2 Samuel chapter 18 reminds me that a parent’s love for their child is unconditional. David was far from a perfect father and his lack of discipline lead to rebellion. The chapter begins with King David organizing and directing his army. “David mustered the men who were with him and appointed over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. David sent the troops out a third under the command of Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai … and a third under Ittai the Gittite.” The king told the troops, “I myself will surely march out with you.” It seems that David is back in his element. But his loyal men would not allow it, “You must not go out… you are worth ten thousand of us. It would be better now for you to give us support from the city“. But David gave strict orders concerning his son, “Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake.” And all the troops heard the king giving orders concerning Absalom. Even though his son had rebelled completely and taken what was not his, David still loved him as only a father can.
When David’s experienced fighting force went out against Absalom’s much larger army, they were clever enough to fight where they had the greatest advantage. “The battle took place in the forest of Ephraim… The battle spread out over the whole countryside, and the forest claimed more lives that day than the sword“. It seemed the thick forest prevented the large number of troops from moving freely. And then we read, “Absalom happened to meet David’s men. He was riding his mule, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s head got caught in the tree. He was left hanging in midair“. 2 Samuel Chapter 14 refers to Absalom’s hair being a source of pride. It seems the object of his pride is the thing that entangles him. I wonder why he did not use his sword to cut himself free. Could it be that he didn’t want to mess up his famous hair? Is pride keeping you from doing the best thing?
One of Joab’s men found Absalom, and reported to his commander. Joab questioned why he did not strike him. But the soldier understood David’s instruction, “I would not lift my hand against the king’s son. In our hearing the king commanded you“. .Joab on the other hand did not hesitate, “he took three javelins in his hand and plunged them into Absalom’s heart…And ten of Joab’s armor-bearers surrounded Absalom, struck him and killed him“. To insure Absalom was not honored, “They took Absalom, threw him into a big pit in the forest and piled up a large heap of rocks over him“. The chapter ends with a messenger informing King David that his son has been killed. And we hear the anguish of a father for his lost son, “My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you O Absalom, my son, my son!” I am convinced this is the same grieving our Heavenly Father feels toward us when we rebel. 2 Corinthians 5:21 explains God’s heart toward you and me, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him”. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)