What is the main message of 2 Samuel 18?

2 Samuel 18 teaches that rebellion against God leads to destruction, and even in justice, sorrow remains. David’s grief over Absalom points to the deep cost of sin and our greater need for redemption through Christ.

Why does David mourn Absalom so deeply?

David mourns Absalom not only as a father but as a man who understands the cost of sin. His cry reveals the agony of losing a son and the brokenness that rebellion brings within families—even a king’s.

How does this passage point to the gospel?

David wished he could die in Absalom’s place. Jesus, the Son of God, actually did die in the place of rebels. This chapter foreshadows the gospel, where justice and mercy meet at the cross.

2 Samuel 18 – Victory, Grief, and the Cost of Rebellion

Name: 2 Samuel 18 – Victory, Grief, and the Cost of Rebellion | Reading the Bible Daily with Dave
Uploaded: 2025-07-18
Duration: 7 min
Channel: Dave Jenkins
Description: In 2 Samuel 18, David wins the battle but loses his son. This devotional explores grief, rebellion, justice, and gospel hope through David’s cry for Absalom—and how it points to the redemption found in Christ.

⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 1 min read

🎙️ Reading the Bible Daily with Dave

📅 Date: July 18, 2025
📖 Passage: 2 Samuel 18:1–33
🎧 Title: 2 Samuel 18 – Victory, Grief, and the Cost of Rebellion

📝 Show Summary

In 2 Samuel 18, David’s men defeat Absalom’s rebellion, but victory comes at a crushing cost—the death of his son. David’s anguished cry, “O my son Absalom!” captures the depth of his sorrow and points us to a greater Father who gave His Son for rebel sinners. Join Dave Jenkins as he explores grief, justice, and the hope of redemption through Christ.

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🔑 Key Themes

The Cost of Rebellion – Absalom’s pride led to destruction.
Justice and Mercy – David longed for mercy; Joab delivered justice.
Victory and Sorrow – God’s people won the battle, but David’s heart was broken.
Redemptive Parallel – David could not save Absalom, but God sent His Son to save sinners.

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📖 Today’s Text: 2 Samuel 18:1–33
📅 Date: July 18, 2025
🧠 Scripture Memory: 2 Samuel 18:33
💬 “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom!”

Dave Jenkins

Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.