Rebellion of Absalom, David’s Son
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my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son,
my son!”
The victorious army approached the city, their shouts of triumph
awaking the echoes of the hills. But as they entered the city gate the
shout died away, their banners drooped in their hands, for the king
was not waiting to bid them welcome. From the chamber above the
gate his wailing cry was heard, “O my son Absalom! my son, my son
Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my
son!”
[541]
Joab was filled with indignation. 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 him
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, “Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants,
which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy
daughters; ... in that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends.
For thou hast declared this day, that thou regarded neither princes nor
servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we
had died this day, then it had pleased thee well. Now therefore arise,
go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the
Lord, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night:
and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from
thy youth until now.”
Harsh and cruel as was the reproof, 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.
[542]