David’s Return (1): 2 Samuel 19:9-14

Absalom was dead, slain in battle. The remnant of his army, called "Israel" in the text, fled every man to his tent. The king tarried in Mahanaim, the sight of his encampment during the final stages of the re­bellion. He could have returned and reoccupied his throne by force and even reeked terrible vengeance upon all the leaders of the revolt. But he was not just another oriental despot but a true shepherd king of God's people, humble, compassionate and forgiving. For much had been forgiven...