The story of Absalom ends in tragedy as Joab kills Absalom in battle. Yet, what stands out throughout the chapter is David’s love for his son.
Absalom was by no means a saint.
He allowed his anger and bitterness to take root in his heart, eventually murdering his brothers in the name of revenge. (2 Sam 13)
He tried to usurp the throne and overthrow his father. (2 Sam 15)
He brought grief to his father as David went on the run to escape from Absalom. (2 Sam 15-18)
If David wasn’t related to Absalom, it could have been easier for David to face this new adversary. But perhaps, it was precisely because Absalom was his son, the whole ordeal caused David much grief in his heart. The deepest scars and wounds are often caused by those closest to us.
Yet, despite Absalom’s various faults, David continued to love Absalom as his son.
We see this in how David had chosen to forgive Absalom for his murdering of his brothers and in how despite Absalom’s choice to betray his father, David did not curse Absalom while he was fleeing from him (2 Sam 15-16).
How do we continue to love someone despite their actions causing us hurt? It’s a stretch to say that this is simply any ordinary father’s love because in the world today, we see some parents choosing to disown their children when their children fail to meet expectations or cause great hurt to their parents.
In David’s case, his great love for his son came from David’s own experiences of his Heavenly Father’s love. Even though he was being pursued by his own son Absalom, from his words we see that David trusted in God’s love and protection (2 Sam 15:25, 31; 16:11-12). Thus, despite such hurt, he could still sincerely manifest this love of God in his love towards Absalom, clearly instructing the three captains to deal gently with Absalom, and weeping when he found out that his son was killed.
“O my son Absalom– my son, my son Absalom– if only I had died in your place! O Absalom my son, my son!” (2 Sam 18:33)
David’s lament reveals the extent of his love towards his son.
His cry that “if only I had died in your place!” brings to mind God’s love for us.
Because just as David lamented that if only he could die in the place of his son, God too demonstrated His own love towards us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8).
This relationship between David and Absalom can be a mirror of our relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Just as Absalom repeatedly sinned and caused hurt to his father, we too often sin and cause hurt to God in our day-to-day lives.
Yet, just as David continued to love and have mercy on Absalom, God too continues to love and have mercy on us.
So as children, how do we choose to respond to such love?
Will we choose to be like Absalom and take for granted our Heavenly Father’s love?
Or will we turn back and return to our Father’s embrace, just as the prodigal son did?
Reflection questions:
In what ways do I see God’s love for me in my daily life?
Knowing that Jesus died to save me, am I moved by His love?
How have I responded to God’s love? Have I taken God’s love for granted?
