2 Samuel 13
It is hard to tell how much time had passed. David had written Psalm 51 and shown true repentance (sort of). It might be that David hoped that what the Lord had said would not happen, or maybe he thought the threat would come from outside of Israel. I'm sure he didn't see this coming.
V. 5 The old "come and bake bread in my presence" ploy.
Apparently this was an accepted custom in that culture for a sick person. That's why David fell for this. I can imagine that if you were rich, the food was prepared by servants somewhere removed from the main living quarters, possibly in another house. Now, you have to admit, that when the right stuff is being made, it makes the house smell great. Actually, I think I have even gained weight just smelling it. That sense of warmth and wholeness and smell and, in general, the wonderfulness of it all, was probably thought to help make a sick person well.
Anyway, as silly and as transparent as this sounds to us, it probably was rational in that culture.
V. 13 This marriage would have been forbidden in Israel, meaning they would have to leave and Amnon could not be king. Under the guidelines of the Law, this kind of incest was forbidden, but it would have been no different than Abraham and Sarah, who both had a common father but different mothers.
I wonder how much this act mirrored David's interaction with Bathsheba.
V. 16 Violating Tamar like this would make her unmarryable in proper circles. Tamar was not at fault, but it would have been Amnon's responsibility to do the right thing and marry her.
V. 21 This is where David failed because of his own failure. You might have a note that the Dead Sea Scroll and Septuagint (and Luther) add, "But he would not punish his son Amnon because he loved him, since he was his firstborn." David couldn't judge him; and at the same time, he hoped that Amnon would take the throne when he died. This lack of justice created an intense hatred and bitterness in Absalom that would engulf the nation in war.
V. 23 Two years go by.
V. 26 How did David fall for this? I'm assuming that as the heir apparent, Amnon represented the king at some events and this is what Absalom was asking for. He certainly didn't want David there. He must have known that David would refuse; and so, as a compromise, he would send Amnon.
Just a speculative point here. I don't think David was a good relational communicator. He wrote wonderful songs and psalms, but as a father and as a verbal minister to his family, he seems to have been a disaster. We'll see more of that tomorrow and in the days that come.
V. 38 Three years and no communication, just brooding and sulking on David's part. And what was going through Absalom's mind.
V. 39 A very confused David, so compromised in his own heart and so anxious to have his own son sit on the throne, that he can no longer judge rightly.
John 17
Vs. 1-5 As followers of our Lord, living for and giving glory to the Father should be just as important to us.
What is the work which the father has given us to do? Jesus' work seems definite to us. Is ours less definite? We wake up in the morning, work, eat, go to bed at night, go to church on Sunday. Is that really it? Why did he leave us here when everything that church is supposed to do for us will be done for us the minute we are in heaven? So what is the life and work of a disciple, if not the harvest, sowing, and reaping? John 15:8
As a disciple, what concerns and requests do you find here from Jesus in His prayer to the Father, to help us follow Him in the harvest?
What thoughts do you find here that could help you become a better maker of disciples.
Psalm 119:81-96
What stands out to me is the longing of verses 81-82.
Notice, as you have been, the interchange between his distress and going to the word.
V. 92 I'm sure this was true for David in those long years running from Saul. I'll bet it became true for David again as his family was falling apart.
V. 93 If only that had been true of David. It needs to be true of me.
Proverbs 16:6-7
David was still a man after God's own heart and I'm sure these two verses came into play as God forgave David and as David refocused his life on following God.
If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.”
I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.
If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.
I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.
Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.
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