2 Samuel 12:26-31; 1 Chronicles 20:2-3; 2 Samuel 13:1-14:33
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~
Old Testament – Second Samuel chapter 13 is a sad chapter to read in so many ways! Amnon is David’s first born son, so he is heir to the throne at this point. Absalom is David’s third born son – but at this point he may have been second in line to the throne because David’s 2nd born son, Kileab, was only mentioned once and may have died young. You’ll note that there are unfortunately are some parallels in David’s sin with Bathsheba and Uriah with his 2 sons’ behavior in this chapter. David sinned sexually with Bathsheba – Amnon sinned sexually against Tamar in a horrible way. David sinned by ordering the murder of Uriah. Absalom sinned by ordering the murder of Amnon. Unfortunately we see a pattern of “like father, like sons…” in this chapter. I don’t think this always has to be the case in our human condition – I do believe we can be redeemed and transformed and not act in sinful ways like our parents may have acted. But, I also do believe we need Jesus to save us from ourselves – in this regard of breaking the cycle/pattern of sin and in all regards. Below is an illustration by Gerard Hoet from the year 1728 titled “Absalom’s Servants kill his brother Amnon at a Feast”:
Well.. this is a tough couple of chapters to read today! On one hand we see David showing much grace to Absalom and meanwhile Absalom is plotting to rebel against his father and then does so! At first glance it makes me wonder what on earth was David thinking? Why did he bring Absalom back to Jerusalem? But, I believe David was doing the right thing. Absalom was his son. David was trying to restore that relationship. I think about this with people in my life who have maybe “stung” me in some way. On the one hand I want to write them off – believing that they will sting me again. And maybe they will… but, I don’t think writing people off is healthy ultimately for me and I don’t think it is the right thing to do. I think showing grace, forgiveness and compassion is the right thing to do. I think David did this – and then he wisely got out of town when he realized Absalom was up to no good! So, he didn’t completely let Absalom walk all over him. He still used wisdom. I don’t know… this is a tough couple of chapters. What do you think? Did David do the right thing by bringing Absalom back to Jerusalem? Do you see any parallels in your life where someone has stung you – and then perhaps stung you again? Was it still maybe the right thing to do to show them grace and forgiveness? And maybe even to do so again? Below is twentieth century Russian painter Marc Chagall’s “David and Absalom” from today’s readings in 2 Samuel 14:33 – “So Joab came to the king, and told him; and when he called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom.”
Bible.org’s commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled “Tragedy in the Royal Family” is at this link and “Absalom” is at this link.
Worship Video: Our readings today reminded me of FFH’s song “Undone:”
Have you come Undone? Click here and be re-made!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Amnon became so obsessed with his sister Tamar that he made himself ill.” 2 Samuel 13:2 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you will never become obsessed with another human. Pray that you will only be obsessed in pursuing God’s love and righteousness in your life through a saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
