II Samuel 13 – 15 and Think Like A Man

II Samuel 13 – 15

In these three chapters, we see a fulfillment of God’s words to David indicating that David’s household would rebel against him. Amnon was David’s oldest son, whose mother was Ahinoam from Jezreel. Absalom was David’s third son, whose mother was Abigail, the widow of Nabal. I found it odd that Tamar is referred to as Absalom’s beautiful sister, not as David’s beautiful daughter.

The story of Amnon, Absalom, and Tamar is almost like a modern soap opera, with Amnon’s obsession with Tamar, the rape of Tamar, the rejection of Tamar, the eventual murder of Amnon, the rebellion of Absalom, and David fleeing the city of Jerusalem ahead of his son’s armies. These events could keep screenwriters busy for several seasons.

Another party in this story is David’s nephew, Jonadab, son of David’s brother Shimea. It certainly shows how important selecting the proper counselor is. Jonadab was a devious, seemingly sociopathic man. I wonder if he was jealous of Amnon, firstborn son of his uncle, King David. Do you suppose he was trying to stir up trouble? It sure looked that way and he certainly succeeded.

Absalom clearly loved his sister Tamar and who can blame him for being angry with Amnon. We’re told that David was also very angry, but he didn’t allow that hatred to fester and drive him to revenge.

Absalom gathered all of his brothers for a feast and murdered Amnon. Rather than helping him, his other brothers “jumped on their mules and fled.” Poor David was first told that Absalom had killed all of his brothers. Imagine his relief when he discovered only Amnon had been killed. And there was Jonadab, telling David that Absalom had been plotting to kill Amnon ever since Amnon raped Tamar.

Joab was a true friend of David and knew David was hurting because of his separation from Absalom. When Absalom killed Amnon, it was as if David lost two sons. He persuaded David to call Absalom back through some clever trickery. We’re told that Absalom had three sons and one daughter (named Tamar) – these were David’s grandchildren. No doubt they were estranged from David also.

It is clear that Absalom resented his father, maybe because he did not punish Amnon for Tamar’s rape, or perhaps Absalom resented Amnon because he was the firstborn son. In any case, he begins to turn the people toward him and against his father. Eventually, David must flee, but he sows the seeds of Absalom’s eventual destruction. How David must have continued regret his sins, knowing that all of the trouble with Absalom was a result of it. Yes, God forgave him, but there were still consequences to what his sin set in motion.

Tomorrow, it’s Psalm 3, 4, 12, 13, 28, and 55.

Think Like A Man

This morning, I went to AMC and saw the movie Think Like A Man. It was based on the book, Act Like A Lady; Think Like A Man by Steve Harvey. I spent most of the movie laughing out loud. One of my favorite actresses, Taraji P. Henson of the TV show Person of Interest played a great part. I couldn’t really have named anyone else in the movie, but the entire cast did a great job.

See it if you get a chance.

Until next time….