And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself,.... Or bowed so low as to the ground, in reverence of the king:and thanked the king; for giving him leave to fetch Absalom home, as if it was a favour done to himself: or "blessed" him; wished all happiness and prosperity might attend him, in consequence of this grant, which he knew would be acceptable to the people:and Joab said, today thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant; he might presume upon this, that as the king had given orders at his request to recall Absalom, who had murdered his brother, which was tacitly giving him a pardon; so he would forgive him the murder of Abner, 2Sa 3:30, and think no more of it; since he perceived now, which he had not so clearly perceived before from that time, that he found grace in his sight, or shared in his favour and good will, as now he saw he did.
Krbyw "et benedixit", V. L.