The passing of Absalom, David’s son, was very hard for David to bear. After hearing of his death and how he died, he was not angry, but could only mourn for him. His beloved son was alive and is now dead and his heart sank. In 2 Samuel 19, it reads, 1“and it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom. And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son. And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle. But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!” (2 Samuel 19:1-4) His heart was not upon the victory in the war, of which his son caused, but for the death of his son. So he mourned for him, which we would do also if he was one of our sons. If we had a son that was rebelling against us, it would be hard to see him this way, but even harder to handle if he died in this manner. We would wonder what we couldn’t have done differently, in order to help our son. And these thoughts do occur when people we know die because of suicide, drinking and driving, or even other unexpected deaths. Because we were not prepared for the person we love and cared for’s death, it hits us very hard. Now you can see where David was at. He wished his son would come around and not do what he did like we would do the same thing. If he prayed for his son, we do not know this. However, David did pray for others in the Psalms, so we cannot count this out. The same should be said of us. If a person we know is off course, speak to them, and while doing things for them, pray for them as well.
When it came to David and his heart being in mourning over his son, Joab didn’t like this one bit. It is recorded that 1“Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines; In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well. Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the Lord, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now. Then the king arose, and sat in the gate. And they told unto all the people, saying, Behold, the king doth sit in the gate. And all the people came before the king: for Israel had fled every man to his tent. (2 Samuel 19:5-8) Wow, Joab really did not understand what David was going through, in the loss of his son. And please never say anything like this to anyone that has just lost their son or daughter. A war may be won, but still their brothers and sisters, plus the parents of the one that has died is now grieving. Winning a war may be a very bright spot for the country we are in, but if one of our children has died in it, it would still be very hard to bear. Therefore, comfort those that have lost someone they love, especially when someone is grieving. Don’t say things that will only upset them. As Christians, we are to bear each other’s burdens as Jesus does for us, not make others feel worse.
Let us pray:
Lord, it is my prayer that people will not say things that will hurt others, but uplift them as You lift us up. Who is it for me to judge people, for You are the judge, oh Lord. People have a soul like I do, and I do not wish to see them be torn down because of my actions. Instead, Lord, I will bring them to You through the Holy Spirit. Give me Your words to speak and I will declare it. I will be a light to the lost generation, that they may discover You for themselves. Help me to not start fights, but conversations that end in the person coming to know You, Lord. I wish to have people know Your love and then have them want to have it in their lives also. I would be selfish if I kept what You offer me all to myself. And Lord, I know that many people that do live apart from You are in sin, but may the Spirit convict them of their sins and not me. I wish to bring them to You, that You may start doing a mighty work in their lives. And if people that I meet are in mourning, because of a lost loved one, help me to comfort them, as You comfort me. As I pray for these people, wrap Your arms around them also, they may find peace. If at any time my flesh wants to speak out and say things that are negative, please catch me, even when those thoughts are in my mind. Give me counsel in that moment, that what I do speak will uplift the person and not tear them down. I wish to be there for people, and not be a burden. Thank You for delivering peace to my life. You are my healer and my Savior. I may have lived a defiant life against You, but still have You forgiven me. Thank You, Lord. I was lost and You found me. You breathed in me new life. If I am anything of worth now, it is because You have made me this way. I give You all the glory. I love You. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
