2 Samuel 18

This chapter wraps up the battle between David and his third son Absalom. Their relationship is deep, for good and bad reasons, but has left them fighting one another for the throne of Israel. David prepares his army to take back the throne but to not harm Absalom, which all leaders agree to. But, when Absalom is trapped in a tree (some would assume by his hair…) this is when Joab takes three spears and kills him. Going against King David’s orders and in front of his army. 

Like said before (and as you have read) their relationship has been filled with deceit, hostility, and brokenness. Absalom has rebelled in many ways against his father and family - it can honestly be difficult to read. Although, at the end of this chapter, David grieves the loss of his son. David not only grieves but would have rather died himself instead of his son. This parallels beautifully to Jesus' death in redemption over us. For we have all rebelled against God (Romans 3:23) and because of that Jesus came to die on a cross and pay the penalty for that rebellion (John 3:16).

I pray that this chapter gives you a clearer understanding of God as our Father. I pray this chapter gives you a better picture of how God as our Father loves us so deeply, that he sent his one and only son Jesus to repair our broken relationship with Him through death and resurrection. You will mess up, you are not perfect… but God our Father welcomes us back and the cross has already redeemed us.