II Samuel Chapter 13
Please read: II Samuel 13 –
Sometimes we think that our current culture is the worst humanity has ever been. We forget that we live in a world that has always been broken, at least since the fall of Adam and Eve. Throughout its pages the Bible gives us snapshots of the brokenness of mankind that has always existed. There has always been a need for a redeemer, one who could rescue us from our sinful state.
Sin always brings shame and sadness with it. At the end of this chapter, we find King David weeping because of the rape that was committed to his daughter Tamar by her half-brother Amnon. And weeping when Amnon was killed by Absalom seeking revenge for his sister. And David is sad that his son Absalom has run off, and he cannot see him either. So much pain and suffering.
Let's Reflect
1. David’s son Amnon wrongly fell in love with his half-sister Tamar. On this side of the story, we know that this was not true love but lust. What does the Bible tell us about Tamar?
2. Amnon could not figure out how to satisfy his lust for Tamar, but his cousin had an idea for him. What was the idea that Amnon followed?
3. Apparently, Amnon had been moping around for some time as he let his mind be consumed with his desire for Tamar. His father came to see him and Amnon used his father to get what he wanted. What do the events that follow tell us about the character of Tamar?
4. Tamar was old enough and wise enough to try to make her brother see what the consequences would look like if he took her by force. What did she tell him life would be like for him if he did this thing?
5. She was most likely trying to free herself from his strong grip on her and she even suggested if Amnon would ask David, he would probably allow him to marry her. This was not true, it was against the Law of Moses, but she was trying to escape. How did Amnon feel about Tamar after he had raped her?
6. Tamar was seen leaving Amnon’s house with her special robe torn, a robe that signified that she was a virgin. Her full brother Absalom quickly figured out what had happened. Did Absalom immediately seek revenge for his sister?
7. Absalom plotted and planned and with an invite to all his brothers, he held a festival at sheepshearing time. Absalom gave orders to his servants to do what to Amnon at the festival?
8. Word of the murder was reported to David, but he was given the wrong information at first. What incorrect message was David given?
9. Who was it that gave the correct message (and probably the first initial incorrect message) to David? See verse 32 and also verse 3.
10. The last verse tells us that Absalom had gone away from the family for a long time. Long enough that David had finished grieving over Amnon. David longed to see his son Absalom, but did he go and try to find him?
