The national mourning shifts from a shared sorrow over two fallen leaders to a focused, individual tribute for each [מלבי״ם]. In this moment of grief, the legacy of the fallen king is remembered in a purely positive and glorious light. All memories of his complex mental states and personal flaws are set aside, leaving only the image of a great monarch who fiercely protected the national economy and the welfare of his people [ביאור שטיינזלץ].
A specific call to mourn is directed at the women of the nation. Historically, women led the joyful celebrations following military victories, and so it is fitting that they now lead the weeping for the heroes lost in battle [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. David urges them to cry for the king because of the vast material benefits and comforts he provided them, drawing a contrast to how David himself will soon weep for his beloved friend Jonathan [מלבי״ם, אלשיך].
This material wealth was a direct result of the king's military triumphs. Under his rule, the Israelites lived securely, free from the threat of enemy plunder [רלב״ג]. When soldiers returned with the spoils of war, the riches were distributed so they could dress their families, making it as though the king himself had clothed them [מצודת דוד]. Furthermore, while the men were away at the battlefront, the king ensured that the women left behind were fully fed and financially supported [רד״ק].
The prosperity he brought was evident in the daily lives of the people. Women were dressed in luxurious scarlet garments made of expensive, red-dyed wool [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. They were given fine foods and splendid clothes designed to pamper and refine the body [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון]. This physical refinement was essential, as fine gold jewelry and ornaments [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ] look their absolute best only when worn by someone well-cared for [רד״ק]. These golden accessories were deliberately worn visibly over their garments, displayed prominently for all to admire [מצודת דוד].
Yet, the tears shed are not solely for the loss of physical comforts. The mourning also reflects the loss of the king's personal merit, honoring him as a man who was entirely complete in his observance of the Commandments [אלשיך]. A unique Midrashic perspective even views this call to the women as an allegorical reference to the high courts of Jewish law. Through this lens, the weeping is for a leader who held such deep reverence for Torah scholars that he would warmly embrace and kiss them upon hearing them teach the law [רד״ק].