DAVID MOURNS THE DEATH OF HIS CHILD.—2 Sam. 12:18.
THIRD READING.
"O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!"—2 Samuel 19:4.
GOOD King David had more sons besides the little one who died. One was named Absalom. He was a very fine, handsome young man, and had most beautiful hair; but he was fierce and proud, and wanted to be king.
And when David was old, this wicked Absalom gathered men together, and drove his father away, that he might be king instead. Good King David had to go away, weeping and barefoot, down the steep rocky pass, for fear of his wicked son; and cruel men called him names, and threw stones at him as he went, while Absalom was made to reign in his father's palace, and did all he pleased there. But God will not let wicked men prosper; and all David's faithful old soldiers came together to help him. They had a great battle with Absalom and his men; and Absalom was beaten, and fled away on a mule.
SHIMEI CASTING STONES AT DAVID.—2 Sam. 16:5, 6.