Bible Pathways 04/15/2004
April 15
Read 13 -- 14
In Today's Reading:
Rape, incest, and murder occur among David's children; Absalom flees to Geshur in Syria (Aram); Absalom's return
Absalom's sister Tamar was the beautiful daughter of King David by Maacah . . . of Geshur (in Syria). David's oldest son, Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, was about 20 years of age when he pretended to be sick and asked his father David to send his half-sister Tamar to prepare him a meal (II Samuel 3:2-3; I Chronicles 3:1-2).
And when she had brought them to him to eat, he took hold of her, and said to her, Come lie with me, my sister. And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force (degrade) me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not . . . this folly (disgusting thing). . . . However he would not hearken to her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her. Then Amnon hated her exceedingly (intensely). . . . And Amnon said to her, Arise, be gone (II Samuel 13:11-15). After his brief moment of lustful gratification, he forced her out of his home and locked the door. Dishonored and heartbroken, Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house (13:20).
When David learned of Amnon's deception and wicked sin against his daughter, he was very angry. And Absalom spoke to his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced (raped) his sister Tamar (13:21-22). Amnon was David's firstborn son and heir to the throne. David took no legal action, even though the Law of God demanded the death sentence for rape (Leviticus 20:17).
After two full years . . . Absalom invited all the king's sons (to a great feast). . . . Now Absalom had commanded his servants . . . when I say to you, Smite (strike) Amnon; then kill him. . . . And the servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded (II Samuel 13:23-29). Absalom then fled for safety to Geshur where he lived with his grandfather for three years (13:37-38).
A parent can experience no greater suffering than to see his own sin repeated in his children's lives. We cannot undo past sins, failures, and wasted time, but Christians are assured that, if any man sin, we have an Advocate (a Defender, a Defense Attorney) with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous: And He is the propitiation (legal satisfaction) for our sins (I John 2:1-2).
Word Studies:
13:4 lean = depressed, losing weight; 13:5 make thyself sick = pretend to be sick; 14:2 feign = pretend; 14:4 did obeisance = showed respect; honor; 14:7 quench my coal which is left = destroy the last of my family; 14:11 suffer = allow; 14:21 done this thing = granted your request; 14:26 polled his head = cut his hair.
Christ Revealed:
Through David's restoration of Absalom (II Samuel 14:33). If an earthly father's compassion reconciles him to his estranged son, how much more will our Heavenly Father reconcile us to Himself when we confess and forsake our sins. God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them; and has committed to us the word of reconciliation (II Corinthians 5:19).
Pray For:
The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Bonnie Wilhite · Government Officials: Rep. Howard Berman (CA) and Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (MD) · Country: Uzbekistan (24 million) central Asia · Major languages: Uzbek and Russian · Limited religious freedom due to Islamic influence · 68% Muslim; 4% Russian Orthodox; .5% Protestant/Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Seek God in prayer with your whole heart and He will hear you (Jeremiah 29:12-13).
Optional Reading: Acts 16
Memory Verse for the Week: John 6:35
