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The Beginning of the End
man.” David questioned no further, but with bowed head “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—if only I had died in
your place! O Absalom my son, my son!’”
The victorious army approached the city, their shouts of triumph
echoing on the hills. But as they entered the city gate the shout
died away and their banners drooped in their hands, for the king was
not waiting to welcome them. From the chamber above the gate
his wailing cry was heard, “O my son Absalom—my son, my son
Absalom—if only I had died in your place! O Absalom my son, my
son!”
Joab was filled with anger. God had given them reason for
triumph and gladness. The greatest rebellion ever known in Israel
had been crushed. Yet this great victory was turned to mourning for
Absalom whose crime had cost the blood of thousands of brave men.
The rude, blunt captain pushed his way into the presence of the king
and boldly said, “Today you have disgraced all your servants who
today have saved your life, the lives of your sons and daughters, ...
in that you love your enemies and hate your friends. For you have
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declared today that you regard neither princes nor servants; for today
I perceive that if Absalom had lived and all of us had died today,
then it would have pleased you well. Now therefore, arise, go out,
and speak comfort to your servants. For I swear by the Lord, if you
do not go out, not one will stay with you this night. And that will be
worse for you than all the evil that has befallen you from your youth
until now.”
Though the reproof was harsh and cruel, David did not resent it.
Seeing that his general was right, he went down to the gate, and with
words of commendation greeted his brave soldiers as they marched
past him.
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