ABSALOM SERIES: REVENGE

After hearing of his birth in 2 Samuel 3:2-3 and 1 Chronicles 3:1-2, there is no more information shared on the childhood of Absalom. The next time Absalom is mentioned in the scriptures is in 2 Samuel 13, after a terrible event which begins a time of reaping for King David via his sons as prophesied by Nathan (2 Samuel 12:9 -12).

Just as King David lusted after Bathsheba, his first son Amnon born to him by Ahinoam, the Jezreelitess, lusted after a female, and unfortunately, it was his half-sister, Tamar. Amnon thought it was love; however, it was perverted incestuous lust. Knowing the strict protocol and seclusion for a virgin princess and the laws prohibiting a romantic relationship with a half-sister Amnon became physically frustrated (Leviticus 18:11, 20:17).

With the advice of his cousin Jonadab, he devised a plan using his father to get his sister to come to his house and fix him something to eat. Upon Tamar’s arrival at his home, Amnon requested her to make him some cakes, which she did. After sending away his servants, Amnon raped Tamar despite her pleas to him not to do so (2 Samuel 13:12-14). Following his violent act, his perverted love immediately becomes hate, and he has Tamar thrown out of his house, and the door bolted (2 Samuel 13:15 -17).

Crying the humiliated, Tamar tears her princely virgin robe, put ashes and her hand on her head, and goes to Absalom. When Absalom sees Tamar, he says, “Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? but hold now thy peace, my sister: he is thy brother; regard not this thing (2 Samuel 13:20). From that time onward, Tamar lived in Absalom’s house.

The Bible records King David was angry by this crime, but he did not address it. Additionally, Absalom nurtured hatred for Amnon for what he did, and he also did not speak to Amnon concerning this violation of his sister.

After waiting two years, Absalom orchestrated a plan of retaliation. Like his brother Amnon, he used his father to gain access to his brother, and with his father’s blessing, he invited all of his brothers to his sheepshearing feast. While the family was present, the servants, following Absalom’s instructions, murdered Amnon while he was in a festive mood.  

An erroneous report arrives at the court and is given to King David that all of his sons were slain by Absalom, but Jonadab revealed the truth to the king. When King David’s other sons returned home, he, his sons, and all of the servants wept together over the slaying of Amnon.

In the meantime, Absalom escaped and went and stayed three years in Geshur with his maternal grandfather King Talmai. He knew, if the slaying of Amnon was accidental, he could have escaped to a city of refuge, but because this was a deliberate act, he could not. The Bible ends the chapter recording King David mourned the death of Amnon and eventually missed the absence of Absalom.

I will now share some truths (spiritual nuggets) that I gained from this chapter. However, since I just summarized this chapter, I suggest you read it for more details of these tragic events.  

Here are some spiritual nuggets to be learned from 2 Samuel 13:

• The Laws of God were given for a reason, and they are to be obeyed.
• God forgives our sins; however, disobedience has a price tag; it will cost you something.
• When you are experiencing lustful thoughts, seek deliverance.
• Allowing one’s imagination to be unbridled can lead to disaster.
• Just because a person is related to you does not mean they will advise you correctly.
• Satan will station those around you who will promote wickedness.
• The person that helps you commit sin can also be the person that reveals your motives to others.
• Watch who has your ear; they may be the death of you.
• Devious people know how to deceive the unexpectant.
• Deceivers can eventually be tricked.
• Be careful not to be a parent who sends their child into a dangerous situation.
• Food is sometimes used to mask betrayal.
• Agape love will not violate another.
• For your safety, when you see people leaving, you leave too.
• Watch where you are being led.
• A rapist’s intentions are never pure.
• A rapist will attempt to overpower their victim.
• A rapist will not listen to the pleas of their victim.
• Lust can make you act foolishly.
• Lust hurts the innocent and the guilty.
• Be careful; you may find that which you thought would give you pleasure does not.
• It is easy to discard that which has no value to you.
• Unless witnessed by others, the events of a rape will always have two sides.
• Guilty parties often attempt to blame the victim (When Amnon told his servants to cast out Tamar and bolt the door, it made the situation appear that Tamar was the one doing the enticement).
• A rapist alters the course of another person’s life.
• Feelings of disgrace can result in isolation.
• A good father protects their innocent children.
• It is challenging to give correction when you are guilty of the same illegal acts.
• The birth order, partiality, nor position of an heir to a throne should prevent a parent from correcting their offspring.
• If not resolved, anger can last a long time.
• Some people think silence means approval.
• Your actions can cause your death.
• When you orchestrate a murder, you are as guilty as the one that performs it.

Also, I want to share some key characteristics of those with an Absalom spirit for you to know those who are among you.

• They are able to devise and carry out wicked plans.
• They take on the burden of the offended, brood over the offense, and seek revenge for the offended.
• They are deceptive and lie to leadership to carry out sinful plans.
• They will allow unresolved issues to fester.
• They will not have honest communication, share thoughts and feelings.
• They will run away rather than be corrected.

In closing, my prayer for this blog series is that we will be enlightened, that we will learn, and that we will not have an Absalom spirit