2 Samuel 15:30-31
Verse 30 But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered and he was barefoot. All the people with him covered their heads too and were weeping as they went up.
Even though the king was fully submitted to God and His will, David still was in mourning over what was going on. Kings were used to having other nations trying to conquer and take the throne, but there was a hurt like no other to have one’s own son trying to take it over. The truth was a take-over usually included killing the sitting king. David didn’t want it to come down to the life of him or his son.
With the Ark of the Lord heading back up to Jerusalem and David and the multitudes with him headed up the Mount of Olives reality was setting in of what was happening and David went into the full grief mode. With shoes off and his head covered David wept as he walked. This is not the image we think of when we picture royalty but this king was mourning his kingdom and his family. This was a painful walk.
It wasn’t painful only for the king. The whole of the entourage were in tears because of this heartbreaking event. Even the 600 exiles taking the journey with them were in mourning showing you didn’t have to be a native Israelite to understand the pain the king and fellow exiles of Jerusalem were feeling.
David had another thing weighing on his mind. Word had gotten to David that his own advisor, Ahithophel, was now conspiring with Absalom, David had one prayer, “Lord, turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness.” It may seem like a harsh prayer but the truth is it was a prayer which spoke of the true heart of David. He didn’t want to have to lose the throne to his son and that meant he needed his son to make foolish choices.
As a parent David wanted his son to know truth but he also knew if Absalom knew the truth he would have an easier job trying to take over the kingdom. It wasn’t that David didn’t trust God to make the right choice between him and his son. The king understood the danger of having an advisor who was knew him so well, advising his son.
Making It Personal
What are hard prayers you have prayed? Why did you feel the need to pray that prayer? What hard prayer do you think needs to be made for yourself?
Making It Personal Kids
Have you ever prayed a prayer for someone which you weren’t sure they would like you praying for them? Is it hard to talk to Jesus about some things? What do you need to talk to Him about today?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for the reminder that sometimes we have to pray hard prayers for those we love. Help us to know how to pray for those around us as well as how to pray for ourselves. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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