Bible Tuesday - David Part 25

David is on the run...still.  (Our boy Dave spends an awful lot of time on the run, doesn't he?)  Absalom is determined to kill his father.  Military defeat is not gonna work. 

Ahithophel said to Absalom, “I would choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David.  I would attack him while he is weary and weak. I would strike him with terror, and then all the people with him will flee. I would strike down only the king and bring all the people back to you. The death of the man you seek will mean the return of all; all the people will be unharmed.”  This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel
2 Samuel 17 1-4


And despite all that Absalom has done, David still demanded mercy for his son. 
The king commanded Joab, Abishai and Ittai, “Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake.” And all the troops heard the king giving orders concerning Absalom to each of the commanders.
2 Samuel 18:5

A man after God's own heart desires redemption and restoration for his sons.  Even when those sons declare themselves as his enemy.