So the instigators of rebellion in Israel perished. Ahithophel had died by his own hand. The princely Absalom, whose beauty had been the pride of Israel, had been killed in his youth, his dead body thrown into a pit and covered with a heap of stones, to represent everlasting disgrace.
With the leader of the rebellion dead, Joab at once sent two messengers to carry the news to the king.
The first messenger came with the news “All is well.” To the king’s eager question, “Is the young man Absalom safe?” the messenger gave an evasive answer.
The second messenger arrived and announced, “There is good news, my lord the king! For the Lord has avenged you this day of all those who rose against you.” From the father’s lips came the question, “Is the young man Absalom safe?” Unable to conceal the bad news, the herald answered, “May the enemies of my lord the king, and all who rise against you to do you harm, be like that young man.” David questioned no further, but with bowed head “went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept. And as he went, he said: ‘O my son Absalom—my son, my son Absalom—if only I had died in your place! O Absalom my son, my son!’”
The victorious army approached the city, their shouts of triumph echoing on the hills. But as they entered the city gate the shout died away and their banners drooped in their hands, for the king was not waiting to welcome them. From the chamber above the gate his wailing cry was heard, “O my son Absalom—my son, my son Absalom—if only I had died in your place! O Absalom my son, my son!”
Joab was filled with anger. God had given them reason for triumph and gladness. The greatest rebellion ever known in Israel had been crushed. Yet this great victory was turned to mourning for Absalom whose crime had cost the blood of thousands of brave men. The rude, blunt captain pushed his way into the presence of the king and boldly said, “Today you have disgraced all your servants who today have saved your life, the lives of your sons and daughters, ... in that you love your enemies and hate your friends. For you have declared today that you regard neither princes nor servants; for today I perceive that if Absalom had lived and all of us had died today, then it would have pleased you well. Now therefore, arise, go out, and speak comfort to your servants. For I swear by the Lord, if you do not go out, not one will stay with you this night. And that will be worse for you than all the evil that has befallen you from your youth until now.”
Though the reproof was harsh and cruel, David did not resent it. Seeing that his general was right, he went down to the gate, and with words of commendation greeted his brave soldiers as they marched past him.
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