Like water spilled on the ground which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But God does not take away life; instead, He devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him. 2 Samuel 14:14 (Chapters 13-18)
The warrior king proves to be a poor domestic leader. David’s son Amnon rapes his half-sister Tamar, setting off a festering rage in her brother Absalom. David does nothing to console or punish those involved, and eventually, Absalom avenges his sister’s shame by murdering Amnon. This infighting among David’s children became the most troublesome issue of David’s reign.
The words above are part of a defense given to David, in the form of a fake law-suit, to make the point that Absalom should be allowed to return home. It had its intended effect, but the relationship between father and son never recovered. Knowing that Solomon was the intended heir to the throne, a bitter Absalom attempted a well planned coup. This resulted in his death, further grieving David and weakening his strength as Israel’s leader.
The complexities and tragedies of human relationships are splayed across the dysfunctions of David’s household, but through the mire of man’s disaster, God’s perfect plan of redemption and restoration can be seen. It is God’s sole purpose, to restore all that is broken and make it whole again. Do not allow your mind to imagine otherwise. Cling to hope, live in faith and let love do its work.
Love,
Gretchen