And 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!" (verse 33)
Message: David Laments Absalom's Death
Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader.
What the Lord is Saying: Ahimaaz is eager to deliver news to David of the outcome of the battle with Absalom. “That the lord has avenged him” - God has been victorious. God is actively involved in the affairs of his people. But Joab understands that delivering this news to David will be painful for David. Absalom is his son and his desire was for his son not to die even though Joab was the cause of it. Delivering messages is key in these days and needs to be done appropriately. Instead Joab chooses a Cushite to deliver the news - an Ethiopian. The Cushite was likely an eyewitness of the events. But Ahimaaz persisted as he wanted to be involved. He suggested running behind the Cushite. But Joab questions why. There will be no gain in delivering this news. Joab gives him permission and Ahimaaz outruns the Cushite.
David was waiting at the gates and saw a man running alone. The news coming would be good and bad or mixed. But David was optimistic. Then another man is seen running and again the hope is for good news. Ahimaaz called out to David, "All is well." He bowed before the king. "Blessed be the Lord your God" and he attributes it all to God. He gives glory to God for the victory.
David asks about Absalom, wanting to know he is all right. Ahimaaz responds by wanting to avoid the bad news. But he could also be deferring the report of the full news to someone else like Joab. David tells Ahimaaz to step aside. The Cushite shows up and confirms the good news of being freed from the rebellion. Once again David wants to know if Absalom is all right. The Cushite is also vague is his response stating only Absalom's outcome is fitting to one that has been subdued.
David knew that Absalom had died and he wept greatly and lamented over the loss of his son. He has lost also any opportunity for reconciliation. It is a sad day. David perhaps didn't really understand or want to believe the insurrection his son was wanting and his rebellion.
Summary: The battle has ended and Ahimaaz, a priest and a Cushite want to deliver the results to David and yet our vague in announcing the demise of Absalom, but David figures it out and laments.
Promise: From Tabletalk, "we cannot let our relationships cloud our judgment when we see people rebelling against lawful authorities."
Prayer: God, you are merciful and outcomes are hard to hear in life. Rebellion is hard to hear. It is hard to be a part of division and opposing forces. We want everyone to get a long and everyone to have a same goal and same desire for peace and love. We want the best in our children and want them to be aligned with us. But sometimes things don't work out the way we would like. Help us to uphold good and lawful ways. We must honor the law. I remember this with our youngest son and making sure he was law abiding and not just thinking that he was when he rebelled and began to smoke. Lord, let goodness reign in our household and may you be glorified always.
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