II Sam. 13
How sad is the account of Amnon , Tamar, and Absalom! Tamar's innocence was destroyed all because of the lust of her half brother. Not only did Amnon deceive her into coming to him, but then he took her virginity,and in the process, committed incest. Wow! Why didn't Amnon fear any reprisal? The footnotes in my Bible imply that there was none because of David's sin. Perhaps Amnon knew that David would go easy on this type of sin because David himself had fallen prey to it. Even Tamar seemed to be aware of this fact when she suggested to Amnon that David would bend the rules about a relationship like theirs and give her to him, but Amnon did not want that. His lust was out of control to the point that only heinous sin would satisfy. What a warning to parents to guard their lifestyle and their godliness!
Another insight would be about the fleeting nature of lust. As badly as Amnon wanted Tamar, I would have thought he would have kept her. But as soon as the deed was done, he hated her. The account says his hatred was greater than his love had been. Lust is never lasting, and in truth, it brings hatred. What a sober warning to consider before allowing lust to control human actions!
The cycle of sin did not stop there. Humiliated and grieving, Tamar went home to Absalom. In time he got the proper revenge. He instructed his servants to take the life of Amnon. Now the father's sin of adultery and murder has resulted in horrible sins in the lives of his children: incest, rape, and murder.
But it didn't stop there. It is mentioned that David grieved heavily for Amnon, but there is no mention of grief for Tamar or for the estranged Absalom. Could this be indicative of favoritism? I think this passage exposes some definite problems of favoring one child over the others. Wounds are made that create life and death struggles. The family is fractured! Children are dead, fleeing, wounded, and scarred for life. What a warning for parents to live godly before their children and to love each child as gifts from God!
Father,
Open my eyes to my sins so that I do not offend Your holiness or damage the lives of my children and grandchildren. Send Your Spirit to guide me and lead me in my relationships with my family.
In Jesus name,
Amen
But it didn't stop there. It is mentioned that David grieved heavily for Amnon, but there is no mention of grief for Tamar or for the estranged Absalom. Could this be indicative of favoritism? I think this passage exposes some definite problems of favoring one child over the others. Wounds are made that create life and death struggles. The family is fractured! Children are dead, fleeing, wounded, and scarred for life. What a warning for parents to live godly before their children and to love each child as gifts from God!
Father,
Open my eyes to my sins so that I do not offend Your holiness or damage the lives of my children and grandchildren. Send Your Spirit to guide me and lead me in my relationships with my family.
In Jesus name,
Amen
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