David And Absalom Series

December 17, 2022

Years went by… Absalom (3rd son) had a sister, Tamar. Amnon (1st son) “loved” Tamar – so much so that he made himself ill because he couldn’t have her. Amnon’s friend, Jonadab suggested that he pretend to be ill and ask Tamar to bring him some food.

• 2 Samuel 13:11-13 - But when she brought them near him to eat, he took hold of her, and said to her, "Come, lie with me, my sister." She answered him, "No, my brother, do not force me; for such a thing is not done in Israel; do not do anything so vile! As for me, where could I carry my shame? And as for you, you would be as one of the scoundrels in Israel. Now therefore, I beg you, speak to the king; for he will not withhold me from you."

After Amnon raped Tamar, the Bible says that he hated her with as much passion as he had loved her.

• 2 Samuel 13:15-17 - …. Amnon said to her, "Get up and get out!" "No!" she said to him. "Sending me away would be a greater wrong than what you have already done to me." But he refused to listen to her. He called his personal servant and said, "Get this woman out of here and bolt the door after her."

Tamar told Absalom what happened and he told her to keep quiet about it. From that moment, Absalom hated Amnon.

David was also told of Amnon’s sin, yet he did nothing:

• Ellen White {PP 729.2} - With the memory ever before him of his own transgression of the law of God, David seemed morally paralyzed; he was weak and irresolute, when before his sin he had been courageous and decided. His influence with the people had been weakened. And all this favored the designs of his unnatural son.

It would seem that Amnon had got away with it……

2 years went by… Absalom invited all his brothers, including Amnon, to join him in sheering the sheep.

Absalom instructed his servant to get Amnon good and drunk and them kill him. Amnon died and the rest of David’s sons ran away. It was reported to David that Absalom had killed ALL his sons. David was so upset that he tore his robe and fell on the ground but was then told the report was not accurate - only Amnon was dead.

Meanwhile, Absalom fled to Geshur – home of his mother’s family – and remained there for 3 years.

David grieved more for Absalom than he did for his dead son, Amnon.

When Absalom finally returned to Jerusalem, he was not permitted to see David for another 2 years.

5 years have gone by since Absalom killed Amnon…..

• 2 Samuel 14:25 - Now in all Israel there was no one to be praised so much for his beauty as Absalom; from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.

In time, father and son were reunited, but the damage was irreparable. Absalom began to intentionally court the people of Israel and he “stole away the heart of the people” – he was plotting for the throne.

• Ellen White {PP 730.1} Fomented by the artful insinuations of the prince, discontent with the government was fast spreading. The praise of Absalom was on the lips of all. He was generally regarded as heir to the kingdom; the people looked upon him with pride as worthy of this high station, and a desire was kindled that he might occupy the throne. "So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel." Yet the king, blinded by affection for his son, suspected nothing. The princely state which Absalom had assumed, was regarded by David as intended to do honor to his court--as an expression of joy at the reconciliation.

He asked his father for permission to sacrifice to the Lord, but it was all a ruse:

• 2 Samuel 15:10-12 - Absalom sent secret messengers throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, "As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then shout: Absalom has become king at Hebron!" Two hundred men from Jerusalem went with Absalom; they were invited guests, and they went in their innocence, knowing nothing of the matter. While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, from his city Giloh. The conspiracy grew in strength, and the people with Absalom kept increasing.

Absalom was now coming for David. He wasn’t content with A throne; he wanted THE throne and that meant Jerusalem.

A messenger got word to David in time for him and his household – except for the 10 concubines he left behind - to leave the city before Absalom arrived.