This week I’ve found myself reading through a rather unpleasant stretch of 2 Samuel – the story of David’s sons, Amnon and Absalom. These chapters are full of violence, abuse, manipulation and heartbreak. They’re not enjoyable to read at any time of year. Reading them on Holy Week, however, adds an extra layer of poignancy, because I can’t help but contrast David’s wicked sons with David’s true son.

Only a few days ago we celebrated Palm Sunday, when the crowds cried out, “Hosanna to the Son of David.” That phrase was still echoing in my mind as I read of Absalom’s own return to Jerusalem, neither in triumph nor humility, but in shame, forbidden from seeing the face of his Father. I’ve written before about the parallels between this story and that of Luke 15, Two types of prodigal. Two types of father. Re-reading that reflection did my soul good this morning.

Later this week we will remember the arrest of the Son of David, betrayed by a kiss. Again, I’ve written before about the contrast of kisses, between David and Absalom, Judas and Jesus. Perhaps you may find that helpful, alongside meditating on Psalm 2.

But as I reflected this morning – both on the tragic lives of David’s natural sons, and the gruesome death of his Messianic Son – a verse leapt out to me from amidst the bloodshed and horror. A verse which reminded me of the surprising beauty of the gospel:

‘Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But that is not what God desires; rather, he devises ways so that a banished person does not remain banished from him.’ (2 Samuel 14.14)

Praise be to the God who neither desired our death, nor left us to our fate, but devised the most intricate plan of salvation. Those banished from Eden are still beloved, and through the spilled blood of God’s son, may return into His presence, where there is everlasting life.

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Photo by Motoki Tonn on Unsplash