Read 2 Samuel 13
Highlights:
Amnon's sin against Tamar; Absalom's revenge; his flight; Joab's scheme for Absalom's return.
But Absalom fled . . . And David mourned for his son every day (II Sam. 13:37).
After the great sin that David committed became public knowledge, it appears that David was filled with remorse. He was no longer seen in public, but his palace became his hiding place.
Sin always produces side effects with consequences far beyond all possible human calculation. Although David had lived a godly life up to this time, his two elder sons did not follow his good example. Instead, they followed his sinful ways. His eldest son, Amnon, cruelly molested his half-sister, Tamar.
When David learned of the facts of Amnon's wicked sin against his daughter Tamar, he was very wroth (13:21). But no legal action was taken. The sentence of death in the Mosaic law was mandatory. But once again David became a slave to his own past sinful act. Being the king, under the rule of God, he was required to punish the guilty (Lev. 20:17). Although David's omission to punish is not expressly condemned, what followed shows that justice did take place. Amnon was the king's son — his firstborn, heir to the throne — but he was no less guilty than any citizen in the kingdom. God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). It is a sobering fact that the way of transgressors is hard (Prov. 13:15; see also 6:15).
Eventually, Absalom murdered his half-brother Amnon, who was heir to the throne. The reason given for Absalom murdering Amnon was revenge for defiling his sister. But neither he nor his men could forget that Amnon was the only person who stood in the way of Absalom being the next king. The crimes of David's two sons must have caused him to recall memories of the two similar sins he had committed.
Amnon's name meant "faithful" but he was unfaithful to his father; to his sister Tamar; and to God. Absalom's name means "father of peace" — indicating David's hopes and spiritual aspirations for both his eldest son as well as Absalom. A parent can have no sharper suffering than the sight of his own sin reappearing in his child. Little did David realize, when he beheld the beautiful Bathsheba, that one night of enjoyment would lay the groundwork for his own sons' immorality.
The consequences of sin cannot be avoided, postponed, or ignored by anyone, whether king or peasant. It always brings immeasurable, unending suffering and sorrow.
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin (Heb. 3:13).
Thought for Today:
All who compromise their Christian convictions for worldly gain will one day be judged by the Lord.
Christ Revealed:
Through David's restoration of Absalom (II Sam. 14:33). If an earthly father's compassion reconciles him to his estranged son, how much more will our loving Heavenly Father reconcile us to Himself when we confess our sins. God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing (counting, crediting) their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation (II Cor. 5:19).
Word Studies:
13:4 lean, depressed, looking so wretched; 13:5 make thyself sick, pretend to be sick; 14:2 feign, pretend; 14:4 did obeisance, showed reverence, honor; 14:7 quench my coal which is left, destroy the last of my family; 14:11 suffer, allow; 14:21 done this thing, granted your request; 14:26 polled his head, cut his hair.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Official: Rep. Howard L. Berman (CA) • Country: Belarus (10 million) in northeastern Europe • Major languages: Belarussian and Russian • Religious freedom • 48% Orthodox; 22% Roman Catholic; 1.1% Jewish; 1% Protestant; .2% Muslim; 27.7% Agnostic/Atheist/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to enable you to endure temptation (James 1:12).
Optional Reading: Acts 16
Memory Verse for the Week: John 11:26
