2 Samuel 18:33
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 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!
David was deeply grieved when he learned that Absalom had been killed. His repeated calling of Absalom his son expressed a father's anguish. He wished that he himself had died in Absalom's place. That wish showed the depth of his love and sorrow. His public mourning turned the people's victory over the rebellion into sorrow, so the victorious soldiers entered the city ashamed and subdued.