David’s own son Absalom conspired against his father to take over as king.  He gained power and then he had soldiers go out to try and kill David.  In the battle, Absalom was killed by some of David’s men even though that is not what he had commanded them to do.  “And the king ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king gave orders to all the commanders about Absalom.” (2 Samuel 18:5)  With Absalom being killed, David’s life was spared but that was no comfort to David.  “And the king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he went, he said, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!” (2 Samuel 18:33)  David knew that death on this earth was not the worst thing that could have happened to him.  He was much more concerned about the soul of his son.

Today’s reading: 2 Samuel 13-15