2 Samuel 13:39

And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he had been consoled over Amnon's death.

Study Bible

And King David longed to go to Absalom
David's longing to go to Absalom reflects the deep familial bonds and the complexity of his emotions as a father. Despite Absalom's actions, which included the murder of his brother Amnon, David's paternal instincts and love for his son remain strong. This longing can be seen as a reflection of God's enduring love for His children, even when they stray. The tension between justice and mercy is a recurring theme in David's life, mirroring the divine balance God maintains with humanity. David's desire to reconcile with Absalom also highlights the importance of forgiveness and restoration in relationships, a theme echoed in the New Testament with the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32).

for he had been consoled over Amnon’s death
David's consolation over Amnon's death suggests a passage of time and a process of grieving. In the ancient Near Eastern context, mourning was a significant cultural practice, often involving specific rituals and periods of lamentation. The fact that David had been consoled indicates that he had moved through the stages of grief and was now in a place where he could consider reconciliation with Absalom. This phrase also underscores the inevitability of healing and the human capacity to move forward after loss. The death of Amnon, while tragic, was a consequence of the sin and dysfunction within David's family, a reminder of the prophetic words spoken by Nathan in 2 Samuel 12:10-12 regarding the sword never departing from David's house. This context highlights the ongoing consequences of sin and the need for divine grace and redemption.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King David
The second king of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who is dealing with the aftermath of family tragedy and conflict.

2. Absalom
David's son, who fled after avenging his sister Tamar by killing his half-brother Amnon.

3. Amnon
David's firstborn son, who committed a grievous sin against his half-sister Tamar, leading to his death at the hands of Absalom.

4. Tamar
David's daughter and Absalom's sister, who was wronged by Amnon, setting off a chain of tragic events.

5. Geshur
The place where Absalom fled to after killing Amnon, seeking refuge with his maternal grandfather.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
The account of David's family illustrates how sin can have far-reaching and devastating effects on relationships and communities.

The Complexity of Forgiveness
David's longing for Absalom shows the struggle between justice and mercy, and the difficulty of forgiving those who have wronged us or others.

The Importance of Reconciliation
The account encourages believers to seek reconciliation and healing in broken relationships, reflecting God's desire for unity and peace.

Parental Responsibility
David's passive response to Amnon's sin and Absalom's actions highlights the need for parents to address wrongdoing and guide their children in righteousness.

God's Sovereignty in Family Dynamics
Despite human failures, God's purposes prevail, and He can bring redemption and restoration even in the most broken situations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of David, Amnon, and Absalom illustrate the consequences of unchecked sin within a family?

2. In what ways can we apply Jesus' teachings on reconciliation to the conflicts we face in our own families or communities?

3. How does David's longing for Absalom reflect the tension between justice and mercy, and how can we navigate this tension in our own lives?

4. What lessons can parents learn from David's handling of his children's actions, and how can they apply these lessons to their own parenting?

5. How can we trust in God's sovereignty and seek His guidance in restoring broken relationships, as seen in the account of David's family?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 4
The account of Cain and Abel, which parallels the theme of familial conflict and the consequences of sin.

Psalm 51
David's psalm of repentance, reflecting his understanding of sin and the need for God's mercy, relevant to his family's turmoil.

Matthew 5:23-24
Jesus' teaching on reconciliation, highlighting the importance of resolving conflicts and seeking forgiveness.

Romans 12:19
Paul's instruction on leaving vengeance to God, contrasting with Absalom's personal vendetta.

Ephesians 4:31-32
Paul's exhortation to forgive and be kind, which speaks to the need for healing in David's family.