When have you mourned for someone or something with the intensity David shows in this account? Absalom’s death was a casualty of war. Or we could say his death was simply reaping what he had sown in the killing of his brother and attempting revolt over his father’s domain. Today, people experience grief in many forms such as unemployment, illness, death of a friendship or a loved one, relocation of children, etc. Any loss inevitably brings grief.
Who or what helped you to face the world again? Joab, David’s captain of the soldiers, confronted David showing him that his grief was interfering with his ability to lead as the shepherd of Israel. To David’s credit, he listened to his captain (19:8). Joab helped King David do what he needed to do.
Who do you know who has sustained a great loss in recent months? How can you help them? What are some appropriate responses to their grief? Give others time to grieve while we support one another with prayer and encouragement.
As Christians, we need to acknowledge our need to work through our personal grief process and to seek constructive ways to help people who grieve.
Millie H. Griswold
Extended Scripture: 2 Samuel 17–20
