“O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!” – 2 Samuel 18:33

2 Samuel 18:33

He was the darling boy of his father. Handsome from the crown of his head to the soles of his feet, Absalom was highly praised and adored by all Israel. His hair, full and heavy, may have charmed the women (2 Sam. 14:25-26). And he had charisma to match it. A smooth talker and schemer, Absalom “stole the hearts of the men of Israel,” by projecting himself as a potentially better king than his father David (15:1-6). His conspiracy gained steam, and Absalom declared himself king in Hebron (10-12). He pushed David out of Jerusalem and took control of the palace. He set up a tent on its rooftop in broad daylight, and in full view of all Israel, Absalom lay with all his father’s concubines (16:22). What insult and dishonor to his father!

So, why was David concerned about the life of a son who had raised his fist against his rule and honor?

“Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake” he told Joab, as his troops marched out against Absalom who had come to finish his coup by killing David (18:5).

What was David doing crying over the death of Absalom (33)? After all Absalom did against him, why the bitter lament for the rebellious son? It’s called a father’s heart!

 The heart of a real father is weak and tender towards his children, even when they stray. It is difficult for a father’s heart to completely close up to a child, let alone to oversee his death. Tucked deep down in the heart of every father is a special love for his children. That place is personal and sacred. Disobedience and rebellion may drive a wedge between father and child, but that sacred sanctuary cannot be obliterated. His heart yearns for the return of his child. He prays and hopes after them. Each day opens with a glimmer of hope that the first voice daddy hears would be that familiar one he heard when daddy and child played around the house. O, the many painful times when disappointment drove its cruel dagger through daddy’s heart!   

 “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!” (2 Samuel 18:33).  

That’s the language of a father’s heart! It’s laden with love and tender kindness. King David would have given his life for his son, Absalom. I am sure that throughout Absalom’s conspiracy, King David hoped the young man would come to his senses and surrender into his loving arms. But sometimes a child has to learn the hard way, that sin and rebellion have consequences.

I am so glad the prodigal son in Jesus’ parable came to his senses and returned to his father. The old man’s sleepless nights came to a joyful end.

“We had to celebrate and be glad, because this [my son] was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found” (Lk. 15:32).     

That’s our loving Father in heaven for you. His only Begotten Son has propitiated our sin and bridged the chasm that separated us from Him in that far country. Through the broken body of Christ Jesus, every sinner has access back into God’s loving arms. The heavenly celebration waits for whosoever wills (Jn. 3:16).  The Father’s hug and kisses, the ring, the new robe, the sandals, and the fattened calf are all ready for you (Lk. 15:20-24).

So, why don’t you come back home to the Father today through Christ Jesus, and let the celebration begin?

Happy Father’s Day!