The king was deeply moved, and went up to the chamber over the
gate, and wept. And
thus he said as he walked, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I
had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”
(v.33)
David
and Absalom suffered from a broken relationship. While walking through life
both parties committed acts that alienated the other. David’s refusal to punish
Amnon for raping Absalom’s sister Tamar, led Absalom to plot the death of Amnon
himself (13:21-34). Absalom’s
bitterness toward his father sparked a conflict that ended with his own death
(v.14). The battle was a bitter victory for King David, causing him to lament
his lost son and their failed relationship (v.33).
We
can learn from David’s regret when dealing with broken relationships. The pain
of trying to make things right can be hard. But it’s much better to do what we
can to make things right in the living years. For no amount of grieving could
undo David’s heartache, or our own if we don't.
The
Truth
“Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall
be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
