A Father's Love

The king asked, “Is the young man Absalom safe?”
2 Samuel 18:29a

While cutting my son’s long, thick locks, I thought, I’m glad he doesn’t ride through the woods or he might get tangled up like Absalom. Do you remember the story?

Absalom was one of King David’s sons. As a prince he would have been afforded the best of the kingdom--riches, status, choice food. If that wasn’t enough, he was also the most handsome man in the kingdom (2 Samuel 14:25). It would seem Absalom had everything a person would want. But it wasn’t enough. He wanted his father’s kingdom as well.

Absalom amassed forces to fight against his father. He also had a monument built to himself. Sounds like he had a bit of an ego problem.

King David knew he had to confront the uprising against his authority. But he loved his son very much. Before dispatching his army, David commanded his officers, Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake (2 Samuel 18:5).

The battle ensued. Many men were killed. Now 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 hair got caught in the tree. He was left hanging in midair, while the mule he was riding kept on going (2 Samuel 18:9). One of the commanding officers killed Absalom while he was still dangling in the tree.

Encountering the messengers, King David asked, Is the young man Absalom safe (2 Samuel 18:29)? He was about to hear the one thing no parent wants to hear. David was overcome with grief crying, O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you--O Absalom, my son, my son (2 Samuel 18:33)!

David’s love is a picture of Father God’s love. He provided a way through Jesus’ death for you to be with him forever. If you’ve ever wondered how much God loves you, read the verses again, inserting your name.

Terri