By Mary Fairchild
1581 Bunting Clover Leaf Map; Israel in the center.
2 SAMUEL 13—Amnon had a lustful desire for his half sister Tamar. His cousin Jonadab’s advice reveals his character of moral wickedness. When Amnon’s unrestrained lust consumed him he refused to reason and his lust turned into hate for Tamar that was stronger than his lust had been. Although David was angry, his struggles had allowed him to see himself in Amnon. David’s reaping of consequences had begun…. Absalom did not forgive Ammon and two years later had him murdered. He escapes to Geshur, his mother’s home country….
THOUGH DAVID WAS FORGIVEN BY GOD HE STILL WOULD FACE THE “LAW OF THE HARVEST.” “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”(Gal. 6:7).
WE REAP WITHIN THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF GOD’S LOVING PURIFICATION, AND WE REAP WHILE WE ARE HERE ON EARTH. Chastening is usually a part of reaping (Prov. 3; Heb. 12). We are not to despise chastening because it is from the loving hand of God.
FRIENDSHIP AND DATING—We are known by the company we keep. The friends you choose will influence your life. If your parents request that you cut off a relationship obey them it may save your relationship with the Lord and your testimony. Often parents will see influences which you do not. “Jonadabs” are in every school and in every church.
AMMON’S LOVE FOR TAMAR WAS NOT FROM GOD, BUT A STRONG PHYSICAL ATTRACTION THAT GOD CALLS LUST. Many people, like Amnon, are deceived by this. Amnon wanted immediate physical desires fulfilled and when he got what he wanted it made him sick and he hated Tamar. While physical attraction is God-given, the boundary, which is also God-given, is marriage. Physical lovemaking before marriage distorts and confuses the relationship as to whether it is from God or not. Genuine love is unselfish and does not wish to steal the purity of another and that is why it is important to avoid opportunities which would encourage temptation. RESPECT, TRUST, AND FRIENDSHIP ARE ALL A PART OF GENUINE LOVE. After marriage God rewards you with a fulfilling physical relationship.
The book of Proverbs was written especially to guide young men to keep their paths pure. It would be helpful to read some of Proverbs each month. When you need advice seek your parents, or a trusted friend who you know wants you to do what is right (Prov.15:22).
2 SAMUEL 14:1—15:12—Joab sends a wise woman to tell a convincing story to David which moves him to send Joab to tell Absalom to move back to Jerusalem, but he does not invite Absalom to visit him.
DAVID DID NOT HAVE JUSTICE EXECUTED ON AMNON OR ABSALOM MOST LIKELY BECAUSE HE HIMSELF WAS GUILTY OF MURDER and this lack of punishment produced pride in Absalom. Absalom wanted to be in good standing with David the king and David wanted to forgive his son Absalom.
BECAUSE ABSALOM HAD A HIGH OPINION OF HIMSELF HE EXALTED HIMSELF AMONG THE PEOPLE. He acted independently of his father and criticized him to gain the favor of the people and he succeeded. Four years after returning to Jerusalem, he offers David a pious reason for gong to Hebron and he sends spies throughout Israel to signal his takeover—Two hundred deceived men leave Israel with Absalom including David’s trusted counselor, Ahithophel. David should have rebuked Absalom for murdering Amnon his brother to encourage repentance.
David was right in not calling Absalom to restoration because Absalom needed to ask forgiveness (Luke 17:1-4).
We need to forgive those who wrong us (Matt. 18:12-35). WHEN WE DO NOT FORGIVE THE CONSEQUENCES ARE SERIOUS SPIRITUALLY AND PHYSICALLY. Bitterness that usually follows unforgiveness often brings physical illness. If we focus on the fault of the unforgiven one we end up acquiring the despised characteristic. God will not forgive us if we do not forgive others (Matt. 6: 14, 15) and Satan will be allowed to torment us and bring emotional depression (Matt. 18: 34,35).
WORKS CITED
- Revelation and Church History
- Church Age
- Old Testament Study
- KING JAMES BIBLE
- MATTHEW HENRY COMMENTARY
- A Beka Book High School Bible Series “United Kingdom: Kings of Israel A;” 1995 Pensacola Christian College.