And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!
. . .
And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.
But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!

In this poignant passage from the Bible, King David's profound grief over the death of his son Absalom is laid bare. Despite Absalom's rebellion and betrayal, David mourns him deeply, revealing the complex nature of paternal love. The repeated cries of "O my son Absalom, my son, my son," underscore David's heartache and regret, as he wishes he could have died in Absalom's place. This emotional outpouring highlights the timeless struggle between duty and personal loss, as David must reconcile his role as king with his grief as a father. The scene also illustrates the irony of victory turned to mourning, as the people slip back into the city, feeling the weight of their king's sorrow. David’s lamentation serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring bonds of family, even amid conflict and betrayal.