Thursday, October 22, 2015

II Samuel 13: Rape And Murder

Just as Adam and Eve introduced sin into the world through the Fall, so, too, has David introduced sin into his family through his actions against Uriah, and it begins tearing them apart.  Chapter 13 skips ahead a few years, telling us that "some time passed" (vs. 1).
David's eldest, the presumed heir Amnon, is consumed with lust for his half-sister, Tamar.  (Tamar was a full sister to David's son Absalom).  Amnon, encouraged by his cousin Jonadab, comes up with a ruse to lure Tamar to his bed.  Pretending to be sick, he manipulates her into bringing food to him, then grabs her and orders her to have sex with him.  Over her vigorous protests, he forces himself upon her.

As soon as the act is finished, Amnon is disgusted with her.  Perhaps because he has acted so detestably towards her, she reminds him of his evil deeds.  In loathing, he casts her out.  Tamar leaves a broken woman, and is received by her brother Absalom who tells her to bide her time (vs. 20).

David, though angry with Amnon, does nothing to discipline or punish his son (vs. 21).  Absalom, however, does not forget.  Two years later, he throws a party and invites all of David's sons to attend.  After Amnon puts his guard down, Absalom's servants assassinate him.  The rest of the king's sons flee, returning to Jerusalem, while Absalom takes refuge with his grandfather on his mother's side, the king of Geshur.  

David is left in mourning, first for his son Amnon who has been killed for being a rapist, and second for his son Absalom who is in exile for being a murderer.  The tragic downfall of David's family continues.

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