2 Samuel 13

2 Samuel 13:1

III. DAVID’S TROUBLES (Chaps. 13-20) A. Rape of Tamar by Amnon (13:1-19)13:1-14 Absalom was David’s son by Maacah, whereas Amnon was a son by Ahinoam; thus they were half-brothers. Amnon lusted after Tamar, the lovely full sister of Absalom, and therefore his own half-sister. He did not see how he could get near her because of her secluded life and her purity. Then Jonadab (David’s nephewv. 3) suggested a solution. By pretending sickness, Amnon lured her into his bedroom to nurse him and then forcibly raped her. 13:15-19 After the crime was committed, he hated her more than . . . he had ever loved her, as is so often the case. Lust and hatred are closely related. He tried to get rid of her, but she would not leave. So he finally had her expelled by force, hoping that “out of sight” would be “out of mind.” She wore the symbol of mourning, and this alerted Absalom to what had happened.

2 Samuel 13:20

B. Absalom’s Revenge on Amnon, and Absalom’s Flight (13:20-39)13:20 Absalom comforted Tamar as if he did not think it was very serious, but actually he was already plotting revenge against Amnon. Disgraced and unwanted for marriage, through no fault of her own, Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom’s house. This probably means that she lived and died unwed. Lust hurts the innocent as well as the guilty. 13:21 Though David was very angry, he did not punish Amnon as he should have doneprobably because his own sin was so fresh in everyone’s mind. He knew his duty, but his hands were tied. This is what willful sin does in robbing us of moral freedom, liberty of speech and testimony (Daily Notes of the Scripture Union). The fact that Amnon was his firstborn (1Ch_3:1) and the natural successor to the throne might also have influenced David. 13:22-29 Absalom waited his time for vengeance. It came after two full years. A great celebration was planned, as always, at the time of sheepshearing near Bethel. Absalom’s urgent invitation failed to attract his father, probably because David wanted to spare his son heavy expense. But it did succeed in bringing all the king’s sons, and most important of all, Amnon, who as the eldest son represented his absent father. At a predetermined signal, Absalom’s servants killed Amnon. The rest of the princes fled back toward Jerusalem in panic. 13:30-36 In the meantime, news reached David that Absalom had killed all of his sons! Again David was plunged into mourning. Jonadab corrected the false report with the information that it was only Amnon who was dead, and that Absalom had plotted his death since the day that Tamar was violated. Shortly thereafter David’s sons returned to Jerusalem with great lamentation, confirming Jonadab’s report that they were still alive. 13:37-39 Absalom fled for his life to Geshur, in Syria, where his mother had lived, and where Talmai, his maternal grandfather, was king. Absalom lived in Geshur for three years. Amnon was older than Absalom and until his death was next in line to the throne. With Amnon dead, Absalom had visions of himself on the throne. King David longed to see Absalom again, after his grief over Amnon’s death had subsided with the passing of time.