The Way
O My Son Absalom
A father's cry that broke out on the day of victory
Story
When the fighting was over, Ahimaaz son of the priest Zadok begged Joab, “Let me run and take the good news to the king.” Joab said not today, and sent a Cushite instead. It was the day the king's son had died. But when Ahimaaz kept on begging, Joab at last gave in. Ahimaaz ran by way of the Jordan plain and overtook the Cushite, who had set out first.
David was sitting between the two gates, waiting. The watchman on the wall called out, “A man is running this way. There's another one behind him. The first one runs like Ahimaaz.” Ahimaaz bowed down and announced the victory, but the king asked only one thing: “Is the young man Absalom safe?” Ahimaaz gave a vague answer. The Cushite arrived after him and said, “May all the king's enemies end up like that young man.”
The king shook and went up to the room above the gate, crying out, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you!” That day the victory turned into weeping, and the soldiers crept back into the city like men who had fled from battle. Joab came in and confronted the king: “If you don't go out now and reassure your men, not one of them will be left with you tonight.” The king got up and took his seat in the gate.
Walk this scene on the map →Words of God and David
O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you! O Absalom, my son, my son!
Is the young man Absalom safe?
May the enemies of my lord the king, and all who rise up to harm you, be like that young man.
You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. Now get up, go out and encourage your men.
The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: 2 Sam 18:19–19:8
Background
David's cry “O my son Absalom” is the first verse of chapter 19 in the Hebrew Bible. The city gate was where courts and councils met, so the king taking his seat in the gate meant he was standing before his people once more.
Pause and Reflect
Can I pray even for someone who has hurt me?