Topical Bible: Parents: Indulgent: David

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David, the second king of Israel, is a prominent biblical figure known for his deep faith, military prowess, and poetic contributions to the Psalms. However, his role as a parent reveals a more complex and indulgent side, particularly in his relationships with his children. The Bible provides several accounts that illustrate David's indulgence and its consequences.

One of the most notable examples of David's indulgence is his relationship with his son Absalom. Absalom was known for his striking appearance and charisma, but he also harbored deep resentment towards his father. This resentment was partly due to David's failure to adequately address the rape of Absalom's sister, Tamar, by their half-brother Amnon. David's inaction in this matter is seen in 2 Samuel 13:21 : "When King David heard all this, he was furious." Despite his anger, David did not punish Amnon, which led to Absalom taking matters into his own hands by killing Amnon.

David's indulgence is further highlighted in his eventual reconciliation with Absalom. After Absalom fled to Geshur, David longed for his son but did not take immediate action to bring him back. Joab, David's military commander, eventually intervened, and Absalom was allowed to return to Jerusalem. However, David refused to see him for two years, creating further tension. When they finally reconciled, David's indulgence and lack of discipline allowed Absalom to conspire against him, leading to a rebellion. This tragic outcome is recorded in 2 Samuel 15:6 : "Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for justice. In this way, Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel."

Another example of David's indulgence is seen in his relationship with Adonijah, another son who attempted to usurp the throne. 1 Kings 1:6 notes, "His father had never rebuked him by asking, 'Why do you behave as you do?' He was also very handsome, and he was born next after Absalom." David's failure to correct or discipline Adonijah contributed to the latter's sense of entitlement and ambition, ultimately leading to conflict over the succession of the throne.

David's indulgence as a parent is a cautionary aspect of his otherwise remarkable life. His failure to discipline his children and address their transgressions had significant repercussions, not only for his family but also for the nation of Israel. These accounts serve as a reminder of the importance of parental responsibility and the potential consequences of indulgence.

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1 Kings 1:6
And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why have you done so? and he also was a very goodly man; and his mother bore him after Absalom.
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Library

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... David was an over-indulgent father, father who let his children have their own way,
and he reaped according as he had sown. Parents, I beseech you, for your ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm

Adonijah
... There are still such homes as David's, although their inmates do ... if firm resolution
on the part of the parents had taken the place of indulgent laxity, if ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/adonijah.htm

David's Cry for Purity
... Self-indulgent, he stays at home while his army is ... David does not merely long for
certain spiritual excellences ... nature as he had received it from his parents. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/davids cry for purity.htm

Home-Discipline.
... It was the defect also of David's discipline, and ... It too often happens that parents
thus take opposite ... father too severe perhaps, and the mother too indulgent. ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xix home-discipline.htm

On the Public Shows.
... wanting smooth-tongued advocates of vice, and indulgent patrons who ... seats in the
public theatre; for David did not ... of this man who were the parents of Christ ...
/.../on the public shows.htm

On his Sister Gorgonia.
... who are evil, and beg for indulgent treatment, than ... those of her natural and spiritual
parents, who were ... O David, whose strains never seem tedious to faithful ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration viii on his sister.htm

Rom. xv. 14
... but "shall be filled," imitating thus the language of parents. ... For as an indulgent
father doth an only and true ... And David in this way came to be king, having ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxix rom xv 14.htm

Inspiration of Scripture. --Gospel Difficulties. --The Word of God ...
... by the mouth of His Servant David [348] ." "Well ... as the Temptation of our first
Parents,"the Manna ... The world is singularly indulgent toward persons of this ...
/.../inspiration and interpretation/sermon iii inspiration of scripture gospel.htm

Three Afternoons Off the Track
... will in the most quiescent manner." David Brainerd, North ... to know what arrangements
English parents made concerning ... The mothers were indulgent, and let us have ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter ii three afternoons off.htm

Christian Behavior
... little dost thou know how heart-aching a consideration it is to thy parents, when
they ... And how bitterly did David mourn for his son, who died in his wickedness ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm