2 Samuel 12.26-13.33: The Grim Reaper and the Wild Oats

The consequences of David’s sin follow him into this chapter. Amnon has a crush on his beautiful half-sister Tamar. His ‘friend’ Jonadab devises a clever plan for Amnon to get alone with Tamar. King David seems to be unaware of Amnon’s intentions. ‘No’ doesn’t mean ‘No’ for Amnon and he ends up sexually assaulting Tamar. Tamar’s brother Absalom is furious when he hears how his sister has been violated. Harboring his anger and bitterness for 2 years he finally arranges Amnon’s murder. Throughout this story David is a very passive parent. He doesn’t seem to pick up the sexual attics of his children. The Bible talks openly about sexual relationships and as parents we should teach our children about sexual purity early in life. God can redeem and use our failures of yesterday in this area to give hope and instruction to our children for tomorrow.