The civil war in Israel comes to a predictable but devastating end as David's forces are once again aided by God resulting in victory over Absalom. But the pain is more than David can bear.

There is some disfunction in practically every family, and it is often difficult to know how to act towards those who make life difficult. But chapter 14 shows us that it is never wrong to do the right thing. It may not solve every problem, but it is always right.

In chapter 13, the consequences of David’s sin fall on his children in a most wretched way, proving that the impact we have on our children is powerful and not always positive.