When David's Son Turned Against Him

King David had a son named Absalom who was very handsome and very proud. Absalom was angry with his father and wanted to be king himself, so he came up with a sneaky plan. Every day, Absalom would stand by the city gate where people came to see the king about their problems. He would talk to them and say things like, 'If I were king, I would help you right away! Your problem is important, but the king is too busy to see you.' He did this for four years, and slowly the people started to like Absalom more than King David. Finally, Absalom declared himself king in another city! When David heard the news, his heart broke. His own son was trying to take his kingdom! David had to run away from Jerusalem to save his life. He and his loyal friends walked out of the city, and David was crying. He walked barefoot up the mountain with his head covered in sadness. Some people stayed loyal to David and helped him. A wise man named Hushai pretended to join Absalom but was really a spy for David. Absalom had an advisor named Ahithophel who gave good advice—he said, 'Chase David now while he's tired!' But Hushai gave different advice: 'Wait and gather a huge army first.' Absalom listened to Hushai, which gave David time to get ready. Soon there was a big battle. David told his soldiers, 'Please don't hurt Absalom. He's still my son.' But during the battle, Absalom was riding his mule under a tree when his long, thick hair got caught in the branches! He was hanging there when Joab, David's general, found him and killed him. When David heard that Absalom was dead, he didn't celebrate winning. Instead, he cried and cried. 'O my son Absalom! I wish I had died instead of you!' David's heart was completely broken.