And the king was much moved,.... His affections were moved, his passions were stirred up; he was greatly troubled, distressed, and grieved:and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept; got out of sight and company as soon as he could; as his own dwelling was at some distance, he made haste to the chamber in the watchtower, over the gate of the city, where the watchman was, to vent his grief; and could not suppress it till he got thither:and as he went; up the stairs to the chamber:thus he said, O my son Absalom!
my son, my son Absalom! which repetition expresses the vehemence of his affections, and how inconsolable he was on account of his son's death:would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!
some think he said this on account of his eternal state, being satisfied of his own; but it may be it was only the effect of natural affection, indulged to too great a degree, and unbecoming so good a man in such a case; the Targum is,"I wish I had died for thee, and thou hadst remained this day.'