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DAVID LAMENTED THE DEATH OF HIS SON
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
2 Samuel 18

Proverbs 9:1-10

 

“…the knowledge of the holy

is understanding.”

 

DAVID LAMENTED THE DEATH OF HIS SON
 
The description of Absalom in 2 Samuel 18:18 marks the end of his life and closes a chapter in the history of Israel. The monument mentioned still stands today. The first transgression of Absalom was rebellion against his own father. The commandment in Exodus 20:12 says, “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long…”. He went against this commandment, and it led to his death.
 
Rebellion does not pay, except by death. Though David was desirous that his son should live, it was a conflict between parental love and the leadership of the nation. The instruction here is: keep away from any rebellion, and obey the Lord instead. The exhortation in Romans 13 that there is no power except of God, and powers that be are ordained of God include both the civil government and one’s parents.
 
Initially, Ahimaaz wanted to deliver the news of Absalom’s death to David, but Joab restrained him. Eventually, both Ahimaaz and Cushi went and conveyed the news to the king. When David knew that Absalom had died, he wept bitterly for him and wished he had died himself. There was this conflict in David’s heart: he had strong feelings for his son as a parent, yet on the other hand he needed to protect his throne. Joab saw the situation differently and acted as he thought fit.
 
The root cause of the problems that David faced was his multiple marriages. He had many wives and many children. It was difficult for him to have full control. Though the Lord tolerated this in the old era, the original “one man one wife” position stands. The family is the basic institution of human government.
 
THOUGHT: Flee self-made problems.

PRAYER: Father, give me an obedient heart.

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