2 Samuel 13

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Tamar is Raped by Amnon; Absalom Takes Revenge

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Unchecked lust leads to fornication.

  2. Unchecked hate leads to murder.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Did you ever feel like Tamar?

QUESTIONS

  1. How does this chapter relate to the previous chapter of 2 Samuel?

  2. How does David react to these sins in his household?

  3. What do we learn about lust from Matthew 5:28?

  4. Was Absalom punished for the murder of Amnon?

ANSWERS

  1. In 2 Samuel 12 we saw the fourfold judgment that was pronounced upon David for his sins of adultery and murder. Although David was graciously forgiven for his sins, there would be sad consequences resulting from those sins. One of those consequences would be that David would reap what he had sown in his own household.

  2. David seems to be both desensitized to sin and reluctant to discipline sin. David is angry (verse 21), but he doesn’t do anything about it. David does not even rebuke Amnon, let alone discipline him.

  3. From the look of lust to the act of fornication is a process. If something isn’t done to check and stop the lustful thoughts, the process will proceed to the act.

  4. Absalom’s hate against Amnon smoldered for two years, until he found an opportunity to have Amnon murdered.

  5. No, David did nothing to judge or even rebuke Absalom.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Parents are often reluctant to talk to their kids about difficult issues (drugs, sex, etc.), because they took part in these sins themselves. Perhaps this is why David did not discipline Amnon for his sexual sins. As Christian parents, discuss how you could address these topics, even humbly using yourself as an example.

  2. Tamar suffered lifelong consequences just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Have you ever felt like Tamar and not understood why God allowed you to be hurt? We might not know the answer in this lifetime. Discuss how you must turn to God’s sovereignty as your source of comfort.

CHALLENGE

  1. Are you experiencing hatred or lust? These must be checked and stopped before the process goes any further.

KEY VERSES

  • “After this Absalom the son of David had a lovely sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her. Amnon was so distressed over his sister Tamar that he became sick.” 2 Samuel 13:1-2

  • “…Amnon is dead. For by the command of Absalom this has been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar.” 2 Samuel 13:32

2 Samuel, Old Testament, TalksRon Reid2 SAMUEL 13