2 Samuel, 18
8. The battle spread out over that entire region, and the thickets consumed more combatants that day than did the sword.
8. The battle spread out over that entire region, and the thickets consumed more combatants that day than did the sword.
2 Samuel 18 narrates the battle between David's forces and those of his son Absalom, who had led a rebellion against his father. During the battle, Absalom is killed by Joab, the commander of the army of David. David laments his son's death and recognizes that his victory in battle has not brought joy, but sadness and pain.
Proverbs 16:18: "Superb precedes ruin, and haughtiness of spirit precedes the fall." Absalom's rebellion against David was motivated in part for its own arrogance and pride. This verse in proverbs warns about the danger of pride, reminding us that humility is a valuable virtue.
Proverbs 29:23: "Man's pride slaughter him, but that of a humble spirit will obtain honor." Absalom's fall in battle in 2 Samuel 18 is an example of the truth of this verse in proverbs. Arrogance and pride can lead to destruction, while humility can lead to honor.
Isaiah 57:15: "For thus says the high and the sublime, which dwells in eternity and whose name is holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, but also dwell with the contrite and slaughtered with spirit, to vivify the spirit of the slaughtered and to vivify the heart of the contrite. " This verse in Isaiah talks about God's presence with those who have a humble and contrite spirit. When we face pain and sadness as David does in 2 Samuel 18, we can trust that God is present with us, comforting and renewing our spirits.
Psalm 34:18: "Near the Lord of those who have a broken heart and save those of the oppressed spirit." David experiences great sadness and pain with the death of his son in 2 Samuel 18, but this Psalm reminds us that God is close to those who are suffering and oppressed. We can trust God to save us and comfort ourselves in times of difficulty.
Psalm 147:3: "Healing the broken from the heart and turns on the wounds." This psalm talks about God's goodness and mercy, which heals the broken hearts and cares for the wounded. In 2 Samuel 18, David faces the loss of his son, but can find comfort in trust in God as a curator and comforter.
“Seja paciente nas aflições que o Senhor lhe manda.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
