David — Absalom's Transgression

Midrash Aggadah Midrash Tehillim 3:3 View source
Curated by The Jewish Mythology Team ·

King David knew that feeling well.

Midrash Tehillim, a collection of rabbinic interpretations on the Book of Psalms, dives deep into the context and meaning behind David's songs. And it asks a compelling question about the very first verse of Psalm 3: When did David actually say this psalm?

The Midrash (rabbinic interpretive commentary) tells us it was when David was going up the Mount of Olives, fleeing his son Absalom's rebellion, and he was weeping. But then, if he was weeping, why was he singing? And if he was singing, why was he weeping?

Rabbi Abba bar Kahana offers a parable to explain this paradox. Imagine a king who is angry with his son and banishes him. The king sends the son's pedagogue (teacher) after him, who finds the son in this conflicted state – weeping and singing. The teacher asks, "If you're weeping, why are you singing? And if you're singing, why are you weeping?" The son replies, "I'm weeping because I provoked my father. But I'm singing because my punishment isn't death! And not only that, but he’s sending me to duchies and provinces – places of importance and authority!"

Rabbi Yudan adds another layer. He says David felt like his ancestors. “Jacob our father fled,” as it says in Hosea (12:13), "And Jacob fled to the field of Aram." "Moses fled," as we read in Exodus (2:15), "And Moses fled from Pharaoh." “And I, too, am fleeing like them!” In his distress, David finds comfort in remembering God's enduring justice. He recalls (Psalm 119:52): "I have remembered Your judgments of old, O Lord, and have comforted myself."

The Midrash offers another interpretation, focusing on David's actions. When David said, "Arise, and let us flee," (2 (Samuel 15:1)4), Rav and Rabbi Yudan offer different reasons for his decision. Rav suggests it was "So that we would not be judged as a city led astray," avoiding collective punishment. Rabbi Yudan, however, says that “He took the cup to rinse it, and he would not move from there until he had rinsed it.” In other words, David recognized that God was cleansing his iniquities, and this realization prompted his song, "A Psalm of David."

But the story doesn't stop there. The Midrash continues, exploring the events surrounding David's flight and the loyalty (and disloyalty) of those around him. We learn about the Cherethites and the Pelethites – David's elite guards. Rabbi Ivo explains that "Cherethites" refers to those who made covenants, and "Pelethites" refers to those who were wondrous in the court of law. The Rabbis say that their wisdom was unmatched.

And then there's Hushai the Archite, who plays a crucial role in David's eventual return to power. The Midrash offers different opinions on why he was called "the Archite." One says he was one of David's courtiers. Another says that through him, David's kingdom was established. Still another says he was named after his city. When David saw that his kingdom was secure, he began to sing.

Later, in Mahanaim, David receives provisions and support from loyal subjects like Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai. The generosity moves David deeply. Rav explains the details of these gifts: "Beds" refers to mattresses and sheets; "Basins" refers to casks of wine; "Earthen vessels" refers to those coming from Rachmah. When David sees their kindness, he realizes that even his enemies can be at peace with him when his ways please the Lord, echoing (Proverbs 16:7). And he sings.

However, the Midrash doesn’t shy away from David’s flaws and the consequences of his actions. Referencing (2 Samuel 12:6), Rabbi Judah son of Hanina emphasizes the concept of measure for measure. The Holy One, Blessed be He, says to David, "You committed one adultery? Sixteen adulteries will be committed against you. You murdered one person? Sixteen murders will be committed against you." This stark reminder of the repercussions of sin adds a somber note to the narrative.

The Midrash also highlights the personal pain David endured because of his son's rebellion. Rabbi Joshua portrays David lamenting: "If someone else had taken my kingdom, it would have been a great distress for me… Now my son has taken my kingdom – 'O Lord, how many are my foes!'" This personal betrayal cuts deeper than any external threat.

The story of Shimei, who cursed David, is also explored. The Midrash explains that Shimei's curse was an acronym for "adulterer, Moabite, wicked, oppressor, abomination," highlighting the severity of his transgression. Rabbi Abba bar Kahana adds that "The platter of Bathsheba walked before David," a constant reminder of his past sin.

Finally, the Midrash concludes with a reflection on the nature of divine mercy and forgiveness. Rabbi Samuel bar Nachmani recounts a discussion with Rabbi Yochanan about the verse, "To the Lord our God are the mercies and the forgivenesses, for we have rebelled against Him" (Daniel 9:9). Rabbi Yochanan explains that God's mercy is most evident when we rebel against Him, yet He still provides for us.

So, what can we take away from this exploration of David's psalm? Perhaps it's the recognition that life is rarely simple. We can experience joy and sorrow simultaneously, and it's in those moments of tension that we often find the deepest meaning. David's story reminds us that even in our darkest hours, we can find comfort in faith, in the memory of God's enduring presence, and in the hope for a brighter future. And maybe, just maybe, we can even find a reason to sing.

Themes

Patriarchs Joseph Moses King David Solomon Daniel Torah Temple Prophecy Miracles Holy Land Exile Egypt Sinai Music & Song Women of the Bible

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