2 Samuel 15

The Explanation

King David had a son. His name was Absalom.

Absalom had shiny black hair. He had a chariot. He had horses. Fifty men ran in front of him, fast, fast, fast.

Every morning Absalom stood by the big gate. People came there with their problems. Absalom said soft words to them. He said, “Oh, if only I were king. I would help you.”

Then he took their hand. He gave them a kiss. Every time. To everyone.

Slowly, slowly, the people started to love Absalom more than David.

What Does This Mean?

One day a man came running to David. He said, “The people love Absalom now!”

David felt his heart go cold. He said, “Get up! We must run! Hurry, hurry!”

So David walked out of his house. Barefoot. His head covered, like people do when they are very sad. Everyone who loved David walked with him, crying as they went.

They came to a little river. Its name was Kidron. Splash, splash, over the water they went, into the wild land outside the city.

The Common Thread

The priests came too. They carried something holy, the ark of God, in their arms.

But David said, “No. Take it back.” He said, “If God is happy with me, He will bring me home again. If not, let Him do what is good.”

David did not grab and hold on tight. He trusted God, even while he was crying, even while he was running away. That is what David's greater Son, Jesus, would do too. Jesus also walked a sad road, up a hill, trusting His Father, even when it hurt the most.

One friend stayed close no matter what. His name was Ittai. He said, “Wherever you go, my king, I will go too.” Even to die, even to live, he would not leave David alone.

For You

Sometimes people you love might choose someone else. Sometimes you feel sad and small.

You can do what David did. You can talk to God, even while you cry. You do not have to hold on tight to everything. You can open your hands and say, "God, You decide. You are good."

And you can be like Ittai too. A friend who stays. Even when it is hard. Even when others walk away.

Talk About It

Have you ever felt sad because someone did not choose you?

What could you say to God when you feel sad, just like David did?

Praying Together

Dear God, David was sad, but he still talked to You. I can talk to You too, even when I am sad. Thank You that You never run away from me. Amen.