Bible Pathways - April 15, 2006

April 15, 2006

In Today's Reading:

Rape, incest, and murder occur among David's children; Absalom flees to Geshur in Syria (Aram); Absalom's return

Absalom's sister Tamar was the beautiful daughter of King David by Maacah . . . of Geshur (in Syria). David's oldest son, Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, was about 20 years of age when he pretended to be sick and asked his father David to send his half-sister Tamar to prepare him a meal (II Samuel 3:2-3; I Chronicles 3:1-2).

And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister. And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force (degrade) me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not . . . this folly (disgusting thing). . . . Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her. Then Amnon hated her exceedingly (intensely). . . And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone (II Samuel 13:11-15). After his brief moment of lustful gratification, he forced her out of his home and locked the door. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house (13:20).

When David learned of Amnon's deception and wicked sin against his daughter, he was very wroth (angry). And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced (raped) his sister Tamar (13:21-22). Amnon was David's firstborn son and heir to the throne. David took no legal action, even though the Law of God demanded the death sentence for rape (Leviticus 20:17).

After two full years . . . Absalom invited all the king's sons (to a great feast). . . . Now Absalom had commanded his servants . . . when I say unto you, Smite (strike) Amnon; then kill him. . . . And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded (II Samuel 13:23-29). Absalom fled for safety to Geshur where he lived with his grandfather for three years (13:37-38).

A parent can experience no greater suffering than to see his own sin repeated in his children's lives. We cannot undo past sins, failures, and wasted time, but Christians are assured that, if any man sin, we have an Advocate (a Defender, a Defense Attorney) with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous: And He is the propitiation (the atoning sacrifice) for our sins (I John 2:1-2).

Word Studies:

13:4 lean = depressed, losing weight; 13:5 make thyself sick = pretend to be sick; 14:2 feign = pretend; 14:4 did obeisance = showed respect; honor; 14:7 quench my coal which is left = destroy the last of my family; 14:11 suffer = allow; 14:21 done this thing = granted your request; 14:26 polled his head = cut his hair.

Christ Revealed:

Through David's restoration of Absalom (II Samuel 14:33). If an earthly father's compassion reconciles him to his estranged son, how much more will our loving Heavenly Father reconcile us to Himself when we confess and forsake our sins. God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing (counting, crediting) their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation (II Corinthians 5:19).

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Howard Berman (CA) and Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (MD) Country: Russia (150 million) northeastern Europe and northern Asia · Major language: Russian · Religious freedom · 55% Russian/Armenian/Georgian/Old Believers Orthodox; 9% Muslim; .8% Shamanist/animist; .7% Protestant; .6% Buddhist; .5% Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to lead you in all that you do (Matthew 6:13).

Optional Reading: Acts 16

Memory Verse for the Week: I Samuel 15:23