APRIL 27 READINGS...2 Samuel 12:26-31 & 1 Chronicles 20:2-3 & 2 Samuel 13:1-14:33
In today's readings we see trouble coming into David's house. Much of this is the result of David's polygamy...we must remember that though it was allowed in the Old Testament, it never was part of God's plan for His people. In every case of polygamy, we find trouble...from Abraham, to Jacob, to David, and then to the warning God gave to Solomon when he became king. God's plan is one man and one woman for a lifetime...it is mankind that has corrupted the biblical plan for marriage with its hard hearts, and lustful desires. David's palace was filled with children from his different marriages and this caused problems. Amnon, one of David's sons, was enthralled by his half-sister, Tamar. He had to have her, but he did not try to receive her in the proper way as his wife. Instead he listens to his cousin, Jonadab, who gave him evil counsel on how he could have his sister. He encouraged him to set up a scenario where he could actually rape his sister, and Amnon carries out the plan. It ought to be a warning how Amnon's lust so quickly turned to hate once the evil deed was done.
Absalom was also one of David's sons, and the full brother to Tamar. Absalom waited a full two years to set up a scheme to kill his half-brother, Amnon. He had a feast in which he invited all the sons of king David...he then had his men kill Amnon. This act caused him to be exiled by king David...once again David's family is being torn apart. This is in fulfillment of the words of Nathan concerning what would happen to David's family because of his sin against Uriah and Bathsheba. After a period of time and manipulation by Joab, David allowed for Absalom's return, but he could not come before David. This was a family divided...a family torn apart by sin. Sin is destructive...it’s always destructive. Man makes so little of sin...while God makes much of sin. God does this because He knows how destructive it is...and the Bible tells us it always brings death. Oh, that we would learn to stay close to God...being obedient to Him and His Word, that we would not have to deal with the consequences of sin. But like David it is hard for us to do this...the temptations seem too great...and only the Holy Spirit can give us victory over the temptation.
Please share your insights and thoughts from today's readings.
TOMORROW'S READING...2 Samuel 15:1-17:14
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