Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

messenger gave an evasive answer.
The second messenger arrived and announced, "There is good
news, my lord the king! For the Lord has avenged you this day of all
those who rose against you." From the father's lips came the
question, "Is the young man Absalom safe?" Unable to conceal the
bad news, the herald answered, "May the enemies of my lord the
king, and all who rise against you to do you harm, be like that young
man." David questioned no further, but with bowed head "went up
to the chamber over the gate, and wept. And as he went, he said: 'O
my son Absalom--my son, my son Absalom--if only I had died in
your place! O Absalom my son, my son!'"
The victorious army approached the city, their shouts of
triumph echoing on the hills. But as they entered the city gate the
shout died away and their banners drooped in their hands, for the
king was not waiting to welcome them. From the chamber above the
gate his wailing cry was heard, "O my son Absalom--my son, my
son Absalom--if only I had died in your place! O Absalom my son,
my son!"
Joab was filled with anger. God had given them reason for
triumph and gladness. The greatest rebellion ever known in Israel
had been crushed. Yet this great victory was turned to mourning for
Absalom whose crime had cost the blood of thousands of brave
men. The rude, blunt captain pushed his way into the presence of the
king and boldly said, "Today you have disgraced all your servants
who today have saved your life, the lives of your sons and
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