2 Samuel 18:33

New International Version

The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!

For Meditation

He was his father’s beloved son, adored and praised by all of Israel. Absalom was handsome from head to toe, with a complete and lustrous head of hair that captivated the women. His charm was undeniable, and he had a way with words that won over the hearts of many in Israel. Absalom cunningly presented himself as a potential king who could surpass his father, David. His plot gained momentum, and eventually, Absalom crowned himself king in Hebron. He forcibly drove David out of Jerusalem and took control of the palace. At Ahithophel’s counsel to display his power and disrespect towards his father, Absalom shamelessly lay with all of his father’s concubines in broad daylight on the palace rooftop, in full view of Israel. So why was David concerned about the life of Absalom?

“Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake,” he told Joab as his troops marched out against Absalom and the army of Israel (18:5).

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

A father’s heart is weak and tender towards his children, even when they stray. It is difficult for a father’s heart to close up entirely 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 they cannot obliterate that holy sanctuary. His heart yearns for the return of his child. He prays and hopes for them. Each day opens with a glimmer of hope that the first voice daddy hears will 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 is the language of a father’s heart! It is laden with love and tender kindness. King David would have given his life for that of 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 must learn that sin and rebellion have consequences.

I am so glad the prodigal son came to his senses and returned to his father. The Oldman’s sleepless nights came to a joyful end (Luke 15:32).

That is our loving Father in heaven’s heart for you. His only Begotten Son has propitiated our sin and bridged the chasm that separated us from Him. 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 ready for you (Lk. 15:20-24).

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

Prayer

 Father, thank you for your love and the tenderness of your heart in forgiveness and reconciliation in Christ Jesus. Please help us to celebrate our earthly fathers who reflect your nature through the Holy Spirit. Amen.