instead they found the king in tears for Absalom's death, which they construed as a token of displeasure against them for what they had done.

Pretty gutsy of Joab to call David to task. David had dishonored the fighting men by mourning over Absalom. Joab told David to go out and encourage the men. Does David know that it was Joab who struck the three javelins in Absalom’s heart?

Shemei was a Benjamite, of the family of Saul who met David at Bahurim as he was fleeing from Absalom.  He shouted curses at King David and threw stones at him.  But when David's faithful companions would cross the ravine to make quick work of Shimei, King David granted Shemei mercy.  

Ziba the steward of Saul's grandson Mephibosheth earlier lied to David about Mephibosheth's intentions. Mephibosheth stayed in Jerusalem after David left and Absalom came in. Ziba told David that Mephibosheth  had defected to Absalom, because he thought that Saul's kingdom would be returned to him. However, Mephibosheth sets the record straight, showing David that he had been in mourning for him (David) by not taking care of his feet, or trimming his mustache or washing this clothes (all tokens of mourning) since the day King David left the city.

What a great illustration we have in Barzillia. He remained faithful and waited for the king’s return.  
Wow! Can we say that about ourselves? Are we faithful as we wait for THE King’s return?