Good morning,
There are consequences to sin. God told David his consequences in 2 Samuel 12:10-11.
“Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.11 Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbor, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.”
First Evil: Rape of Tamar-murder of Amnon
Absalom, David’s son, had a sister named Tamar. Another of David’s sons was named Amnon. Amnon lusted after his sister and raped her. Then he cast her away. Absalom is furious but waits 2 years before he kills his brother.
“And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.” (13:1) “And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.11 And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister.12 And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly.13 And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee.14 Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her.15 Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone.” (13:5-10)
“Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.” (13:28)
David loses one son and another flees.
Second evil: Absalom’s rebellion
Absalom rebels against his father and steals the hearts of the men of Israel.
“And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.3 And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.4 Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!5 And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.6 And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” (15:2-6)
“But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.” (15:10)
David Flees
“And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.14 And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.” (15:13-14)
Now David has lost one son and another rebels against him. David is losing his kingdom.
APPLICATION
Sin has consequences
God chastens His children
Repentance restores our fellowship with God
Come back next week for the continuing saga of God’s dealing with David and Absalom.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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