The Weeping Mount

But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered and he was barefoot. All the people with him covered their heads too and were weeping as they went up. 2 Samuel 15:30 (NIV)

The Mount of Olives

There are many references to mountains in the Bible. Some of these mountains record the most amazing fits. We got the ten commandments on Mount Sinai. Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. Noah lighted from the ark on Ararat. But of all the mountains mentioned, the Mount of Olives is the most significant because Jesus walked there.

The Weeping King

I can’t help but draw a parallel between Jesus and David as regards this place. David had just run out of the palace away from Absolom. Everyone was weeping because to be betrayed by one whom you love is a very deep hurt. It was around this time he penned the words in Psalm 3 seeking God for encouragement and strength. His son had positioned himself as an enemy. And everyone had reason to speak against David.

David covered his head in grief along with the rest of his company. Grief for leaving his kingdom, the temple and the ark. God’s presence was his life. As the deer pants for water so did David long to be in God’s presence.

One thing I ask from the Lord,this only does I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple.
For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock. Psa 27:4–5 (NIV)

He swore an oath to the Lord,
he made a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:
“I will not enter my house
or go to my bed,
I will allow no sleep to my eyes
or slumber to my eyelids,
till I find a place for the Lord,
a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.” Psa 132:2–5 (NIV)