“And the king was much moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept.” 2 Samuel "18":33
Although Absalom was a rebel he was still a son. When Saul died at the Philistines’ hands David mourned the death of one who had been his lawful king; but when Absalom was slain by Joab David was inconsolable though now it was a traitor that he mourned. The battle had been fought treason had to be punished; yet David’s father-heart was filled with sorrow at his son’s death. Judgment had been necessary but the tears flowed.<br/><br/>Judgment that is unmixed with tears discloses in us a grave deficiency of Christian love. If there is condemnation but no distress then there is a sad lack in the family of God. It is wrong to condone evil but it is even worse to harbor a vindictive spirit against the wrongdoer. We are told rather to forgive every one his brother from our hearts.