David refuses to eat after Abner’s death, fasting as a sign of grief. The Hebrew word for fast, tsum, means to abstain from food, often as an expression of intense emotion. David’s refusal isn’t for show—he’s genuinely mourning, going beyond what’s expected of a king. In a world where leaders often hide their feelings, David’s vulnerability is striking. He doesn’t numb his pain or distract himself; he sits with it, publicly. For anyone who’s struggled to express grief or felt pressure to move on quickly, this verse gives permission to feel deeply and to honor loss in your own way. Sometimes, real respect means letting yourself be changed by what’s happened.