Thoughts
Samuel 13
Amnon, David’s eldest son with Ahinoam, becomes obsessed with his half-sister Tamar (the daughter of David and Maacah, Absalom’s sister).
With the help of his cousin Jonadab, Amnon deceives Tamar into coming to his house under the pretense of illness.
He then forces himself on her, despite her pleas to stop. Tamar begs him not to disgrace her, even suggesting marriage as a better alternative, but Amnon refuses. After the rape, Amnon’s “love” instantly turns to hatred and disgust, and he orders Tamar out.
Tamar mourns, tearing her ornate robe (a symbol of virgin princesses) and putting ashes on her head. Her brother Absalom takes her in, telling her to keep silent, though he clearly holds anger against Amnon.
King David is “furious” when he hears of the incident but does nothing to punish Amnon.
- This reminds me of how Jacob reacted to Dinah’s rape.
Two years later, Absalom plots revenge. During a sheep-shearing festival, he commands his servants to kill Amnon after he has been drinking.
Absalom then flees to his grandfather (Talmai, king of Geshur), where he stays for three years.
Side note: There are many parallels between Jacob and Dinah & David and Tamar’s stories. Both daughters are raped and both fathers fail to do anything. It’s not until the brothers come in and use murder as revenge (which then they are both punished for). Eli and Samuel have ‘similar’ parenting styles of staying silent to their sinful sons. Even though Jacob, David, Eli, and Samuel were huge parts of the Bible they seemed to really struggle in fatherhood. Is the text trying to show the difference between imperfect fathers vs needing a Perfect Father?
Samuel 14
Absalom has now been in Geshur for three years after killing Amnon.
David wanted to see Absalom but didn’t really take steps to bring him back. Joab, David’s military commander and nephew, noticed this and devised a plan.
He sent a wise woman from Tekoa to act out a parable before the king (much like Nathan had done earlier in chapter 12).
- She pretends to be a widow with two sons. One son killed the other in a fight.
- Now her family demands she hand over the guilty son for execution, but if she does, her husband’s line will be cut off.
- David promises to protect her remaining son from vengeance.
- Then she turns the story back on him: If he shows mercy to her son, why won’t he bring back his own banished son, Absalom?
David allows Absalom to return to Jerusalem, but he refuses to see him face-to-face.
The text highlights Absalom’s appearance as he had no physical blemish, and his long hair was so heavy that it was cut only once a year and weighed out.
- Absalom also had three sons and a daughter, Tamar (named after his sister).
Absalom lived in Jerusalem for two years without seeing David. Finally, after pressuring Joab to intervene, Absalom is allowed into David’s presence.
Samuel 15
Psalm 3, 41, 61, 62, and 63 were written during this period.
After renewing his relationship with David, Absalom begins plotting to steal the throne. He acquires chariots, horses, and 50 men to run before him (basically acting like royalty).
Every morning he stations himself at the city gate, where people come to see the king. Absalom greets them warmly, listens to their cases, and tells them, “If only I were judge in the land, you would get justice.” Over time, “he stole the hearts of the men of Israel.”
After four years (some manuscripts say forty, but most agree it was four), Absalom asks David for permission to go to Hebron to fulfill a vow to the Lord.Instead, Absalom sends secret messengers through Israel, announcing that when the trumpet sounds, people should declare him king in Hebron.
He gathers 200 men from Jerusalem, not knowing his true plan.He also recruits Ahithophel, David’s trusted counselor, which strengthens his conspiracy.
A messenger tells David that the hearts of Israel are with Absalom. David decides to flee Jerusalem with his household and loyal servants, fearing destruction if they stay. He leaves ten concubines behind to care for the palace.
Many accompany him:
- The Kerethites and Pelethites (royal guards)
- Ittai the Gittite, a foreigner from Gath.
Zadok and Abiathar (the priests) bring the ark of God, but David sends it back, saying that if God favors him, He will bring David back to see it again.
David goes to the Mount of Olives to mourn. When he hears that Ahithophel is with Absalom, he prays that God would “turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness.”
David sends his friend Hushai back into Jerusalem to serve as a spy.
Questions
Why does it say Absalom’s daughter was a beautiful woman if the rape only happened 7. years prior to the mention of his daughter (named after Tamar). Did he name his daughter Tamar before the assault?
Why does Tamar (the sister) disappear completely after her assault? Doesn’t she deserve a line or two about what happened to her? Was she desolate for life?
Application
Weak leadership destroys families (and more). We see David fail to confront his son who assaulted his daughter. Then, when Absalom killed his brother, David again stayed silent. By refusing to deal with sin, David allowed it to grow unchecked, leading to murder and ultimately the near overthrow of his kingdom. When we ignore destructive behavior in our homes, churches, or communities, sin can grow out of control. Silence in the face of uncomfortable situations may feel easier in the moment, but it only creates deeper wounds and bigger problems later. Wherever we may lead, God calls us to both address sin and extend grace when necessary.
Jo Reads The Bible 
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