April 22 – Reading 112

APRIL 22 – Reading 112

by Rev James M. Armpriester, Jr | April 22

“THE TRAGIC END OF REBELLION”
(2 Samuel 16:23 – 18:33; Psalm 17:1-15)

“And the king was deeply moved and 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! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!’” — 2 Samuel 18:33

In modern cinema, we Americans love storylines where the “bad guy” gets what he deserves.  Often, the story we have concerning God is incomplete. We often picture God as a vengeful God and forget just how much his heart breaks over the loss of rebellious sons.  Our passage today graphically shows the wages of sin in the death of Absalom while simultaneously giving us the perspective of a father grieving over the loss of a rebellious child.  David humanizes God’s love for us “even while we are yet sinners” and speaks clarity to the words of the Apostle Peter when he says that God does not want ANY to perish but for everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9).  

Absalom’s rebellion ended in disaster. His army was defeated, and as he fled, his long hair—his symbol of pride—became his downfall. He was caught in the branches of a tree, hanging helplessly between heaven and earth (2 Samuel 18:9). Joab (a type of Satan), ignoring David’s plea for mercy, struck him down. The one who had tried to seize the throne was left dangling in humiliation, lifeless and lost.

When David heard of Absalom’s death, he didn’t rejoice in victory—he wept. He mourned, not just for a fallen soldier, but for a lost son. The pain was unbearable. “Would I had died instead of you!” he cried (v. 33). But no amount of grief could undo what had been done. Absalom had died pursuing what he could never have—his father’s throne.

This moment is more than an earthly tragedy. It reflects the heart of God the Father, who grieves over every lost sinner who dies in rebellion.

• Just as Absalom tried to steal David’s throne, so many try to live as kings of their own lives, rejecting God’s rule.
• Just as David longed for his son’s return, God longs for sinners to turn back to Him.
• Just as Absalom’s pride led to his destruction, those who pursue power apart from God find only emptiness and death.

Jesus, the true Son of David, did what David only wished he could do—He died in our place. While David said, “Would I had died instead of you,” Jesus actually took our punishment, bearing the weight of our rebellion on the cross (Romans 5:8).

New Testament Connection:

• Luke 15:20-24 — The father of the prodigal son runs to embrace him. Like David, God longs for His children to come home rather than perish.
• Matthew 23:37 — Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, mourning for those who reject Him, just as David wept for Absalom.
• 2 Peter 3:9 — “The Lord is patient… not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

Lessons from Absalom’s Death:

1. Pride Leads to Destruction – Absalom’s rebellion cost him everything. Are you surrendering to God’s rule or resisting Him? (Proverbs 16:18)
2. God Grieves for the Lost – Do you see God as a harsh judge or as a loving Father who longs for you to return? (Ezekiel 33:11)
3. Jesus Took Our Place – David wished he could die for Absalom, but Jesus actually died for us. Have you accepted His sacrifice? (Romans 6:23)

Simple Truth:
Rebellion against God leads to destruction, but repentance leads to restoration. God longs for His children to return, and in Jesus, He made a way for us to be saved. 

Reflection & Application:

• Are You Fighting for the Wrong Throne? Absalom pursued something that was never meant to be his. Are you chasing power, control, or success apart from God’s will?
• Do You Understand God’s Heart for You? God grieves for the lost. Do you see His love for you, even in your rebellion?
• Have You Accepted the Substitute? David wished he could take Absalom’s place, but Jesus actually died in our place. Have you surrendered to Him? 

Closing Prayer…
Father, I don’t want to live in rebellion against You. Forgive me for the times I have resisted Your rule. Thank You for sending Jesus to die in my place, offering me a way back to You. Help me to surrender fully, trusting in Your love and leadership. May I never break Your heart by running from You, but instead return to You with all that I am. In Jesus’ name, Amen.