Solomon - From Righteousness To Idolatry

Outside of David his father, Solomon is the most famous King world wide. He's not only known for his great wisdom, wealth and power, but also as the King who built the Temple in Jerusalem. Solomon also wrote the book of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon in the Bible. As many had done after him, he started out with a bang, but ended with a whimper.

Solomon took the throne of Israel around 967 B.C. and ruled for 40 years. The first 20 years of his reign were prosperous. He took on many building projects in Israel, he ruled righteously and there was peace. As time wore on though Solomon began trusting in his power and wealth. He became proud and this was the beginning of his slide. Instead of trusting in God who gave Solomon the kingdom, Solomon began building foreign alliances through marriages. Ultimately Solomon ended up with 700 wives and 300 concubines.


"King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh’s daughter—Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites. They were from nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, 'You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.' Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love. He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray." 1 Kings 11:2-3

By Solomon's disobedience to the Law and intermarrying with so many foreign women when he became older, they influenced him into idolatry. Solomon never stopped worshiping God, but he also included other gods. (1 Kings 11:4) Solomon tolerated idolatry and compromised God's Truth for himself. He allowed paganism to mingle with the One true God and settled on worldly wisdom rather than what was divine.

"He followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites. So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the LORD; he did not follow the LORD completely, as David his father had done. On a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the detestable god of Moab, and for Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites.  He did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and offered sacrifices to their gods. " 1 Kings 11:5-7

It's fair to say Solomon ran after the flesh when he should have been following closely behind God and depending on Him to keep him on a straight path.

"For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. " Romans 8:13

He knew God's commands, he'd been tremendously blessed by God and was visited by God twice only to eventually turn away. God became angry with Solomon and promised that He would tear the kingdom away from him but for David's sake he would leave Solomon one tribe while the others would be ripped away. It would happen, God said, under the rule of his son. And it did. (1 Kings 11:9-13) Solomon gives us a clear example of what happens when we allow other things to take the place of God. Anything that does is an idol and God is a jealous God (Exodus 34:14)

Throughout history we see God waging a war, destroying, His wrath being stirred up against people for one thing...idolatry. God cannot bear idolatry. He simply cannot allow someone or something being lifted up to His place and to wear His crown. False gods have always been tolerant of each other and willing to share their thrones, but not God.

The plagues He sent on Egypt was a war against Egyptian gods. Each plague was specifically designed and purposed to attack a certain god the Egyptians worshiped, to prove to them He was the only God and all the gods they worshiped were worthless and powerless. When the Philistines took the ark and set it inside their god Dagon's Temple (1 Samuel 5) the Philistines found their beloved god laying face down with it's head and hands broken off. Dagon had no problem sharing his temple with God, but God did. Judah and Israel were eventually destroyed and the people scattered because of idolatry. Many ancient, powerful nations have been brought down because of idolatry. For Solomon to be placed on a throne that God created, for Solomon to inherit a kingdom that God put together then turn to other gods was a severe slap in the face.

Everything in the universe He created. He keeps it running. We wake up every morning because of Him. He gives us everything we need to live. He loves us, cares for us and instead of showing gratitude and proper worship, we make other things our gods as if they had anything to do with us just taking in a breath.

"But their idols are silver and gold,  made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. They have hands, but cannot feel,  feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them" Psalm 115:4-8 

What an insult to such a great Being. To attribute all of creation and even our lives and success on ourselves or something other than God's blessing and design is insulting. Idolatry isn't just a wooden, plaster, or metal image or object. It's anything we lift up in our lives that get more attention, more devotion, more love than God. It's money, other people, things we buy, things we want to buy, cars, food, success, revenge, grief, obsessions, etc. God is a jealous God and will wage a war against anyone and anything that is lifted up in His place in our heart, thoughts and lifestyles. He will not share His glory with another. Us humans are prone to idolatry. We are prone to exchanging the truth of God for a lie (Romans 1:25). We are prone to accepting anything that will cater to ourselves and turn ourselves in idols. Most men will follow certain religions because it appeals to their sinful nature. It allows them to be selfish, violent, hateful, self centered, greedy and lustful therefore they love it and will fight to keep it. Since it's in us, we need to be extremely careful.

"I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not give My glory to another or My praise to idols." Isaiah 42:8

This is where Solomon fell. It's tragic that a man so blessed by God, who was even allowed to live from birth, who was exalted to the throne of Israel for no other reason then God picked him and he turns his worship to other gods, himself and women. Solomon should serve as an example that all the wisdom he had he eventually just became a fool. For all the wealth he had Solomon became bankrupt inside and it had far reaching repercussions. Wealth is not such a blessing. The more someone has the more they're prone to turn away. In the end, it cannot save anyone. Nothing can save us but God alone. We will all still die and take nothing with us and everything we've worshiped will sit in judgment against us.

He is jealous over us, His name, His character, His sovereignty, His throne, His crown, all things He created and will not allow anything else to take His place. Sometimes He will have strike us to get us to turn back to Him and it can be devastating, but always necessary. I believe Solomon is in heaven, because years later he did repent and turn away, but like I end so many other posts...there are no great men and women of God. Only a great God.

David - The Sword That Never Left His House

2 Samuel 11

 
It was Spring, a time when Kings went to war. A time of good weather and when food would be easier to gather for a marching army. Except David. He stayed in Jerusalem while his army attacked Rabbah. This wasn't David's usual practice, but he stayed behind anyway. His lapse in judgment that Spring would have lasting, tragic consequences that would follow him for the rest of his life.

One evening that Spring, David went onto his roof of his Palace (2 Samuel 11:2). From there he could look down onto the neighboring roofs which is where he saw Bathsheba bathing. He wanted her so he asked his servants about her. They simply told him she was Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and daughter of Eliam. Two mighty, respected and loyal men in David's army who were away at war where he should have been. Spurned by his own lust, David sent for her anyway.

This isn't a case that Bathsheba didn't refuse out of fear of David. Even if she was afraid of him and what he might do if she refused, that's not an excuse. She nor David were above the law of God. (2 Samuel 11:4) She went to David and he "lay with her".

Verse 4 also points out that she was clean from her impurity. In other words she had just come off her menstruation and went through the ritual cleansing process before she slept with David. We're told this simply to make known there was no way Bathsheba was pregnant by her husband.

Afterward, Bathsheba returned home. Some time later she sent a note to David that simply said "I am with child". This was not good news for either of them. According to the Law in Leviticus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 22:22, the penalty for adultery was death. They may have been able to hide it before, but their secret was about to be blown wide open.

"He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy." Proverbs 28:13

David didn't panic at first, but instead of dealing with it righteously, he continued to try to cover it up by sending for Uriah from the battlefield (2 Sam 11:6) When Uriah returned, David made some casual conversation with one of his best soldiers. He asked how his commander Joab was. How were the men? How was the war effort going? Since Uriah was there David told him to go home to rest. David even sent food from the king's table with him so Uriah could spend a nice evening at home with his wife, whom he hadn't seen in a long time. David was sure he would sleep with Bathsheba and the baby could easily be past off as Uriah's.

(2 Sam 11:9) Uriah the Gentile was more honorable and righteous than that. He had too much loyalty to David and his fellow soldiers. Instead of going home to be with his wife, bathe, eat good food and sleep in a nice bed, Uriah slept on the floor at the king's door with the servants. Uriah didn't think it was fair that he be in comfort while so many other men were sleeping on the battlefields. When David heard this the next day he started to panic.

2 Sam 11:12 David pulled it together and told Uriah to remain in Jerusalem another two days before returning to battle. Then David called him and they ate and drank together until Uriah was drunk. David was certain now Uriah would go home to be with his wife. But once more Uriah returned to the servants and slept at the King's door. (2 Sam 11:13)

When David heard this he became desperate. In his panic he wrote a note to Joab his commander and told him that when Uriah returns to put him in the thickest part of the battle then order the men to back away from him so Uriah would be struck down by the enemy. To make it worse, David sent this note sealing Uriah's death sentence by Uriah himself. (2 Sam 11:14)

Uriah was killed and Joab sent word to David by messenger that Uriah the Hittite was dead. When Bathsheba heard her husband was dead she mourned him the customary seven days. When her mourning was over David sent for her and married her.

The damage was done and this marriage was not going to fix anything. 2 Sam 11:27 "But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD." Literally, it was pure evil to God and the consequences for David's actions would be evil. "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." Galatians 6:7

God sent Nathan the Prophet to David to expose his sins and warn him that because David had Uriah murdered "by the sword of the people of Ammon" (2 Sam 12:9) God promised David that "the sword shall never leave your house" (2 Sam 12:10). David despised God in his gross disobedience and defiance then further sinned by trying to cover it up. God spared David's life, but He would still demand restitution for Uriah. David's sin had to be judged. When Bathsheba had the baby God took its life. Though David would not eat or sleep when the baby became sick, though he fasted and prayed continuously for God to spare the baby, the baby died. By allowing the baby to live it gave occasion for blasphemy against God by God's enemies. God had to protect His own reputation, holiness and righteousness. David didn't face the full penalty for his crimes, but death isn't always a punishment. Sometimes living is worse.

Because the analogy Nathan used to confront David about his sin was that of a rich man who had many flocks ( David's many wives) stealing the only ewe lamb a poor man had (Uriah's only wife Bathsheba),  the restitution God was demanding was the same for the theft of a lamb. According to the Law, restitution for a stolen lamb was to be repaid four-fold (Exodus 22:1) David did pay four-fold eventually by losing four sons. The baby, Amnon, Absalom and Adonijah (2 Sam 12:19).

Eventually, Bathsheba got pregnant again and bore Solomon. It says "the Lord loved him" (2 Sam 12:24). and sent this message by the Prophet Nathan. God called Solomon Jedidiah which means "Beloved of the Lord" (2 Sam 12:25) We know Solomon went on to succeed David on the throne of Israel and was greatly blessed by God, but David's life from that mistake with Bathsheba cost him dearly and the sword never did leave his house. Because Uriah died so violently, violence would never leave David. David may have found grace with God in that he didn't face the full penalty of being put to death for what was done and he was forgiven, he still had to face consequences just the same. Forgiveness doesn't always mean a free pass. Sometimes God may lighten the load, but evil always follows evil and consequences always follow from our choices. If they didn't, we'd never learn.

There are no great men and women of God. Only a great God.

A Psalm David wrote after Nathan confronted him about Bathsheba and Uriah. Psalm 51...

  Have mercy on me, O God,
   according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
   blot out my transgressions.
 Wash away all my iniquity
   and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions,
   and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
   and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
   and justified when you judge.
 Surely I was sinful at birth,
   sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;
   you taught me wisdom in that secret place.

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
   wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
 Let me hear joy and gladness;
   let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
 Hide your face from my sins
   and blot out all my iniquity.

 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
   and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
 Do not cast me from your presence
   or take your Holy Spirit from me.
 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
   and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
   so that sinners will turn back to you.
 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
   you who are God my Savior,
   and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
 Open my lips, Lord,
   and my mouth will declare your praise.
 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
   you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
   a broken and contrite heart
   you, God, will not despise.

May it please you to prosper Zion,
   to build up the walls of Jerusalem.
 Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous,
   in burnt offerings offered whole;
   then bulls will be offered on your altar.

Absalom's Tragic Life

Absalom (Avshalom in Hebrew) was the 3rd son born to King David in Hebron during the early years of David's reign. Judging by Absalom's character later in life, he was a typical spoiled prince. He seemed to be a favorite of David's and didn't get much discipline growing up.

2 Samuel 14 describes Absalom as being a  beautiful man. From the top of his head to the soles of his feet there, wasn't a single fault with him and not a single person in Israel who could compare. Tall, strong, beautiful, with a head of long hair that would make most girls today despise him. He cut it yearly and the cuttings weighed about 5 pounds. 2 Samuel 14:26. He was extremely proud of it too. As per custom of the day...he probably used scented oils on it and laced jewels and gold dust in it.


 It wasn't until Absalom's young sister Tamar Tamar's Rape was raped by their half brother Amnon, who was heir to the throne, do we see Absalom's true character emerging. He took Tamar into his own home following the rape and cared for her as per custom of that day, but he never stopped stewing over what Amnon had done. It's quite possible David heard of the rape through Absalom himself, who was the first to find out about it from Tamar. If that's the case, Absalom may have demanded justice. After 2 years went by and David failed to take action, Absalom began to plot his own revenge with an eye on the throne as well.

David should have acted, but he didn't. Amnon was his 1st born, the heir to the throne. David's motives for not acting were entirely selfish. He was really protecting himself and not Amnon or Tamar. His own son had done a wicked thing and would be a huge blemish on the country and his family. It would look to everyone as if David failed as a father by not disciplining his sons. If he couldn't govern his own house how could the people expect him to govern their nation? The scandal would have rocked the entire middle east if it got out.

There's a lot of speculation people can make concerning the family dynamics in David's house. He had many wives and concubines which went against God's warning. It looks as if this created a lot of rivalry among siblings, jealousy, resentment, anger especially when a throne is tossed into the mix. After Tamar was raped, Absalom seemed to go off the deep end. When nothing was done about his sister this may have been the straw that broke the camel's back.

David was well aware of Absalom's animosity toward Amnon even though Absalom never said anything to Amnon about what happen good or bad. In 2 Samuel 13:24 Absalom invited David, all of his officials and all of his brothers to a banquet. King David declined in 13:25 by telling him it would be a huge burden to Absalom (probably financially, security wise, room for them, etc.) if he came bringing all of his officials with him. Absalom pressed his father to come anyway and still David declined, but gave his blessing. In v. 26. Absalom then tells David he wants Amnon to come.

David immediately asks "why". He was instantly suspicious of Absalom's motives. Absalom pressed him though so David gave in and sent Amnon and the rest of his sons.

Absalom then instructed his servants that when Amnon was good and drunk they were to kill him. They carried it out just as he said. His brothers then jumped up and ran for their lives thinking Absalom was picking them off for the throne. A report got to David before his sons did that Absalom had murdered all of his sons.

Grief stricken David tore his clothes and fell face down until his brother Shimeah told him "only Amnon is dead! This has been Absalom's intention ever since Amnon raped his sister!" 2 Samuel 13:32.

Absalom ran too. He not only had the future king and his brother murdered, but it was premeditated murder and the penalty was death. So he fled to his grandfather, Talmai the King of Geshur, where he took refuge for the next 3 years leaving David to mourn for Amnon day after day. Eventually time healed his wounds and he began to "long to see Absalom" 13:39

Joab knew David missed Absalom so he cooked up a scheme to get Absalom to come back to Israel. It eventually worked and after 3 years Absalom returned. But David told Joab "he must go to his own house and not see my face" 14:24. David worried if he allowed Absalom to see him he would think David condoned his sin and hoped it would draw his son into deeper repentance and humble him. Absalom didn't see David for 2 years after returning to Israel.

Eventually Absalom became impatient and sent for Joab repeatedly, but Joab ignored him. IN frustration, Absalom had his servants set fire to Joab's ripe wheat fields to force Joab to see him. That got Joab's attention. When Joab went to Absalom in a rage Absalom told him "Look, I sent word to you and said, 'Come here so I can send you to the king to ask, "Why have I come from Geshur? It would be better for me if I were still there!"' Now then, I want to see the king's face, and if I am guilty of anything, let him put me to death." 14:32

Hardly a humble, repentant man at all. Joab went to the king and was able to get David to see Absalom. When Absalom got there he bowed down before David and David showed his forgiveness of his son by kissing him. Over time, Absalom settled back into life in Israel, but began gathering men, chariots and horses. He also began inserting himself at the gate to hear complaints from the people meant for the king. Absalom would listen and settle their matters for them all the while gaining favor from the people. Whenever the people would come and bow down, he would offer his hand, pull them up and kiss them charming the pants off even the poorest.

He then would tell them "If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that he gets justice." 2 Samuel 15:4. Not only was he gorgeous (a characteristic important to people in a leader), but he was kind to them, treating them with the highest respect, kissing them even and promising them swift justice if only he had some power. I wonder if he promised a chicken in every pot too?

"And so he stole the hearts of the men of Israel." 15:6. Four years later after systematically gaining widespread favor throughout the kingdom and suckering them thoroughly, he lied to David and said he needed to go to Hebron to fulfill a vow to the Lord. David let him go not knowing Absalom took 200 men with him, who had no idea what he was up to, then sent secret messengers throughout Israel instructing them that when they heard the trumpets to loudly proclaim Absalom was king. At this point, David was old and they were probably assuming David would make Absalom King instead of Solomon since Absalom now wielded so much authority as a sort of "judge" in Israel. Let's not forget, at this point, the people loved Absalom.

While in Hebron, Absalom sent for one of David's closest counselors, Ahithophel who was now conspiring with Absalom and whose following kept growing. A messenger told David the people were following Absalom now. David packed up, gathered his officials and they ran for the hills. A revolt was coming and he was the target. With his entire household following him, David fled Israel but left 10 concubines behind to take care of the palace. Absalom returned to Jerusalem with Ahtithophel and Absalom asked his advice on what to do next. Ahtithophel said "lie with your father's concubines whom he left to take care of the palace" 16:21

Per custom, whoever had the King's harem had the throne. Absalom wasn't just happy sleeping with the women. He made a public spectacle of it by erecting a tent on the palace roof and laying with the women in full view of the people in Jerusalem. 16:22 Atithophel then instructed Absalom to send 12,000 men to go after David and kill only him. Why in the world would this man who was a trusted counselor to David for decades turn on him so viciously? Ahtithophel was the grandfather of Bathsheba 2 Samuel 11:3, 23:34 and his son Eliam (Bathsheba's father) was a close friend with Uriah her husband 1 Chronicles 3:5. Ahtithophel had a bone to pick with David and he meant to do it.

Instead, Absalom follows the advice of Hushai, another of David's trusted counselors, and decides to go with an vast army to slaughter David and his men. But Hushai secretly sent David a message telling him what Ahtithophel had advised, his own advice and what Absalom was planning to do. David and his men crossed the Jordan after getting the message to avoid Absalom. When Antithophel heard his advice had not been followed he went home, put his house in order then hung himself 17:23. He knew Absalom would fail and David would return. Though old, David was still a fierce warrior, military genius and his loyal men, though outnumbered, were just as vicious and fierce as the King. Absalom stood no chance and Antithophel knew his own life would be taken for treason.

Absalom had his father on the run and he chased with Israel to kill his father, but David was escaping because of Hushai. Then David sent out the thousands of men who went with him and Joab was leading them. But David gave an express command to Joab before he left "Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake." And all the troops heard the king giving orders concerning Absalom to each of the commanders." 18:5

Even after all of this David was still seeing Absalom as a young rebellious man who could be forgiven. Absalom was his son and David did love him, but still David was not handling business as he should be. David's men eventually defeated Israel's army and killed 20,000 men. Absalom ran into David's men. Riding a mule, he tried to get under thick branches of an oak tree to get away, but his long hair got caught in the branches and he was pulled from his mule.

"He was left hanging in midair while the mule he was riding on kept going. When one of the men saw this, he told Joab, 'I just saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree!' Joab said to the man who had told him this, "What! You saw him? Why didn't you strike him to the ground right there? Then I would have had to give you ten shekels of silver and a warrior's belt.' But the man replied, 'Even if a thousand shekels were weighed out into my hands, I would not lift my hand against the king's son. In our hearing the king commanded you and Abishai and Ittai, 'Protect the young man Absalom for my sake. And if I had betrayed the king by killing his son--and the king would certainly find out who did it--you yourself would be the first to abandon me!'" 18:9-13

So Joab took his javelin, went to Absalom and plunged it into his heart while he hung in the tree. Then 10 of Joab's armor bearers surrounded him and struck him to make sure he was dead. Now that Absalom was dead Joab sounded the trumpet so the men would stop pursuing Israel. They then took Absalom's body and threw it into a pit where they piled stones on top of him.

"During his lifetime Absalom had taken a pillar and erected it in the King's Valley as a monument to himself, for he thought, "I have no son to carry on the memory of my name." He named the pillar after himself, and it is called Absalom's Monument to this day." 18:18

Absalom's did in fact have 3 sons, but they died and this monument in the photo is the actual monument. Now David had to be told the news that his son was dead and his orders had not been obeyed. When the messengers reached David he asked instantly "Is the young man Absalom safe?"18:29


Absalom was dead. "The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: 'O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you--O Absalom, my son, my son!'" 18:33. Even when Joab arrived and told David he needed to go speak to his men and commend them on such a great victory David "covered his face and cried aloud, 'O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!'" 19:4.

Joab was not happy with this reaction and told David "'Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines. You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead. Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the LORD that if you don't go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come upon you from your youth till now.' So the king got up and took his seat in the gateway. When the men were told, 'The king is sitting in the gateway,' they all came before him. Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled to their homes." 19:5-8

 Those men just saved his neck, throne and family and he was worried about his son who revolted and managed to turn most of his country against him. David returned to the palace and took the throne once more. Eventually Solomon was named successor. Despite Absalom's responsibility in the whole matter, the sin ultimately returned in David's lap. By not acting on Amnon's or Absalom's gross wickedness, by not reigning in his kids and disciplining them, David enabled their behavior and helped create monsters. By not doing what was right and handing out justice, David also condoned their wickedness. He tried to protect them and himself from the consequences, but "Do not be deceived; God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows, that he shall also reap." Galatians 6:7-9

David was the first authority figure in his kids lives. If they couldn't respect his authority as a father and a ruler they would never respect anyone else, especially God's. By Absalom's rebellion, he was actually rebelling against God, thus the fight was with Him. The sin of such blatant disobedience to parents, authority figures and to God is never taken lightly and the end is always far from what we hope for...it ends in our own destruction.

Tamar's Rape

2 Samuel 13

Tamar was the daughter of King David and Absalom's full sister born to Maacah who was the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur (2 Samuel 3:3, 13:1). Absalom was the third eldest son of David. Amnon was the oldest whose mother was Ahinoam of Jezreel (1 Chronicles 3:1, 2 Samuel 3:2). Daniel was second born to Abigail.

We don't know Tamar's age, but considering she was still living in David's house and was a virgin locked away from any men other than family we can safely assume she was a young teenager. Amnon, the oldest of David's sons and Tamar's half brother, became infatuated with Tamar. Over time he began making himself  physically sick and lost a lot of weight. The problem for Amnon was Tamar wasn't only his half sister (and according to the Law he could never have her), but she was also a virgin. So even if he did try with Tamar he was well aware that both their lives would be ruined. She could never marry and would be considered unclean even if she never gave her consent and Amnon would be considered scum by all Israel and would be stoned to death.

When he became so obsessed with Tamar that he became sick, his cousin Jonadab noticed and inquired of his illness. Amnon confided in Jonadab about Tamar. Instead of rebuking his cousin, who was also the successor to the throne of Israel, Jonadab makes a suggestion to get Tamar. It's apparent Jonadab was being selfish as well. Considering Amnon was to be the next King, Jonadab was only looking out for his own best interests in the future.

"Jonadab said to him, 'Lie down on your bed, and pretend to be ill; and when your father comes to see you, say to him, 'Let my sister Tamar come and give me bread to eat, and prepare the food in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it from her hand.'" (2 Samuel 13:5)

This was a believable lie since Amnon looked physically ill. So Amnon did as Jonadab said and when David came to see his son on hearing he was sick, Amnon said  "Let my sister Tamar come and make me cakes in my sight that I may eat from her hand." (2Samuel 13:6)

Not thinking anything was wrong with that, when David got home he told Tamar to go to her brother's house and cook for him to help him feel better. As a King, David was certainly concerned about his heir to the throne. As a dad, he worried over his son's health. Being obedient, Tamar went to Amnon's house and did as she was told. When she finished, she took the tray to her brother, who was in bed, and offered it to him. He refused the tray and instead ordered his servants to leave the room. Once alone with Tamar he called her closer to feed him.

There's not much detail about the relationship between Amnon and Tamar, but it appears at this point Tamar was becoming alarmed. Amnon ordered everyone out of his room to leave them alone...red flag #1. The next red flag had to be the impropriety of a young virgin princess being alone with a man even a brother. Red flag #3...he wanted her to feed him. She didn't have time to respond or even twitch when Amnon grabbed her arm and said "Come, lie with me, my sister". (2 Samuel 13:11)

It seems Tamar had at least a suspicion by her quick response to him...

"'Don't, my brother!' she said to him. 'Don't force me! Such a thing should not be done in Israel! Don't do this wicked thing. What about me? Where could I get rid of my disgrace? And what about you? You would be like one of the wicked fools in Israel. Please speak to the king; he will not keep me from being married to you.'" (2 Samuel 13:12-13)

It's interesting to look at her argument. She was horrified, but it also shows her purity and wisdom. First she tries to reason with him theologically and immediately follows it with an argument of  morals he was violating communally in the worst way. Next she adds an argument for guilt. Guilt for her and her lost future and his...the implications socially for his evil. Next is the vengence he would face from a King and father. As if by mentioning "king" it would snap Amnon out of it. Lastly, she simply was desperate and trying to get out of the situation as quickly as possible. There's no way David would have given permission for Amnon to marry his sister. She knew this and was making a last ditch effort to get free.

Amnon didn't want to hear any of it and at that point he didn't care. He over powered Tamar and raped her. What happened next is disgustingly shocking to say the least.


"Then Amnon hated her with intense hatred. In fact, he hated her more than he had loved her. Amnon said to her, 'Get up and get out!'" (2 Samuel 13:15)

Once the act was done a few things happened to Amnon. He had finally satisfied his pent up lust for his sister. The drive and obsession that had made him literally sick was no longer there. Then came revulsion. He suddenly realized what he'd done and the atrocity of it. Overwhelmed with guilt, fear of being punished and shame, he threw Tamar out as if she was nothing than a prostitute. The sight of her only increased the horror for him.

Poor Tamar at this point was so horrified that she began begging Amnon...

"No, my brother; for this wrong in sending me away is greater than the other which you did to me."

Throwing her out was even crueler than raping her. It was now exposing her to public shame, testing God and bringing shame and dishonor on the royal family. Amnon could possibly go on with his life with no one knowing, but she couldn't. Now she could never marry or have children. Not only would the King find out she was no longer pure, but so would all of Israel. Suddenly a tragedy in private was being forced on the public. The level of Amnon's selfishness and self centeredness is shocking. Amnon wouldn't listen to her and had his servant throw her out of his house with the order "bolt the door after her".

Sobbing hysterically, her life ruined, Tamar ripped the colorful coat the King's virgin daughters wore as an expression of her violation, put ashes on her head (a symbol of deep mourning), put her hand on her head as a sign of death and wailed loudly as she left. Absalom found her coming from Amnon's and by looking at her, seeing the gestures of her mourning and hearing her wailing, he figured it our pretty fast and asked if Amnon raped her. His question was soon answered.

Calmly, and rather indifferently, he told Tamar to calm down and not take it personally. This seems odd at first, but maybe Absalom knew what his half brother was like. Did he already know Amnon was often given over to the lewdest behavior? As the heir, who would refuse him? Amnon may have done something of this order before. In any case, there was no way Tamar could be calm. There was no way she couldn't take it to heart and I think Absalom's immediate behavior was a cruel injury to her as well. He then took her to his own home where she lived out the rest of her life unmarried, childless and in her brother's care.

The next injury came to Tamar from her father, King David. 2 Samuel 13:21 says David was absolutely furious when he found out and rightly so. But ultimately David did nothing to right the severe wrong done to his daughter. As King, he should have been the first to kick in the Law and as a father he should have demanded justice for his daughter even if his son was the perpetrator, but he did neither. Because he did nothing it started the brewing of Absalom who hated Amnon for what he'd done and spent two years stewing over it until it culminated in Absolom tricking Amnon to a banquet where Absalom's servants killed him.

It was also the beginning of Absalom's rebellion against David. Having so many sons from so many different women caused nothing but strife, jealousy, favoritism and feelings of injustice. 2 Samuel 14:27 tells us that Absalom had three sons and a daughter and the daughter he named Tamar. I have no doubt Absalom loved Tamar and was protective of her. He cared for her for the rest of his life. He gave it two years before taking vengeance on Amnon himself. I'm sure he was already cooking up a scheme to kill his brother, but David had two years to seek justice for his daughter and nothing was done. This was further victimizing Tamar and pinning one son against another.

This type of situation would be extremely difficult. It was David's successor to the throne. His first born son. His beautiful little girl. How do you seek justice against your child for another child and not be affected by it? But the right thing is usually the hardest thing to do and David failed. Had he taken action, as God commanded and as morality demanded, he may not have had to deal with Absalom trying to usurp him later. He may not have been running for his life later from Absalom and Absalom may not have been killed. Not to mention the awful emotional and mental damage this heaped onto an already withering Tamar.

The greatest injustices and severest injuries come from those closest to us. Those we trusted and loved. Those who, by nature and instinct, are supposed to love and protect us. When even that is missing how does someone recover? How can we ever trust anyone when we can't even trust our own family? Tamar was not only used up and thrown out like trash by her brother, whom she obviously loved and trusted, but was further victimized by those she should have been able to run to and get immediate protection and comfort from. The worst part is not that she was ruined for any future marriage by a selfish, lascivious brother...it was the betrayal, lack of concern and lack of justice by the rest that probably caused the most emotional and mental damage. How utterly and deeply tragic.

Had David acted as King and did what was right it would have softened the blow not only for his daughter, but also for himself and his sons later. The sin found him out and his lack of concern for justice that one time brought shattering consequences for the House of David.

David

In Samuel 13:14 God referred to David as a man after His own heart. What made David special to God? Was he without sin? Nope. David made some huge blunders as King. To name just a few, there's the murder of Bathsheba's husband Uriah for example. Not to mention committing adultery with Bathsheba (Solomon's mother). He not only got Uriah's wife pregnant, but he tried to trick Uriah by getting him drunk so he'd go home to his wife and they could pass off the baby as Uriah's. When that didn't work David sent Uriah back to the front lines and told Joab through a note that when the battle picked up to have the men back away from Uriah so he'd be killed. As if that's not bad enough, David sent that note to Joab by Uriah himself. The poor man carried his own death sentence back to the battle and didn't even know it.

There's also the census he took (2 Samuel) in Israel out of pride so he could boast in his kingdom as if he made it, exalted it and sustained it himself. Then later in life we know he was a slack father. His kids ran amok and he didn't discipline them. He didn't even defend his daughter Tamar when her brother Amnon raped her. Remember Absalom his son? He took vengeance on Amnon for the rape...something David should have done. Then later Absalom caused a rebellion and usurp David.

What made David so special to God was David repented. He was humble and when he sinned he admitted it. Because David was humble he was teachable.

When Nathan the prophet went to David about Bathsheba, David admitted his guilt, humbled himself, repented and turned away from his sin. He accepted the punishment God measured out by taking the baby she was pregnant with, but because David repented, God gave them Solomon who eventually took the throne. In every instance David humbled himself to God. That's what made David special. That's what made him the apple of God's eyes and it's not something all of us can't reach. We all sin. We all blow it. But when we're humble and we repent when we've sinned, no matter how embarrassing or crushing to our pride it might be, that's when God looks at us too and says "they're after My own heart".