ROOTED - Monday, March 9, 2026

2 Samuel 18:33

19 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!”

Reflection: “O my son, Absalom”
Written By: Pastor Jesse Caro
One of the saddest passages in the Old Testament we read here… the grief of David over his son, Absolom. David’s sin with Bathsheba carried with it ongoing punishment. God promised David that his family would have death and conflict, and God delivered on his promise. It began when David lost his newborn with Bathsheba. However, perhaps this was even more painful. God’s Word records that David loved Absalom and longed for him (2 Samuel 13:38), commanding that everyone deal gently with him (18:5). Yet, despite his love for his son, Absalom tried to dethrone his father and have him killed. Though David’s love was steadfast, I cannot imagine the hurt of a parent going through this kind of betrayal from a son/daughter. I think it would cause unimaginable sadness. Then, to make the situation worse, Absalom is killed and David is unable to reconcile with his boy. From this we sense the pain of a devastated parent: O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you!

I have known so many cases of estrangement between child and parent. It has become en vogue to (even in Christian circles) encourage children to “cut off” parents. It is called “going no contact.” I have to say with love, and honesty: this makes me sick. It is dishonoring to God and to the call on children’s lives to honor their parents. I am for good boundaries, but this generation of young people are being encouraged to dishonor their parents… and I think this is patently abominable before God. Essentially it is the behavior of an entitled child, like Absalom, who behaves in such a way. My heart goes out to parents who are going through the betrayal of their foolhardy children. However, while no parent is perfect, godly parents never give up on their children. To the parent who is dealing with estrangement from a child, be encouraged to know that God is with you. Pray for your children and trust God with them. David’s life shows us that God is sovereign, even over our families. Though it is devastating, please know that God is with you.

Prayer 
Lord, help those who are struggling today with family estrangement and erring children. Give parents the wisdom to deal with it and the confidence to know that you are sovereign.