As King David returned to his kingdom after Absalom's defeat, tragedy overshadowed triumph. His grief over the death of his enemy-son impacted those around him- foolish arguments erupted between the tribes of Judah and Israel, and lives changed as people scrambled to align themselves with the victor. Shimei sought clemency, Mephibosheth declared his loyalty, and Barzillai faced his mortality while recognizing God's providential purpose. Alistair Begg compares and contrasts David's fragile, divided kingdom to God's kingdom, which will be perfect and united when Jesus, the true King, returns.