2 Samuel 19:1-4
Verse 2 And for the whole army the victory that day was turned into mourning, because on that day the troops heard it said, “The king is grieving for his son.”
Apparently the news was passing quickly to and from the battle front. The word had now gotten back to David’s top general how the king was reacting to the news his son was dead. Joab seemed to have hoped the king would realize after hearing what had happened how important it was to kill the prince. How could the king miss this was the best possible outcome?
The men of the army seemed to realize what Joab was missing, it didn’t matter the way his son was going about trying to take the throne, the fact was Absalom was still the king’s son. With this understanding they came calmly back into town. They may have been slightly saddened upon thinking about what it meant to the king to know his men were out fighting against his son. The king’s command to be gentle with the prince showed the king’s reservations about this battle.
The men may have found themselves slightly ashamed to be fighting against the men they used to fight with. They would have known God’s desire was not to have His nation fighting against itself. These men had been fighting for David for many years and were used to winning because they were on God’s side, but those victories had been followed by celebration. This coming home felt more like a retreat from an army who was retreating faster because of defeat.
Their solemn march was not unnoticed by the king. The king knew their walk showed a sorrow for what had happened. They could have refused to go to battle against the king’s son but they were willing to obey him and answer his call to war even when they knew his heart wasn’t in it.
Seeing the army coming in the way they were, he knew they understood his heart. This must have been comforting for him to see his men sharing his heart of lose for his son. He knew his men truly cared for him. They weren’t just his army, they were truly his men. They weren’t just fighting for his kingdom, they were fighting for him. That brought him the freedom to continue grieving for his son.
Making It Personal
Have you had a time when you felt it was ok to grieve because someone joined you in your grief? Have you ever stood with someone in their grief? Who can you grieve with today?
Making It Personal Kids
What do you do if you know someone is sad? What are some things you want people to do or say to you when you are sad? Do you know anyone who could use a friend today?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for being our comforter in all situations. Please give us eyes to see when those we love need our comfort and wisdom in how to comfort them. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Comments