David’s Lost Sons

David’s fear that all of his sons have been massacred, somewhat eased when Jonadab shared his insider knowledge of Absalom’s plot against Amnon, is further relieved when a sentry spots a large group of people headed for Jerusalem. In a clear effort to ingratiate himself, Jonadab quickly confirms the king’s hopes:

“Look,” he says, “the king’s sons are coming; as your servant said, so it is.” He is right, for which David can rejoice. Nevertheless, a terrible thing has happened—the eldest son of the king has been murdered by his half-brother. Therefore, the king, his sons, and his servants weep “very bitterly.” The grief of this loss will stay with David for a long time (v. 37b).

Meanwhile, Absalom flees for his life. Leaving Israel, he goes to the kingdom of Geshur, east and northeast of the Sea of Galilee. This tiny kingdom is ruled by Absalom’s maternal grandfather (3:3). It is difficult to understand how Geshur can be a refuge for Absalom, for it is well within the territories conquered by David. However, we know that David married Talmai’s daughter Maacah, an inappropriate union with a non- Israelite (3:3). Thus, it may be that there is some sort of covenantal agreement under which Geshur retains some independence from Israel. On the other hand, David’s increasingly evident laxity toward his children may be what prevents him from seeking Absalom’s extradition to face justice.

Verse 39 is difficult to understand. It seems to suggest that David is filled with fatherly concern for Absalom, that once he begins to get over the loss of Amnon he wants to reclaim his exiled son. His later mourning for Absalom shows that he does indeed have an intense love for this son. But the verse may be saying that David is so grieved about Amnon that he wants to march against Absalom. In this case, 14:1 would be saying that Joab perceives that David is ill-disposed toward Absalom. That would explain why Joab launches a subterfuge to coerce David to bring Absalom back. It also would explain the estrangement between David and Absalom that we will see (14:24).

It is interesting that God has not been mentioned in chapter 13. But as “the sword” has begun its work on David’s house, the sins of his sons (adultery and murder) have paralleled his own. Quietly behind the scenes, God is working out His judgment against David.