King David Shows Humility and Mercy

2 Samuel 3:31-32 (NIV): “ 31 Then David said to Joab and all the people with him, “Tear your clothes and put on sackcloth and walk in mourning in front of Abner.” King David himself walked behind the bier. 32 They buried Abner in Hebron, and the king wept aloud at Abner’s tomb. All the people wept also.”

How Can We Practice Mercy Over Retaliation as Christians?

In 2 Samuel, Joab (King David’s nephew and military commander) murders Abner (King Saul’s chief military leader). This was an act of revenge, as Abner killed Joab’s brother in a prior battle. As King Saul’s chief military leader, Abner had served Saul and opposed David for years. Yet David publicly mourns him with sincerity, showing a heart that values reconciliation. He shows genuine humility and grief by walking in the procession and acknowledging Abner as a “prince and great man”, regardless of how Abner treated him in the past. He does not condone Joab’s act of vengeance.

David is not perfect, but he shows Christ-like character through compassion, mercy, and grief over injustice.

Now Let's Pray

Dear Heavenly Father thank You for softening our hearts to be able to love like Jesus. Give us the strength to pray for our enemies and find compassion and forgiveness for their actions. Lead us away from revenge and other worldly retaliation, and direct us to respond with love.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.