Chapter 18 details the death of Absalom and David’s reaction. Though the king’s response is confusing from a worldly viewpoint I believe that it shows how close David had become to mimicking God’s heart. All people are God’s sons, and he desires none of them to die. He is not please with the death of even the most vile person because of the image of God that makes up a part of each of us. David requested mercy for Absalom so that maybe his compassion would turn his son away from wickedness, part of the same reason that God sent Jesus to us. Yet Absalom was not given the chance to respond to his father’s compassion; as far as we know he was completely ignorant of the appeal. Absalom died in ignorance of his father’s overflowing grace. That is a reminder for me to share God’s grace and mercy more openly. Such a message will sound like foolishness to the world but it is the message that leads to redemption for all people.
It took me 17 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart
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