David's Weeping for Absalom

The People's Bible author for 1,2 Samuel, John Mittelstaedt, brings out a spiritual perspective of David's dealings with Absalom that isn't explicitly stated in the Bible but that makes a lot of sense since David was a faithful believer. For example, when Absalom planned his rebellion in Hebron by telling David he had to go there to fulfill a vow to the Lord, Mittelstaedt suspects Absalom knew his father would be happy to hear of this positive step in his relationship with God. Today when we read of David's devastation at Absalom's death, Mittelstaedt points out it wasn't just the loss of his son; this wasn't the first son David had lost. It was the thought that his son had died an unbeliever that caused David to weep so bitterly.