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Karl Ihfe explores the devastating relational brokenness in David's family from 2 Samuel 13, where David's failure to act at critical moments led to catastrophic consequences. Despite David's love for his children, he failed at three crucial crossroads: he wouldn't confront Amnon after raping Tamar, he refused to truly listen to Absalom after years of estrangement, and he didn't speak the necessary words until after Absalom's death when all he could say was "my son, my son." Ihfe challenges us to recognize similar crossroads in our own relationships, emphasizing that love requires more than feelings—it demands courageous action. Whether confronting difficult situations, truly listening to others, or speaking words that need to be said (like "I'm sorry" or "I forgive you"), we must act before regret sets in. The sermon concludes by pointing to Jesus as "the living Word" (John 1:14) who doesn't just feel love but actively intervenes in our lives. https://bwaychurch.org
Some love falls apart. Some conflict builds worlds.What makes the difference?In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful teachings in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers 5:16–17):“Any love that depends on something—when that thing ceases, the love also ceases. But a love that does not depend on anything will never cease.”“Any dispute that is for the sake of Heaven will have a lasting outcome, and one that is not for the sake of Heaven will not have a lasting outcome.”With vivid examples—Amnon and Tamar's destructive love vs. David and Jonathan's deep bond; Korach's rebellion vs. the debates of Hillel and Shammai—this Mishnah gives us a roadmap to understand what makes relationships endure and disagreements bear fruit.Excerpted from my book, Living Beautifully - how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - gilaross.com/book
2 Samuel 14 speaks of how Joab was able to make a plan for Absalom to brought home from his exile in Geshur. Joab sought to restore himself to David knowing that the king's heart was longing for Absalom's return. So Joab approached a wise woman from Tekoa to pretend to be a mourner who sought the king's judgment on a vexing problem. Having pretended to David that her two sons had fought and one of them had died and the magistrate of her region was insisting that the murderer be slain. The woman said that if this happens she will be childless. King David promised her protection from retribution. How true were the wise woman's words: "We all are like water spilled on the ground that cannot be gathered again"? Then after the king had promised to protect her son she confronted the king with the inconsistency of his determination. Why do you not act in the same way and protect your son - Absalom? David discerned that the exercise had been planned with the woman by Joab. The king agrees to let Absalom's banishment end. She also praises David's wisdom and discernment and says May God be with the king. Verses 21-24 tells us that David sent for Joab to arrange Absalom's homecoming. When Absalom returned home the king had no communication with him and effectively put Absalom in home detention. This continued for two years. Verses 25-27 speak of Absalom's natural beauty and his pride. These verses say that Absalom had a magnificent head of hair that he had cut once a year. Absalom had three sons and one daughter - Tamar. His daughter was the one who had been defiled by her uncle Amnon. Those events and Amnon's murder at the hands of Absalom are referred to in chapter 13. Absalom could not tolerate being excluded from the king's court so he sought for Joab to come and arrange for his acceptance by his father. Because Joab didn't respond to Absalom's summoning him Absalom had his own servants set Joab's fields on fire. The irate army captain came to Absalom and facilitated Absalom's restoration to David's favour. But Absalom had now made a bitter enemy who in time to come would exact his revenge on David's son. In Jeremiah 18 we are told one of the greatest lessons as to how the Almighty makes people and teaches us that He alone has the right to choose and the right to reject. We the clay in the Master Potter's hands cannot question His choices or His right to exercise His will. Jeremiah 18:1-4 tells us that the prophet is told by God to go to the house of the Potter. Here he watches the Potter skilfully and laboriously shape a vessel only to smash it and start again to reform it. In verses 5-11 the prophet is told that what he has seen reflects God's prerogatives and choices with nations and individuals. He may do as He wills and no one has the right to question Him. And for the nation of Judah they are to be smashed by the Babylonians. Verse 12 tells of the rebelliousness of the nation which was of course the source of their calamities. Verses 13-17 show that Judah's behaviours are contrary to what is learned from nature. And so the LORD would scatter them out of His Land. Verse 18 reveals that the leaders set out to slander Jeremiah. Verses 19-23 say that their Sovereign will recompense them for the evil done to His faithful prophet in addition to their treachery against Yahweh. The Apostle Paul in Romans 9 where he speaks of the doctrine of Divine election ie selection, talks of the lessons from Jeremiah 18 - that the Almighty chooses for reasons we may not know, and, that we can never, since we are but the clay, question why, or what, He chooses: Romans 9:6-33. Read these carefully and meditate on the lessons for you. Additional thoughts can be found in 2 Timothy 2 verses 19-21. Let us diligently follow the LORD's ways, His predetermined acceptable pattern of life. In the book of Romans we have one of the three most masterful treatments as to how God saves: often called either "the atonement"; or "reconciling" (the others being Galatians and Hebrews). This book says it tells us about Jesus the Christ who was declared to be the Son of God by the power of his resurrection: Romans 1 verse 4. Note the frequent use of "Christ" in the first eight verses. One of the great themes of the book are 'the obedience of faith', ie that obedience will be the fruit that springs from a vibrant faith - verse 5. This idea is reiterated at the end of the book: chapter 16:25-27. The first chapter introduces us to "the gospel of God" ie the joyful message that it is the desire of the Almighty Creator to help us through our belief, or faith, to become His children and the inheritors of the Kingdom. Paul's thesis is explained in verses 16-17 - namely that the gospel is God's power to save all who believe; since the OT declared in Habakkuk 2 verse ;4, "the just shall live by faith". Romans 1 verses 18-32 speak of God's wrath on unrighteousness, particularly in this chapter in the Gentile world. And this theme is developed further in chapter two where Paul shows that the Gentile world is both guilty and without any excuse. Romans 1 verses 18-25 reveal that our Omnipotent Creator has provided indisputable evidence of His power. So that wilfully ignorant sinners stand condemned by their reprobate behaviour. By failing to accept the evidence that the Almighty puts before the world of His creative power and Godhead they are self condemned and have degenerated just as their concept of their own origins is also corrupt. Professing themselves to be wise showed that they were, in fact, fools. We find that base beliefs lead to base behaviours. The Apostle Paul speaks of the abominable ways that have been declared acceptable to contemporary society. If God says a thing is wrong it remains wrong regardless of what the majority of society may believe. Consider the catalogue of evil behaviours follow from an acceptance of a corrupting lifestyle. In Romans 2 verses 1-5 Paul tells us that those who fail to stand, whether Jew or Gentile, for their Sovereign's truth are without excuse. The Apostle says that these individuals are building up a store of wrath in the day of judgment. Verses 6-11 explain that since God is just so will His judgment be. Either we by our beliefs and way of life are seeking immortality ie eternal life; or we are going to receive retribution and rejection. In chapter three the Apostle will turn his attention to the Jews who are gloating over Paul's attack on the Gentiles. But before he does that he will condemn Jewish hypocrisy and declare that Jews who boast in the Law are condemned by their Law because of their actions which are contrary to the spirit of the Law. And even some of the Gentiles who know not God's Law are better in their behaviour than those who claim to be the children of God.
In 2 Samuel 13 we see further consequences of the sword coming to David's house. Verses 1-22 speak of Amnon's intense desire for his half sister Tamar. His cunning friend Jonadab helped Amnon plan the defiling of Tamar. A strategy was devised for Amnon to feign sickness and to request of David his father to ask Tamar to look after her half brother by cooking Amnon food. Amnon tricks Tamar into preparing the food in his bedroom. Then Amnon demanded that all his servants leave his presence while he forces his unwanted pent up desires on Tamar. Tamar pleads with Amnon not to follow through with his demands but to ask David for permission to marry her. The king's son refuses and carries through with his vile act. Then Amnon, loathes her and thrusts her from his company and commands that the door be locked after discarding her. Hear the disdain in Amnon's voice as he refers to his sister as "this woman". Tamar tore her beautiful royal robes and cried putting ashes on her head. Absalom, Tamar's brother, conceals his vehement anger and tells his sister to go home and keep quiet. David was greatly angered by Amnon's crime. But rather than deal with the problem David simply avoids talking to Amnon. Absalom on the other hand plans his revenge. Verses 23-33 tell us that these matters continue unchanged for two years until Absalom arranges with a celebration at the end of shearing to which he insists all the king's sons be present. Absalom commands his servants to slay Amnon. The ensuing chaos sees the remaining king's sons excepting Amnon and Absalom flee to their father. The first report speaks of all the king's sons being slain. Then Jonadab clarifies by saying to David that Amnon alone has died and that Absalom had probably planned this after Tamar's defiling. Verses 34-39 tell of the king's sons coming as Jonadab had predicted. Absalom fled to his maternal grandfather Talmai king of Geshur. David mourns the death of Amnon until eventually being reconciled to the loss and then David longed to be reunited with Absalom. In Jeremiah 17 verses 1-4 the Almighty tells the prophet that Judah's sin was graven with an iron pen. The figure suggests that the nation's ways were fixed like an adamant stone, but the LORD was able to record and punish their iniquities. The word picture is also used when Job describes his desire that his belief in the resurrection be inscribed with an iron pen: Job 19 verses 23-27. Verses 5-8 tell of Jeremiah's meditation on Psalm 1. If the person who trusts in the LORD is comparable to a flourishing tree planted by a river then the converse is equally true. "Cursed is the person who trusts in flesh", ie themselves. That individual is parched and starved of all vitality. Such a person is dried up and wretched and can be compared with a heath in the desert. When contemplating the Scriptures we should see what we are being taught - both positive and negative. Jeremiah here shows us how to read the Scriptures. Verses 9-10 speak of the deceitfulness of our own hearts and so to trust our own judgment is folly. The word for deceitful means "gravely, or desperately, sick". This is why we can be thankful that God is the One who tests our hearts. Verse 11 gives an example from nature of the partridge and explains how this bird's folly is like a person believing that their riches can save them. And so verses 12-13 reveal that our only hope is to trust in our Almighty Sovereign. Verses 14-18 tell of the prophet's prayer for Yahweh to support Jeremiah in the day of disaster and appropriately repaying the prophet's adversaries. The LORD commands Judah in verses 19-27 to keep the Sabbath holy - that is to forsake the nation's contempt for God's laws. To obey the voice of their Omnipotent Creator would result in the throne continuing with the kings of Judah. God in His foreknowledge had foreseen that the nation would fail to comply and so the LORD said what would happen if they failed to hearken to the voice of the LORD. Verses 24-27 therefore describe the future blessings that will come when the faithful Messiah - our Lord Jesus Christ - reigns from Jerusalem in his coming kingdom. Matthew 28 verse 1 tells that just before 6pm on the Sabbath Jesus was raised from the dead. Remember that the Jewish day began at 6pm - the evening and the morning. Christ's raising was dramatic and induced terror for the guards who witnessed the angel's powerful demonstration. Our Father ensured the sealing and guarding of the tomb to provide incontrovertible proof of our Lord's resurrection by ensuring impartial, nay hostile, witnesses who were in the pay of our Lord's enemies. Verses 11-15 speak of the authorities bribing the guards to spread the rumour that Jesus' disciples had stolen his body. The story was self evidently false for if this was true the guards would have been executed. The risen and glorious Lord Jesus Christ went to meet with his disciples in Galilee, as he had arranged before his death. The women who came to the empty tomb were instructed to tell the Apostles to go to Galilee to meet their Master. Again further infallible proofs of his resurrection were given: Acts 1 verses 1-4 and 1 Corinthians 15 verses 1-12. In verses 16-29 our Lord Jesus gave his Apostles the great commission to carry the Gospel message into all the earth. What comfort is there in his concluding words, "Lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
2 Samuel 12 is about the LORD's restoration of David from his low ebb of wilful sin against his Heavenly Father to the time of David's resuming full and free fellowship with God. The prophet Nathan is sent to king David with a parable that was designed to wake the king from his state of selfishness and stir him into a recognition of what he had done. Only true repentance could restore him and the lesson learnt becomes an impetus for each of us to turn to the LORD to find healing. Nathan tells a parable about a wealthy arrogant and self centred man who takes from the poor man a precious ewe lamb, that was like a daughter to that man. How typical it is for some wealthy individuals to believe that the destitute exist for them to be exploited. This, however, was not characteristic of David. And so David was enraged at the lack of pity which the rich man had shown. Sin was the traveller who came to David and who caused David to behave uncharacteristically. The king commanded the death of the rich man and compensation of four times the loss be paid to the poor man. This was of course what the Law had demanded for a trespass offering. This offering spoke of restitution for deceit in relation to the holy things. Nathan dramatically says to David: You are the man. David fully understands his guilt, deception and lack of pity. David is condemned by his own mouth and is worthy to die. No offering could cover his sin. All he could do was to throw himself upon the mercy of the Almighty. The prophet says that the sword would not depart from David's house. David was to pay with the loss of four sons - the child that was born of his adultery with Bathsheba, Absalom, Amnon and Adonijah. As king David had done with Uriah's wife Bathsheba, so would David's son - Absalom - do with the wives of his father David - but openly before all Israel. Nathan tells the king that Yahweh has put away David's transgression. Our sins will be forgiven if we repent and turn our hearts to our Sovereign. That doesn't mean that there will not be consequences flowing from our wrongs. Verses 16-23 tells us that the child born to Bathsheba became sick and died. David entreated his Maker to allow the child to live. The king was full of contrition and afflicted himself with fasting and not allowing music in his presence. When his son died David's servants were frightened to tell him lest he do something regrettable. But David rose up and washed putting on fresh clothes. They asked him why? He said he had hoped that God would show mercy to the child, but now the child had died entreating was pointless. David would, when he died, join his son in the unconscious sleep of death. Consolation was given to David and Bathsheba in the birth of another son who was born in a manner that pleased their Heavenly Father. Verse 26 records that Yahweh loved this child who was given the epithet - Jedidiah meaning "loved of Yah" and that child was later named Solomon meaning "peaceful". After being forgiven David wrote Psalms 32 and 51 to celebrate the mercy and loving kindness of the LORD God Almighty and to teach others about turning to their loving Father in the time of their need - see also Paul's comments in Romans 4 verses 5-8. 2 Samuel 12 finishes by describing the fall of Rabbah to Joab and the army and Joab's summoning David to be there as the city fell. It also describes David being crowned with the crown of the king of Rabbah and the great treasure taken. The Ammonites were then put to rigorous work by David. Jeremiah 16 verses 1-4 tell of the LORD commanding Jeremiah not to marry because of the nearing judgments of God on Judah. The nation would be destroyed through famine, warfare and diseases leaving their carcasses as unburied dung on the ground. Verses 5-9 speak of the vast extent of the destruction. There would be no time to mourn the dead because of the uproar and chaos that rapidly spread over Judah. Normal life would be suspended as the exiles were dragged away with hooks through their bodies. In verses 10-13 the nation would bemoan their condition and protest that they did not deserve such treatment. Verses 14-21 foretell their restoration by their Almighty Sovereign. At that time Yahweh would be known for His deliverance of His people from the northern captivity rather than when He had earlier gained a Name for delivering His nation from Egypt. Verses 16-18 reveal that prior to this time of restoring GOD would save them from life threatening destruction. Modern Israel came through great pogroms and near extinction during the Nazi holocaust. The Nazis were the "hunters" whereas the Zionists - such as Theodore Hertzl - were the "fishers" who sought to entice Jewish people to return to their ancestral homeland - Israel: see Ezekiel 37-38, Deuteronomy 28 verses 64-68. Verses 19-21 say that eventually Israel would acknowledge their sins and idolatry and finally return to the true and living God. In that day Israel will know their God by experience and not just theoretically: Ezekiel 37:28; 38 verse 23, Joel 3 verses 14-21; Romans 11 verses 13-24. Matthew 27 starts with Judas hanging himself when he saw that Jesus would not take his kingdom then, but would wrongfully suffer and submit to death. Then follow six sham trials - three before Jewish authorities and three before Roman officials. The marvel of our Lord's submission, his care and compassion for others is evident in the brief record of his crucifixion. Our Lord Jesus was totally in control of his mind despite being brutally scourged by the Romans - scourging was called the intermediate death for many a man died under the flaying of his flesh. Pilate may have hoped that the Jews would have pity on Jesus when he said: "Behold the man". But sadly they did not. Then our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified. On the stake he spoke seven wonderful sayings - each of these from the holy Scriptures. Note our Lord Jesus' incredible submission to his wrongful treatment and contemplate the lessons that Peter draws for us in 1 Peter 2 verses18-25. That Jesus had mastery over himself as well as triumphing over his foes the Apostle Paul tells us: Colossians 2 verses 11-15. Jesus was buried in the unused tomb of Joseph of Aramithea, in fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah 53 verse 9. A guard of four temple soldiers was placed at the mouth of his tomb. This would contribute to the incontrovertible evidence that would accompany our Lord Jesus' resurrection.
We all have a little crazy in our families — even King David did. As we wrap up our series on the life of David, we take a deep look into the painful dysfunction within his household and what it reveals about family, passivity, and leadership.In this powerful message, Pastor Jason unpacks the chaos between David's sons Amnon and Absalom, and shows us three biblical principles to bring health and healing to our homes:1️⃣ Tackle Issues Head-On2️⃣ Fight for Unity3️⃣ Trust God With What's Beyond Your ControlWhether you're dealing with unresolved conflict, strained relationships, or just trying to raise godly kids in a crazy world — this message brings biblical wisdom, hope, and practical tools for every family.
Today's Scripture passages are Psalm 51 | 1 Chronicles 14:3-7 | 2 Samuel 12:26-31 | 1 Chronicles 20:2-3 | 2 Samuel 13 | 1 Corinthians 7Read by Christina Edmondson.Get in The Word with Truth's Table is a production of InterVarsity Press. For 75 years, IVP has published and created thoughtful Christian books for the university, church, and the world. Our Bible reading plan is adapted from Bible Study Together, and the Bible version is the New English Translation, used by permission.SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of this podcast, use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode at ivpress.com.Additional Credits:Song production: Seaux ChillSong lyrics written by: Seaux Chill, Ekemini Uwan, and Christina EdmondsonPodcast art: Kate LillardPhotography: Shelly EveBible consultant: JM SmithSound engineering: Podastery StudiosCreative producers: Ekemini Uwan and Christina EdmondsonAssistant producer: Christine Pelliccio MeloExecutive producer: Helen LeeDisclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
Today we will reflect on 2 Samuel 13:1-22, A Broken Family. This is a story of Amnon & Tamar, and of Absalom & King David, and how Amnon abused his sister. This tore apart King David's family because he failed to hold Amnon accountable for what he did. In Bethel and in Classis Alberta North, we believe safe church policies & practices are an important and integral part of our ministries. These policies are to protect our children & those who are vulnerable, while holding us accountable for creating safe churches for everyone. We are called to love and protect each other as children of God, created in God's image and worthy of respect and protection.
Human beings are evil. We are hardwired to curate our self-image, excuse our failures, and cling to the stories that make us feel good about ourselves. The truth is, we are hypocrites—fluctuating between condemning unspeakable horrors, often hidden from public view, and idolizing the very politicians and institutional cowards who cause or permit them.The same psychological games we play to deceive ourselves work flawlessly when we're told to choose the “lesser of two evils” during election season.Listen to yourselves, habibi. You reject Scripture—yet somehow affirm its judgment against you when you call one of your human choices the “lesser of two evils.”You hypocrite.Most people will never acknowledge their complicity in the killing fields of Gaza. It's far more comfortable to live in self-deception than to face the truth about the monsters we really are.Evil functions under a triple constraint.First: your reflection, shown in a natural mirror, not of your own making. You want to look away, to forget what you see. So, you rush to the second constraint: the mirror of your fairy tales—the one that says you are the “fairest of them all.” Or worse, the artificial mirrors in your data centers, which regurgitate what everyone wants to hear, calibrated to the desires of monsters.Between these two lies the third constraint: your neighbor. The neighbor who also sees your reflection, not in the natural mirror of Scripture, but in how you behave when you follow yourself, even though they are as blind as you.In the end, the natural mirror does not care if you “speak the truth.” It already knows that you, like your virtue-signaling, murderous, failed politicians, are blind, arrogant, and evil.The mirror has only one objective: to force you to see the truth it reflects about you, and not to let you look away. Can you accept this? Can you sit with it? Or will you, once again, project your truth onto someone else caught in the same triple constraint?You hypocrite.You blind fool.On that day, no amount of pleading will bring you comfort.This week, I discuss Luke 8:31.Photo by Kyle Johnson on UnsplashShow Notes“They were imploring him not to command them to go away into the abyss.” Lk 8:31.“For if anyone is a listener of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; (τὸ πρόσωπον τῆς γενέσεως — literally, “the face of birth” or “natural face”) for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.” (James 1:23–24)παρακαλέω (parakaleō) / נ–ח–ם (nūn–ḥet–mēm) / ن–ح–م (nūn–ḥāʾ–mīm)Encourage, exhort, and comfort. Feel regret, be sorry, and console yourself. Provide comfort. Saul disobeyed God's command by sparing King Agag and taking spoils from the battle. God, through Samuel, declares that he regrets [נִחַמְתִּי (niḥamti)] making Saul king:“I regret [נִחַמְתִּי (niḥamti)] that I have made Saul king, because he has turned back from following me and has not carried out my commands.” And Samuel was furious, and he cried out to the Lord all night. (1 Samuel 15:11)Later in 1 Samuel 15:30, Saul, like Legion, makes a self-serving plea, concerned with his reputation rather than divine obedience.David's so-called consolation [נִחַם (niḥam)] in 2 Samuel was not repentance or discernment—it was political sentimentality disguised as pastoral care. It resembled the rhetoric of a liberal American politician who publicly laments starving children in Gaza, yet quietly approves weapons sales, enforces food embargoes, and suppresses dissent.David had a soft spot for Absalom, even though Absalom murdered his half-brother Amnon in a revenge killing for the rape of their sister Tamar. Instead of submitting to God's instruction, David inserted himself as judge and jury, led not by divine command but by personal affection and public image. This sentimental indulgence led to Absalom's exile, his orchestrated return, and eventual rebellion—a direct consequence of David's failure to uphold justice according to the Lord's command, rather than his personal “consolation.”And the heart of King David longed to go out to Absalom; for he was comforted [נִחַם (niḥam)] regarding Amnon, since he was dead. (2 Samuel 13:39)Pharaoh, in the following example, is lexically analogous to Legion in Luke 8:31, who pleads not to be judged, but to seek relief from consequences in lieu of repentance. In Ezekiel, Pharaoh observes other fallen nations, tyrants, and armies defeated, and finds a twisted comfort in their shared destruction:Pharaoh will see them, and he will be comforted [וְנִחַם (weniḥam)] for all his hordes killed by the sword—Pharaoh and all his army,” declares the Lord God. (Ezekiel 32:31)In this final example from Lamentations, a destroyed Jerusalem calls for God's wrath to fall upon her enemies. But unlike Pharaoh, who found twisted comfort in the judgment of others (Ezekiel 32:31), this plea arises under the unbearable weight of divine chastisement. As it is written:“The Lord is righteous; for I have rebelled against his command. Hear now, all you peoples, and see my pain; My virgins and my young men have gone into captivity.” (Lamentations 1:18)The call for vindication is not a boast but a plea, spoken on the lips of the harlot city—Jerusalem—who confesses her guilt and urges the Lord to act. Her cry for the nations to “become like me” is an appeal to divine vengeance, not for destruction's sake, but to expose their harlotry, undo their rebellion, and make possible their submission to God's command, which Jerusalem itself foolishly rejected:People have heard that I groan; there is no one to comfort me [מְנַחֵם (menaḥem)]. All my enemies have heard of my disaster; they are joyful that you have done it. Oh, that you would bring the day which you have proclaimed, so that they will become like me. (Lamentations 1:21)Luke 8:31, ἐπιτάσσω, Legion “pleads” for consolation in Luke. In Qur'an 7:14–15, this motif corresponds to a mashal with a different root, أ–م–ر (ʾalif–mīm–rāʾ), where Iblis “begs” God for respite: ن–ظ–ر (nūn–ẓāʾ–rāʾ).He said, “Grant me [أَنظِرْنِي (anẓirnī)] respite until the Day they are resurrected.”ἐπιτάσσω (epitassō...
In this sermon, Pastor Keith expounds the tragic aftermath of Amnon's sin and David's silence, resulting in Absalom's vengeful murder of his brother. He exposes the fallacy of revenge without righteousness. We are exhorted to entrust judgment to the Lord rather than taking matters into our own hands, and to wait for a King who will render righteous vengeance, which is the hope we have with the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Judge of all the earth.
In this sermon, pastor Keith looks at the consequences of King David's sin, found in the tragic story of Amnon and Tamar, and exposes the destructive and disgusting nature of sin. We learn about Amnon's untamed desire and Jonadab's deceit which leads to a disgraceful and outrageous act that is left unresolved and leaves the innocent Tamar in shame. He exhorts us to put to death the desire of the flesh lest it lead us to disgrace, and encourages us to look to Christ, the faithful redeemer and the fearful judge, who does not remain silent in the face of injustice.
A new MP3 sermon from Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Amnon and Tamar, Part 2 Speaker: Brian Schwertley Broadcaster: Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 6/15/2025 Bible: 2 Samuel 13:1-12 Length: 58 min.
Lust promises love but leaves devastation. This message traces the tragic story of Amnon and Tamar to reveal how lust distorts love, seeks validation, demands control, and ultimately brings shame. It doesn't stay private—its ripple effects harm others and even future generations. Yet, through David's repentance in Psalm 51, we see that God doesn't reject the broken. He restores them. For anyone trapped in lust or wounded by it, Jesus offers healing, cleansing, and redemption.
Amnon rapes Tamar.
For Starters 2 Samuel 15.1-12 2 Samuel 15.1 15 After this Absalom got himself a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him. After this- after what? 2 Samuel shares the story of king davids first son, and heir to the throne, Amnon. Amnon had taken his half sister, sister to Absalom, and had raped…
Today's reading includes an account of sexual violence, so listener discretion is advised. The sexual sin that began in David's heart and was executed in front of his household is now spreading throughout his family, as his sons begin to use their own power to satisfy their own lust and perversity. David's son Amnon lusts after Tamar, his own half-sister, and plots to rape her at the encouragement of his friend Jonadab. When David discovers that Tamar has been raped by Amnon, he is furious, but sadly, he does nothing to intervene. Tamar's brother Absalom is furious, setting in motion a series of events that causes havoc, not only in David's household, but in his kingdom.2 Samuel 13 - 1:05 . 2 Samuel 14 - 10:01 . Psalm 101 - 17:47 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org
Musibah dalam keluarga Daud - kebejatan Amnon dan balas dendam Absalom
A new MP3 sermon from Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Amnon and Tamar, Part 1 Speaker: Brian Schwertley Broadcaster: Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 6/8/2025 Bible: 2 Samuel 13:1-12 Length: 60 min.
Amnon's illicit lust leads him to sin.
Sunday, June 8, 2025“David's Last Days:How to Build a Happy Home”Pastor Joey Anjiki1. Broken marital relationship* 2 Samuel 3:2-5 “Sons were born to David in Hebron: His firstborn was Amnon the son of Ahinoam of Jezreel; his second, Kileab ..
When we last left King David, he had slept with another man's wife, and when it came to light that she was pregnant, he designed a conspiracy to kill Uriah in order to cover up his own adultery. Today Nathan comes to David with a word from the Lord. Because of his sin, the Lord says that he will take David's wives and give them to another before all of Israel, and by the end of our next reading, that prophecy comes true. David's sons begin to perpetuate their father's wickedness, as Amnon lusts after Tamar, his own half-sister. When David discovers that Tamar has been raped by Amnon, he is furious, but does nothing to intervene.2 Samuel 12 - 1:17 . 2 Samuel 13 - 9:01 . 2 Samuel 14 - 18:10 . Psalm 80 - 25:49 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org
In this Bible Story, we peer into the difficult relationships within David's family. One of David's sons, Amnon, rapes his half sister Tamar. And as an act of revenge, Absalom murders him. This story is inspired by 2 Samuel 13. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is 2 Samuel 13:30 from the King James Version.Episode 104: David was blessed with many children, yet because of his many marriages, this made for dysfunction rather than joy; such as the lust that Amnon had for his half-sister Tamar. He schemed with his friend Jonadab to feign sickness and raped her as she was caring for him. Running in shame to her brother Absalom she told him all that had happened. He took her in and cared for her but he also took the spirit of revenge in and nursed it in his heart. Two years later he killed Amnon and fled to Geshur.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 18 When David gave way to his lust for Bathsheba and his pride to cover his act through murder, there were some things he had not considered, namely the long term consequences of sin. Sinning against the living God is a more serious matter than we usually think it is and the dark effects of sin are both sure and destructive. David's sin had terrible effects that he had not considered in the passions of his heart. First, his sin had an effect on God's name. “. . . by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme . . .” (2 Sam 12:14). Second, his sin had an effect on others: Bathsheba, Uriah, Amnon, Tamar, Absalom. God told David of these results when He said, “Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife” (2 Sam 12:10). Third, David's sin had a long term, destructive effect on himself. In 2 Samuel 18 we see David in utter anguish and sorrow over the death of his son Absalom, 12 years after his sin with Bathsheba. “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son! . . . And the king covered his face and cried out with a loud voice, "O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!" (2 Sam 18:33; 19:4). Let us take to heart the stern warnings in the Bible concerning sin's consequences. “He who sows iniquity will reap vanity” (Prov 22:8). “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap” (Gal 6:7).
Fr. Mike preaches hope for the future of those with wounded hearts as we read the stories of Tamar, Amnon, and David. No matter what's in your past - things you've done or things that have been done to you - there is abundant hope for your future because God desires to make you whole. Today's readings are 2 Samuel 13, 1 Chronicles 17, and Psalm 35. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:2 Sam 13-14; Matt 24 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, host Hunter invites us to journey together through some of Scripture's most challenging and hope-filled passages. We begin in 2 Samuel 13-14, witnessing the heartbreaking story of David's family—Tamar's suffering, Amnon's crime, and Absalom's revenge—unfolding themes of brokenness, consequence, and the longing for restoration. The reading continues in Matthew 24, where Jesus speaks openly about the future: persecution, deception, and the enduring hope for those who remain faithful, reminding us that no one knows the hour of His return. As we reflect on wisdom from the woman of Tekoa—“our lives are like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again”—Hunter encourages us to see how, through Jesus, God makes a way to gather and restore even what seems lost. The episode wraps in prayer, drawing us into the renewing hope of the gospel and practical rhythms of daily faith. So, grab your Bible, settle in, and let's step into God's word together. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Our lives are like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. These are the wise words of the woman from Tekoa—a poignant reminder that time, opportunity, and past decisions can't be reclaimed. Brokenness, regret, mistakes—these things often feel wasted, much like spilled water. Yet, there is hope, because the story doesn't end with what we have lost. But God does not just sweep life away. Instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him. What a beautiful, powerful truth. God specializes in restoration. Where we see only what's gone, wasted, too far out of reach, God sees the possibility for renewal. He has made a way, through a king greater than David, through his own Son, Jesus. What we could not recover, Jesus gathers up into himself. Our spilled, bitter water—our failures, shame, and isolation—he meets with his living water. He exchanges our regrets for his life-giving presence. He joins us to himself, making us new, uniting us to his love, never to be separated again. So today, drink deep of these waters of life. Remember, you have a Savior who restores what has been lost. Look to him, trust in him, and let his grace draw you near. There is no past too wasted for Christ to redeem, no distance too far for him to gather you up in love. He alone can transform what was once spilled and gone, making all things new. That's a prayer I hold for my own heart: to trust his gathering grace, to let his love renew what feels wasted, and to rest in the newness he offers each day. It's a prayer I hold for my family, and for you. May you know the abundance of his living water, and may you find yourself gathered up in the fullness of Christ's love. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen. Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. And now Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness, Joy. Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life. Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL
Introduction: 1 Now Absalom, David's son, had a beautiful sister, whose name was Tamar. And after a time Amnon, David's son, loved her. 2 And Amnon was so tormented that he made himself ill because of his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed impossible to Amnon to do anything to her. 3 But…
Calvary Chapel McKinney Pastor James Marini continues a Bible study series through 2 Samuel. This week's verse by verse study is 2 Samuel 13:1-39. From Sunday, April 27th, 2025.Take Aways:1. As Amnon's unchecked lust eventually produced horrific violation that radically harmed others and ultimately cost him his life, so our sinful passions will lead to dreadful sins that we never imagined being involved with if left unchecked—“Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2 Timothy 2:222. Though Absalom believed taking vengeance into his own hands would lead to healing, it actually generated further pain and suffering for everyone involved, reminding us to trust the Lord to execute righteous vengeance—“Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you.” Isaiah 35:43. While Absalom rightly recognized that his slaying of Amnon was an unlawful act, he responded poorly by fleeing from the king in rebellion rather than humbly repenting and returning to his father who loved him—“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise.” Psalm 51:17
The consequences of David's sins against Bathsheba and Uriah begin quickly, just as the LORD had spoken. David's oldest son Amnon wickedly desires and violates his half-sister. When David takes no action, his third son Absalom waits patiently for the right time to take vengeance and assassinate Amnon. David's inaction continues for three years while Absalom stays away from Israel in exile. As one sin leads to another, the need for a greater Son of David is seen. Rev. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 13:1-39. "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org
Last year, we had a powerful conversation with author Sam Jolman about his book The Sex Talk You Never Got—one of our most-listened-to episodes of the year. Now, Sam returns to share more about the book's impact and to dive deeper into its themes. This time, he and Dan explore the biblical story of Amnon and Tamar in 2 Samuel 13, a tragic account of lust, power, and sexual violence that resonates deeply with age-old struggles of the human heart. Sam unpacks how a man's sexuality is shaped not only by personal choices but also by the unspoken legacies of family and culture. He challenges men to move beyond a simplistic “behaving vs. not behaving” mindset and instead engage their own stories with honesty, grief, and healing. Their conversation also examines the cycle of violence—how Absalom's attempt to avenge Tamar only leads to further destruction. True healing requires humility, repentance, and a willingness to confront painful histories. This conversation is a call to courage: to name harm, seek healing, and embrace a sexuality that honors and protects rather than consumes and destroys. Please note that this episode contains discussions of sexual development and sexual abuse, including rape, and may not be suitable for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised. === Are you ready to step into a deeper journey of healing? Recovery Week is a transformative, holistic experience designed to create a safe, relational space where survivors of sexual abuse can process their stories with care and courage. Here, you'll be invited to engage the deep impact of your past while discovering a path toward restoration, connection, and self-compassion. Applications are now open for our Summer 2025 Recovery Weeks. Take the next step toward healing. Visit theallendercenter.org/recovery-week to learn more.
Kevin Crow, Senior Pastor
Kevin Crow, Senior Pastor
Kencan Dengan Tuhan - Rabu, 12 Maret 2025Bacaan: "Kalau suatu kerajaan terpecah-pecah, kerajaan itu tidak dapat bertahan, dan jika suatu rumah tangga terpecah-pecah, rumah tangga itu tidak dapat bertahan." (Markus 3:24-25) Renungan: Di dalam sinetron "Kekuarga Cemara" dikisahkan sebuah keluarga yang awalnya berkecukupan, tetapi karena sesuatu hal akhirnya mereka jatuh miskin. Mereka harus tinggal di pedesaan yang jauh dari jalan raya. Kesederhanaan keluarga yang diceritakan dalam sinetron tersebut tidak menghalangi semua anggota keluarga untuk menikmati kebahagiaan Menariknya, di dalam sinetron tersebut juga tidak ditutup-tutupi adanya masalah-masalah yang terjadi di antara anggota keluarga. Tetapi, adanya masalah-masalah di dalam keluarga itu ternyata merupakan bumbu bagi keharmonisan yang bisa mereka pertahankan. Ini terjadi karena masing-masing anggota memprioritaskan keluarga. Semua anggota keluarga membangun team work yang solid dan bahu-membahu menjaga keharmonisan keluarga. Ini sesuai dengan kata-kata dalam lagu yang mengiringi penayangan sinetron tersebut, "Harta vang paling berharga adalah keluarga. Istana yang paling indah adalah keluarga. Puisi yang paling bermakna adalah keluarga. Mutiara tiada tara adalah keluarga." Bukan tidak mungkin cerita dalam sinetron "Keluarga Cemara" tersebut terjadi di dalam kehidupan keluarga-keluarga Kristen. Namun kenyataannya, saat ini tidak sedikit keluarga Kristen yang berantakan. Di dalam Alkitab pun diberikan contoh adanya beberapa tokoh yang berhasil di luar, tetapi pernah mengalami kegagalan di dalam keluarga. Salah satunya adalah Daud Tidak perlu diragukan lagi kalau Daud merupakan salah seorang ahli strategi perang dan pemimpin yang sukses. Tetapi, ternyata Daud tidak begitu cakap di dalam memimpin keluarganya. Kasus pemerkosaan Tamar, pembunuhan Amnon dan pemberontakan Absalom adalah bukti dari kegagalan Daud di dalam memimpin keluarganya. Salah satu penyebab terjadinya kegoncangan dalam keluarga adalah karena setiap anggota keluarga menomorduakan keluarga. Bapak berkata, "Yang penting aku mencari uang untuk mencukupi kebutuhan keluarga." Ibu yang menghabiskan waktu di luar juga berkata, "Aku kan membantu suami untuk menambah penghasilan." Sedang anak-anak, dengan kesibukan kegiatan sekolah, menjadikan rumah sebagai tempat untuk "numpang" tidur. Nyaris tidak ada pertemuan antar anggota keluarga. Hubungan menjadi semakin renggang. Ketika pemicu datang, keributan bahkan perpecahan sulit dihindari. Untuk itu, mari kita jadikan keluarga sebagai tempat membangun komunikasi yang indah dan menganggapnya sebagai harta yang sangat berharga, sehingga kita berusaha keras untuk menjaga keharmonisannya. Tuhan Yesus memberkati. Doa:Tuhan Yesus, bantulah aku untuk menciptakan suasana surga di dalam keluargaku, sehingga selalu ada kerinduan di hatiku untuk selalu berkumpul dan saling membantu satu dengan yang lain. Amin. (Dod).
Family relationships are a balancing act—sometimes filled with love and support, other times marked by conflict and pain. King David, a man after God's own heart, was a great leader but failed in his own home, allowing neglect and unresolved conflicts to wreak havoc across generations. From Absalom's betrayal to Amnon's atrocity, David's inaction led to devastation. But what can we learn from his mistakes? In this message, we'll uncover the hidden dangers of ignoring family dysfunction, explore how unresolved hurt can spiral into destruction, and provide a biblical blueprint for healing, reconciliation, and restoration. Don't let history repeat itself—take action before it's too late.
We wrap up our series on relationships by looking at the sin of lust through the story of Amnon and Tamar in 2 Samuel 13. We look at the different forms of lust that attempt to twist our reality and justify our actions. For more information on The Gathering, check out our website thegathering.online
How do we react to the sinners in our lives? Do we enable them? Do we hope for their demise? Or do we recognize that we are also sinners, face-planting through life, in desperate need of a savior? Today is part 2 of our parable finale through the story of the Prodigal Son. Last episode, we met Abiathar, the father, and Jarahmeel, the youngest son. Today we meet Amnon, the do-gooder - the good kid - the one who stuck around. While many people can relate to Jarahmeel’s unruly and wild spirit, I personally relate to Amnon. He’s done his best to do the right thing all his life. So, when he sees his younger brother squandering his father’s wealth and galavanting off into the sunset, he’s understandably bitter. What does Amnon’s story have to teach us? What is Jesus trying to communicate through him? Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sermons – New Life in Christ Church | Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania
2 Samuel 13:39-14:17 (ESV) 39And the spirit of the kinglonged to go outto Absalom, becausehe was comforted about Amnon, since he was dead. Absalom Returns to Jerusalem 14Now Joab the son of Zeruiah knewthat the king's heart went out to Absalom.2And Joab sent toTekoa and brought from there a wise woman and said to her, Pretend to be a mourner and put on mourning garments.Do not anoint yourself with oil, but behave like a woman who has been mourning many days for the dead.3Go to the king and speak thus to him. So Joabput the words in her mouth. 4When the woman of Tekoa came to the king,she fell on her face to the ground and paid homage and said,Save me, O king.5And the king said to her, What is your trouble? She answered,Alas, I am a widow; my husband is dead.6And your servant had two sons, and they quarreled with one another in the field. There was no one to separate them, and one struck the other and killed him.7And now the whole clan has risen against your servant, and they say, Give up the man who struck his brother, that we may put him to death for the life of his brother whom he killed. And so they woulddestroy the heir also. Thus they would quench my coal that is left and leave to my husband neither name norremnant on the face of the earth. 8Then the king said to the woman, Go to your house, and I will give orders concerning you.9And the woman of Tekoa said to the king,On me be the guilt, my lord the king, and on my father's house; let the king and his throne be guiltless.10The king said, If anyone says anything to you, bring him to me, and he shall never touch you again.11Then she said, Please let the king invoke theLordyour God, thatthe avenger of blood kill no more, and my son be not destroyed. He said,As theLordlives,not one hair of your son shall fall to the ground. 12Then the woman said, Please let your servant speak a word to my lord the king. He said, Speak.13And the woman said, Why then have you planned such a thing againstthe people of God? For in giving this decision the king convicts himself, inasmuch as the king does not bringhis banished one home again.14We must all die; we arelike water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God will not take away life, and he devises meansso that the banished one will not remain an outcast.15Now I have come to say this to my lord the king because the people have made me afraid, and your servant thought, I will speak to the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his servant.16For the king will hear and deliver his servant from the hand of the man who would destroy me and my son together fromthe heritage of God.17And your servant thought, The word of my lord the king will set me at rest, for my lord the king islike the angel of God to discern good and evil. TheLordyour God be with you!
Sermons – New Life in Christ Church | Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania
2 Samuel 13:11-33 11And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister. 12And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly. 13And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee. 14Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her. 15Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone. 16And she said unto him, There is no cause: this evil in sending me away is greater than the other that thou didst unto me. But he would not hearken unto her. 17Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her. 18And she had a garment of divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king's daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her. 19And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying. 20And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? but hold now thy peace, my sister: he is thy brother; regard not this thing. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house. 21But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth. 22And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar. 23And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baalhazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons. 24And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheepshearers; let the king, I beseech thee, and his servants go with thy servant. 25And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us not all now go, lest we be chargeable unto thee. And he pressed him: howbeit he would not go, but blessed him. 26Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go with thee? 27But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him. 28Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant. 29And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled. 30And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that tidings came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king's sons, and there is not one of them left. 31Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent. 32And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother, answered and said, Let not my lord suppose that they have slain all the young men the king's sons; for Amnon only is dead: for by the appointment of Absalom this hath been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar. 33Now therefore let not my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king's sons are dead: for Amnon only is dead.
Today's daf is sponsored by the Greenstone family in honor of Adina Haggege and Amy Fredj’s birthdays! The Gemara discusses the rights and obligations of kings: A king has the right to take half of all war spoils, which is derived from the kohen gadol's portion of the showbread. Regarding the number of wives permitted to a king, Tanna Kama rules a maximum of 18 wives. Rabbi Yehuda says there is no numerical limit, only restricted if the wives turn his heart from God. Rabbi Shimon holds that even one wife is forbidden if she turns his heart from God, and even if they are righteous, the king is still limited to 18. This creates an apparent contradiction in their approaches to deriving laws from reasoning, as here Rabbi Yehuda follows reasoning behind the commandment while Rabbi Shimon doesn't, while in other places, Rabbi Shimon typically follows reasoning while Rabbi Yehuda doesn't. The number 18 comes from verses about King David (Samuel II 3:2-5), though some sources derive 24 or 48. The Gemara identifies Egla as Michal, creating a difficulty since Michal is known to have been childless while Egla is mentioned with a child. King David had 400 children from captive women who served as warriors in his army. His daughter Tamar, who was from a captive woman, was tragically assaulted by Amnon, which led to the institution of new protective laws. The Gemara discusses Amnon's tactics and his subsequent hatred of Tamar, followed by the laws that were established to protect women from such assaults. The king may only keep horses, gold, and silver needed for royal and military duties. The Torah generally avoids giving reasons for commandments because when reasons were given for royal laws, King Solomon misinterpreted them, thinking he could circumvent the commandments while adhering to their reasoning. The king requires specially written Torah scrolls for his use, which must be prepared specifically for him. How many? for what purpose?
Revenge can be tempting after you've been wronged. When King David's son Absalom sought retaliation for the violation of his sister, he left a long trail of destruction. On Truth For Life, Alistair Begg explains why vengeance is better left in God's hands. ----------------------------------------- • Click here and look for "FROM THE SERMON" to stream or read the full message. • This program is part of the series ‘A Study in 1 and 2 Samuel, Volume 8' • Learn more about our current resource, request your copy with a donation of any amount. Helpful Resources - Learn about God's salvation plan - Read our most recent articles - Subscribe to our daily devotional Follow Us YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter This listener-funded program features the clear, relevant Bible teaching of Alistair Begg. Today's program and nearly 3,000 messages can be streamed and shared for free at tfl.org thanks to the generous giving from monthly donors called Truthpartners. Learn more about this Gospel-sharing team or become one today. Thanks for listening to Truth For Life!
Revenge can be tempting after you've been wronged. When King David's son Absalom sought retaliation for the violation of his sister, he left a long trail of destruction. On Truth For Life, Alistair Begg explains why vengeance is better left in God's hands. 2 Samuel 13:2339 To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/163/29
Revenge can be tempting after you've been wronged. When King David's son Absalom sought retaliation for the violation of his sister, he left a long trail of destruction. On Truth For Life, Alistair Begg explains why vengeance is better left in God's hands. 2 Samuel 13:2339 To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/163/29
Sermons – New Life in Christ Church | Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania
2 Samuel 13:1-21 Amnon and Tamar 13NowAbsalom, David's son, had a beautiful sister, whose name wasTamar. And after a time Amnon, David's son, loved her.2And Amnon was so tormented that he made himself ill because of his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed impossible to Amnon to do anything to her.3But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son ofShimeah, David's brother. And Jonadab was a very crafty man.4And he said to him, O son of the king, why are you so haggard morning after morning? Will you not tell me? Amnon said to him, I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister.5Jonadab 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.6So Amnon lay down and pretended to be ill. And when the king came to see him, Amnon said to the king, Please let my sister Tamar come andmake a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat from her hand. 7Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go to your brother Amnon's house and prepare food for him.8So Tamar went to her brother Amnon's house, where he was lying down. And she took dough and kneaded it and made cakes in his sight and baked the cakes.9And she took the pan and emptied it out before him, but he refused to eat. And Amnon said,Send out everyone from me. So everyone went out from him.10Then Amnon said to Tamar, Bring the food into the chamber, that I may eat from your hand. And Tamar took the cakes she had made and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.11But when she brought them near him to eat, he took hold of her and said to her, Come, lie with me, my sister.12She answered him, No, my brother, do not violateme, forsuch a thing is not done in Israel; do not do thisoutrageous thing.13As for me, where could I carry my shame? And as for you, you would be as one ofthe outrageous fools in Israel. Now therefore, please speak to the king, for he will not withhold me from you.14But he would not listen to her, and being stronger than she, he violated her and lay with her. 15Then Amnon hated her with very great hatred, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, Get up! Go!16But she said to him, No, my brother, for this wrong in sending me away is greater than the other that you did to me.But he would not listen to her.17He called the young man who served him and said, Put this woman out of my presence and bolt the door after her.18Now she was wearinga long robe with sleeves,for thus were the virgin daughters of the king dressed. So his servant put her out and bolted the door after her.19And Tamarput ashes on her head andtore the long robe that she wore. Andshe laid her hand on her head and went away, crying aloud as she went. 20And her brother Absalom said to her, Has Amnon your brother been with you? Now hold your peace, my sister. He is your brother; do not take this to heart. So Tamar lived, a desolate woman, in her brother Absalom's house.21When King David heard of all these things, he was very angry.22But Absalom spoke to Amnonneither good nor bad, for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had violated his sister Tamar.
As David's story unfolds, the once-glorious king is seen in the throes of decline. His demise is more than just a tragic historical narrative; it's a warning to each of us about the corrosive effects of sin. Hear more on Truth For Life with Alistair Begg. ----------------------------------------- • Click here and look for "FROM THE SERMON" to stream or read the full message. • This program is part of the series ‘A Study in 1 and 2 Samuel, Volume 8' • Learn more about our current resource, request your copy with a donation of any amount. Helpful Resources - Learn about God's salvation plan - Read our most recent articles - Subscribe to our daily devotional Follow Us YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter This listener-funded program features the clear, relevant Bible teaching of Alistair Begg. Today's program and nearly 3,000 messages can be streamed and shared for free at tfl.org thanks to the generous giving from monthly donors called Truthpartners. Learn more about this Gospel-sharing team or become one today. Thanks for listening to Truth For Life!
As David's story unfolds, the once-glorious king is seen in the throes of decline. His demise is more than just a tragic historical narrative; it's a warning to each of us about the corrosive effects of sin. Hear more on Truth For Life with Alistair Begg. 2 Samuel 13:2339 To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/163/29
Uncontrolled lust inevitably leads to devastation. The events involving Amnon and his half-sister Tamar make this blatantly clear. Hear their story, and learn the best question to ask yourself in any situation, on Truth For Life with Alistair Begg. ----------------------------------------- • Click here and look for "FROM THE SERMON" to stream or read the full message. • This program is part of the series ‘A Study in 1 and 2 Samuel, Volume 8' • Learn more about our current resource, request your copy with a donation of any amount. Helpful Resources - Learn about God's salvation plan - Read our most recent articles - Subscribe to our daily devotional Follow Us YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter This listener-funded program features the clear, relevant Bible teaching of Alistair Begg. Today's program and nearly 3,000 messages can be streamed and shared for free at tfl.org thanks to the generous giving from monthly donors called Truthpartners. Learn more about this Gospel-sharing team or become one today. Thanks for listening to Truth For Life!
Uncontrolled lust inevitably leads to devastation. The events involving Amnon and his half-sister Tamar make this blatantly clear. Hear their story, and learn the best question to ask yourself in any situation, on Truth For Life with Alistair Begg. 2 Samuel 13:122 To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/163/29
Pastor Marshall Ochs | December 8, 2024In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 2 Kings 21-22. These chapters focus on the decline of Israel and Judah, including the reign of King Manasseh, whose sinful actions led to God's judgment. Despite the wickedness of his son Amnon, God's promise remained, and a new king, Josiah, brought a brief period of restoration through repentance, reform, and a return to God's Word. Josiah's reign highlights the importance of hearing and obeying God's Word, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of these principles in Jesus Christ. Jesus' Advent offers a far greater hope, bringing heart transformation, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, and the promise of a new covenant that brings salvation, adoption, and eternal restoration.
Fr. Mike preaches hope for the future of those with wounded hearts as we read the stories of Tamar, Amnon, and David. No matter what's in your past - things you've done or things that have been done to you - there is abundant hope for your future because God desires to make you whole. Today's readings are 2 Samuel 13, 1 Chronicles 17, and Psalm 35. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.