Parents: Parental Affection Exemplified by David

On the seventh day the child died. But David’s servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Look, while the child was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not listen to us. So how can we tell him the child is dead? He may even harm himself.” …

After Absalom had fled and gone to Geshur, he stayed there three years.

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

Now Joab son of Zeruiah perceived that the king’s heart longed for Absalom.

So Joab went and told the king, and David summoned Absalom, who came to him and bowed facedown before him. Then the king kissed Absalom.

Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, “Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” And all the people heard the king’s orders to each of the commanders regarding Absalom.

The man replied, “Even if a thousand shekels of silver were weighed out into my hands, I would not raise my hand against the son of the king. For we heard the king command you and Abishai and Ittai, ‘Protect the young man Absalom for my sake.’

If I had jeopardized my own life—and nothing is hidden from the king—you would have abandoned me.”

The king was shaken and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he walked, he cried out, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”

Then it was reported to Joab, “The king is weeping and mourning over Absalom.” …