The facts of the story:
- David’s son Amnon raped his half-sister, Tamar.
- Two years later Tamar’s full brother, Absolom, avenged her by having Amnon killed.
- Absolom ran away for a period of three years; all the while David longed to see his estranged son.
- Joab designed a way to convince David to recall Absolom.
- When David refused to see Absolom for two years, Absolom lashed out against Joab and demanded an audience with his father the king.
- David and Absolom were reunited, for a time.
Meditation Points:
Is David innocent in any of this?
- Having multiple wives and children of different mothers didn’t help.
- Not doing anything when he first learned of Amnon’s sin didn’t help.
- Delaying his reconciliation with Absolom didn’t help.
Is Absolom’s conduct justifiable?
- Concern for his sister’s honor is commendable.
- His desire for justice is commendable.
- Taking matters into his own hands, going outside the law is wrong.
- Premeditated is the word. For two years Amnon’s crime developed more and more hatred within Absolom.
- Burning Joab’s fields was wrong.
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