David: Why did I lose the love of my son and the love of the people of my kingdom?
The book of Psalms contains many instances in which David asked “Why?”. Psalm three tells one of those stories. Verses one and two of this Psalm say, “LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. 2Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.”
The word “why” is not used here, but the question is still asked. David wrote this Psalm when he fled from his son Absalom. Absalom turned the hearts of many in Israel away from his father and toward himself. The Bible says, “Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” (II Samuel 15:6)
Through his wiles, Absalom turned the love and admiration of Israel away from his father and toward himself. He took respect and loyalty that did not belong to him. Later, Absalom attempted to take the throne and the kingdom as well. As a result, David and all those who were loyal to him had to flee for their lives. (See II Samuel 15:10-23) There was much sorrow and weeping.
David wondered, How did this happen? Why did my own son turn against me? Why do the people of my kingdom, whom I love, hate me? How did it come to be that there are so many that want to destroy me. They mock me, saying, “No one can help him now. Even God will not help him.”
Yet, God did help him. Even though David was discouraged and sad and did not understand why all these things were happening, he knew he had a refuge in God. “3But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. 4I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.” (Psalm 3:3,4) David had a place of safety in God. Though he had been put to shame before his people, he had confidence before God. God was His glory, and God lifted up his head. He was not ashamed before God. He had prayed, and He knew God would answer.
David said, “5I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. 6I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about… 8Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.” (Psalm 3:5,6 and 8)
David asked “Why?”, but he was not angry or bitter against God. David did not understand why all this had come upon him, but he still trusted in God. Although he was afraid and confused, he clung to God, for his confidence was in the Lord God.