Reflection on David and Absalom · 7:55pm Sep 8th, 2018

2 Samuel 18:33 provides us a look at a father's love for his son. There had been a civil war between David and his son, Absalom, who had launched a coup to seize the throne. After a battle in the Forest of Ephraim, Absalom had been killed (against David's orders) by general Joab, who sent two messengers to confirm his death. David's response to his son's death was to openly grieve for him; "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would that I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!"

David's record as a parent is full of flaws, certainly. And yet his concern for his son, despite Absalom's crimes (murdering his half brother, setting fire to Joab's estate, trying to usurp the throne and forcing himself upon David's concubines [considered unforgivable in that day and age]), is telling. The thought that came to my mind is that that's how God sees His errant children. ""Say to them, 'As I live!' declares the Lord GOD, 'I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways! Why then will you die, O house of Israel?'" (Ezekiel 33:11) David still loved his son, despite his betrayal and crimes, and God still loves us. David's last comment ("Would that I had died instead of you") is telling because God comes to do just that, by means of Jesus' crucifixion to give us a clean slate for all who love and believe in Him.

Just something that crossed my mind today while reading the Bible.

May God go with you all