FRIDAY 18 March, 2016
Trying to Resist with Reason
But she answered him, “No, my brother, do not force me, for no such thing should be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing! And I, where could I take my shame? And as for you, you would be like one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, please speak to the king; for he will not withhold me from you.” - 2 Samuel 13:12-13
Tamar tried to desperately reason with Amnon. She pleaded, to remind him that it would be a terrible act that violated God’s law. A similar outcry was given by Dinah’s brothers when she was raped by the Prince of Shechem:he had committed an outrage in Israel by lying with Jacob’s daughter, for such a thing ought not to be done (Genesis 34:7).
Tamar also reasoned with Amnon to ask the king to give her to him in marriage. Where physical desires were acceptable, marriage was honorable. Finally, she appealed the disgrace and shame she would suffer and he would be always known as a wicked fool in Israel.
Amnon reminds me of Nabal, whose name means “fool”. David became angry when Nabal slighted him when he asked for supplies for his men. They had guarded freely his servants and flocks and he expected a gracious reply. Nabal offered nothing except an insult. David’s quick temper was aroused and he set off to slaughter everyone. Abigail’s was wise and able to reason with David. He listened and through Abigail wisdom and humility her household, including Nabal was saved from destruction (1 Samuel 25).
Will you ignore wise reasoning and be known as a fool like Amnon and Nabal or chose to be wise, like David who listened to godly reason?
He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,
But whoever walks wisely will be delivered.
~Proverbs 28:26~
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