BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

Sin usually leads to more sin. Violent solutions for one problem lead to new problems and more violence. The sword begets the sword. In today’s reading, the fallout of David’s disastrous decision tears through his own family, multiplying pain and suffering in its wake.

David’s firstborn, Amnon, repeats his father’s failure. Amnon desires a woman who is off-limits to him and uses his power to take her by force. The sexual assault devastates Tamar. David worsens the situation by refusing to rebuke Amnon, so Tamar’s brother, Absalom, gets violent.

Absalom, also following his father’s ruinous example, compounds the initial injustice of sexual assault with treachery and murder. After nursing his hatred for two years, Absalom throws an extravagant dinner party for all the king’s sons. Think wine flowing, tables laden with food. When Amnon lets his guard down, Absalom’s servants sweep in and murder Amnon.

Absalom then hatches a long-term plot to oust his father from power. He spends four years winning over the Israelites with his beauty and charm. Once popular support turns in his favor, Absalom launches a full-scale rebellion.

For a second time, David flees his home and hides in the wilderness. The king who once danced into Jerusalem with a parade of trumpets now staggers out of the city, barefoot and weeping. Is this the end of David’s reign?

Reflection Questions

• Where else in the biblical story have you seen a father showing no concern for justice when his daughter suffers sexual assault? (Turn back to Genesis 34 for one example.) What happened as a result? What does this reveal about the need for justice?
• Notice how similar Absalom looks to Samson in today’s reading: a vindictive young man with long hair who sets a field on fire when he doesn’t get what he wants. What do you think the biblical authors are trying to tell you about Absalom’s character—and the state of David’s leadership at this point—with this hyperlink?