2 Samuel 18:33

2 Samuel 18:33 Meaning and Explanation

And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!

King James Version (KJV)

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Overwhelmed with grief, David climbs to the chamber over the gate, weeping and crying out that he wishes he had died in his son's place.

What Does 2 Samuel 18:33 Mean?

Hearing the news, David is shaken to the core. He withdraws to the chamber over the gate and weeps, crying out again and again for Absalom, his son, longing that he himself had died instead.

David's anguished wish to die in his son's place is among the most piercing cries of grief in all Scripture, the love of a father undimmed by his child's betrayal. It points beyond itself to the Father who did give His Son to die for rebels, and to the Son who willingly took the death we deserved. Where David could only wish, God acted, dying in our place that we might live.

Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 18:33

What does 2 Samuel 18:33 mean?

Overwhelmed with grief, David climbs to the chamber over the gate, weeping and crying out that he wishes he had died in his son's place.

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