March 18 - II Samuel 13-16
The consequences of David's sin with Bathsheba continue to unfold in his life. The situation is compounded by the fact that David has multiple wives and concubines. His son, Amnon, rapes his step-sister, Tamar. Then, Tamar's brother, Absolom, has Amnon killed in revenge for this sin. As a result of this, Absolom flees from David because he fears his anger. In the end Absolom leads a rebellion against his father, David, and takes over the throne himself. What a mess! The whole thing was a result of David's sin. I believe God would have helped David with all of these consequences more, but there is no evidence that David was actively seeking God's aid in his family problems. He seemed to be overwhelmed by it all.
David should have dealt with Amnon's sin himself, and then Absolom would not have felt the need to take it into his own hands. It could be that David was ashamed to confront Amnon, because of his own sexual sin and the failure to control himself with Bathsheba. If this is the case, it shows that David did not resolve his sin in his own heart after being forgiven by God, so that he could move on with his life. He should have admitted he was wrong to everyone, and then stood up for the truth. This is hard when you have sinned in a particular area, but it is very important. We must not condone a sin or remain silent on a sin just because we have committed that sin in the past.
David's main sin with Absolom was the lack of communication. It was like he was ignoring him and hoping the situation would go away. That never happens. In fact, a lack of communication and the failure to resolve anger, leads to bitterness and rebellion. Absolom began to disrespect his father, because David would not step up to do the right thing, and he would not restore his relationship with his son. This is a terrible failure in any family.
It could have been that David was depressed about the whole situation. In many cases depression leads a person to cut himself off from other people. When David failed to fulfill his role as king as he should have, Absolom stepped up and filled that void. The people liked the handsome Absolom, and they made him their choice as king. Absolom chose his advisors and set up a government in Hebron. This made David retreat from Jerusalem defeated. Why did this happen? Again, it could have been a result of David being depressed. He seemed so down hearted. Even when Shimei cursed him as he was leaving the city, he did not respond. He seemed despondent, and he felt that he deserved any punishment. His only hope was if God would save him, but he was unable to act on his own behalf. He was a pitiful shadow of himself, but that is what depression will do to a person.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Samuel 17-20.
David should have dealt with Amnon's sin himself, and then Absolom would not have felt the need to take it into his own hands. It could be that David was ashamed to confront Amnon, because of his own sexual sin and the failure to control himself with Bathsheba. If this is the case, it shows that David did not resolve his sin in his own heart after being forgiven by God, so that he could move on with his life. He should have admitted he was wrong to everyone, and then stood up for the truth. This is hard when you have sinned in a particular area, but it is very important. We must not condone a sin or remain silent on a sin just because we have committed that sin in the past.
David's main sin with Absolom was the lack of communication. It was like he was ignoring him and hoping the situation would go away. That never happens. In fact, a lack of communication and the failure to resolve anger, leads to bitterness and rebellion. Absolom began to disrespect his father, because David would not step up to do the right thing, and he would not restore his relationship with his son. This is a terrible failure in any family.
It could have been that David was depressed about the whole situation. In many cases depression leads a person to cut himself off from other people. When David failed to fulfill his role as king as he should have, Absolom stepped up and filled that void. The people liked the handsome Absolom, and they made him their choice as king. Absolom chose his advisors and set up a government in Hebron. This made David retreat from Jerusalem defeated. Why did this happen? Again, it could have been a result of David being depressed. He seemed so down hearted. Even when Shimei cursed him as he was leaving the city, he did not respond. He seemed despondent, and he felt that he deserved any punishment. His only hope was if God would save him, but he was unable to act on his own behalf. He was a pitiful shadow of himself, but that is what depression will do to a person.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Samuel 17-20.