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2 Samuel 18:19–33
Then the king was deeply moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept. And as he went, he said thus: “O my son Absalom—my son, my son Absalom—if only I had died in your place! O Absalom my son, my son!” (v. 33).
Absalom is dead and his rebellion has been crushed. Now all that remains is for Joab to send word to David at Mahanaim. Interestingly, instead of simply saying “Joab sent word to David,” the writer of 2 Samuel gives us a substantial narrative about how the news is conveyed to the king. The writer clearly wants his readers to see just how anxious David is about the battle and the fate of his rebellious son.
Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, a previous courier of news for David (17:15–21), begs to be allowed to bear this news, too. But Joab, knowing that David will be upset to hear of Absalom’s death, prefers that he get the news from a common soldier, so he sends a Cushite. When Ahimaaz continues begging to go too, Joab relents, probably thinking the Cushite has an insurmountable head start. However, Ahimaaz takes a longer but smoother road and outruns the Cushite. The scene then shifts to Mahanaim, where David is hanging around the gate, waiting for word. A watchman alerts him that a single runner is coming, by which David deduces that he is a messenger (and his news must be good because the whole army is not in retreat). When a second runner appears, David also anticipates news. The watchman tentatively identifies the first runner as Ahimaaz. That news cheers David, for, in his opinion, Ahimaaz is “a good man” who can be expected to bring good news. The very sight of the esteemed Ahimaaz raises his hopes. Sure enough, as he approaches, Ahimaaz declares “All is well,” and when he gets to the gate he reports that God has “delivered up” the rebels. That sets David’s heart racing, and he quickly asks about Absalom. Now Ahimaaz is in a quandary: Joab told him Absalom was dead, but he does not want to tell David that news. So he hedges, saying only that he saw “a great tumult” when he left Joab. Shortly thereafter, the Cushite arrives with his own report of good news for David: “The Lord has avenged you.” But he is able to give David the news that Ahimaaz could not—Absalom is dead.
With that, David’s hopes turn to ashes and he retreats into the gatehouse to mourn. His deliverance from the rebels is forgotten as he weeps for his lost son. So deep is his grief, he even expresses the wish that he were dead instead of Absalom. He is completely distraught by this loss—and by the knowledge that his sin is the root cause of it.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
David’s grief is understandable, especially given the part his sin played in the chain of events leading to Absalom’s death. But he seems oblivious to the mercy and justice of God, who has preserved His anointed king and defeated His enemy. In all your circumstances, strive to see how God is working for your good and His glory.
For Further Study
- Lev. 10:3
- Job 8:3–4
- Isa. 30:18
- Matt. 12:18