Chapter 13 is the story of lust, rape, and revenge. Often David's response to others is perplexing. He does nothing to a son, Amnon, who has raped a half sister, Tamar. It is Absalon another son who seeks revenge and has Amnon murdered. Absalon flees in fear of David's reaction.
In chapter 14 David is tricked into allowing Absalom to return to Jerusalem. (reminds me of David being tricked into seeking forgiveness after having Bathsheba's husband Uriah killed). After two more years David forgives Absalom.
David finds himself in conflict, he leaves Jerusalem, but difficulties follow him. His reign is being tested by Absalon and others. David's past must be faced head on. David's army and Absalon's army face each other in battle. Absalom's hair is caught in a branch and David's leader Joab with others kill him. When David hears his grief is great. Maybe if David's love for his daughter had been as deep and he had shown concern for her while providing consequences to Amnon for his actions, David would not have lost two sons.
The Bible is filled with stories that cause us to ponder family relations, loyalty, sin and repentence, actions and consequences. David's story is not a simple one nor often one not to be admired, but God used David to do great things. There is hope for all of us.
No comments:
Post a Comment