For Kids · 3 min with a grown-up
This is a sad chapter about a father's love. Even though Absalom had turned against him, David never stopped loving his son.
Today's Story
The day of the big battle came. David's son Absalom had turned against him and wanted to take the throne. But even now, David's heart was soft toward his son.
Before his soldiers marched out, David said to his commanders, in front of everyone, “Be gentle with my boy Absalom — for my sake.” Even though Absalom had done so much wrong, David still loved him and wanted him kept safe.
But that day, in the battle, Absalom died.
When the news reached David, the king didn't cheer that he had won. He climbed the stairs to a room above the gate, and he wept. “O my son Absalom! My son, my son! I wish I could have died instead of you,” he cried.
David's love for his son never quit — not even after everything Absalom had done. And that's a tiny picture of something even bigger: God's love for us is like that, only stronger. No matter what we've done, He never stops loving us.
A Big Word
Talk About It
- David loved Absalom even after his son did wrong. How does it feel to know God loves you no matter what?
- It's okay to feel sad, and even to cry. What do you do when you feel really, really sad?
- Is there someone you love who has hurt your feelings? What might it look like to keep loving them?