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"The Bloom And The Seed"
• 1.10.16 •
Calvary Christian Fellowship, Sunday Morning Service
Intro
- In the last month, we have looked carefully
at the events that brought about David's sin and his eventual repentance. Sin
is certain, forgiveness is possible, but restoration is beautiful!
- The sun will shine brightly as David rises
again from the ash heap, but there are seeds in the ground that will come up as
well. Let's get right into it. Verse 26.
Text
• II Samuel 12:26-28 : "Now Joab fought against Rabbah of
the people of Ammon, and took the royal city. And Joab sent messengers to David,
and said, 'I have fought against Rabbah, and I have taken the city’s water
supply. Now
therefore, gather the rest of the people together and encamp against the city
and take it, lest I take the city and it be called after my name.'" : The siege that began in II
Samuel 11 is finally coming to a close as Joab took control of Rabbah's
water supply.
- The
people of Ammon would not be able to hold out much longer, so Joab sent for
David to come and claim the victory by leading the final assault.
• II Samuel 12:29,30 : "So David gathered all the people
together and went to Rabbah, fought against it, and took it. Then he took their king’s crown
from his head. Its weight was a talent of gold, with precious stones. And it
was set on David’s head. Also he brought out the spoil of the city in great
abundance. And
he brought out the people who were in it, and put them to work with saws and
iron picks and iron axes, and made them cross over to the brick works. So he
did to all the cities of the people of Ammon. Then David and all the people
returned to Jerusalem." : As with previous battles,
Joab laid the ground work, but David's presence secured the victory for Israel.
-
Some have believed that this took place during the scandal based on the
timeline presented in I Chronicles 20.
I don't think that is a necessary conclusion.
- But
it's inclusion here by the Holy Spirit, after the story of David's sin does
speak volumes to us. What does a person do who has fallen into gross sin? First,
they settle their account with God.
-
They plead for forgiveness and God, seeing a broken and contrite heart,
forgives them based on His profound mercy and grace, found in the just basis of
Christ's atoning work on the Cross.
- But
then what? Many hide themselves or run as far away as possible to erase the
memory of their stain.
- I
have come to admire David because he did not do this! Not only did he write
public Psalms documenting his experience, but he remained in Jerusalem and
remained on the throne.
-
When called upon here, the King gathered the people behind him and led them to
victory!
-
When he marched out to Rabbah, he must have considered the irony. "If I
had gone to Rabbah in the first place, I would have avoided all this
mess!"
-
That regret was inevitable but the only way to deal with bad memories and past
sin is to create new memories out of fresh obedience to God! David finally did what
a King was supposed to!
- The
plunder from the victory was significant, the prize among the spoil being the
golden Ammonite King's crown, which weighed approximately 75 pounds!
- I
knew you'd want to know: An ounce of gold costs $30.00 to purchase.
- Being
that there are 16oz in every pound, this crown, aside from the jewels embedded
within, would put you back $36,000! It was set on David's head.
- There
have been speculative thoughts that included a throne built to hold the crown
in place while David sat upon it. It could have been held in place by a group
of officers or a crane!
- The
point is that God granted David the victory over Ammon, which further
underscores His great grace toward David!
- You
can only imagine the sweetness of this victory, given what David rightfully
deserved. Instead of death, David experiences God's victory!
-
Instead of poverty, David is enriched yet again from the spoil of the
Ammonites!
- One
commentator shared this sentiment: "God will never let failure be the
final word in the life of the believer!"
-
David could have chosen that for himself had he run away or refused to re-enter
the battle. But God would not choose that for His son and he won't choose that
for you and I either!
- It
takes courage and strength, unnatural to a man, but not uncommon in the Spirit
of God!
• II Samuel 12:31 : "And he brought out the people who
were in it, and put them to work with saws and iron picks and iron axes, and
made them cross over to the brick works. So he did to all the cities of the
people of Ammon. Then David and all the people returned to Jerusalem." : This verse has been a source of difficulty for honest Bible
students, as it presents a ruthless King over a defeated people.
- At
first glance, it seems as though David has relegated the people of Ammon to
servitude, but according to the most conservative scholars, this is not the
case.
-
David destroyed these people with their own instruments and burned some in
their brick ovens. Josephus mentions "torment" of the men in Antiquities 7:5.
- Certainly,
those that surrendered, found mercy. Those who continued fighting were treated
mercilessly, their saws picks and axes that they fought with were used against
them.
- In I Kings 11:7, the author tells us that
Solomon eventually built high places or worship centers for foreign gods
including one for "Molech the
abomination of the people of Ammon."
- Among
the other idolatries that Israel committed, worship of Molech is listed as
especially obnoxious.
- Jeremiah 32:35 declares that the people
of Israel caused their children to pass through the fires of Molech, a thorough
abomination to the Lord!
-
It's very likely then that David made the priests and the worshippers pass
through the Molech's fire in divine retribution. He followed this course
throughout all the cities of Ammon.
- As
we read these stories and understand the human loss and tragedy, remember that
God's judgment is exact and never without long patience preceding His action!
-
From there, David returned to Jerusalem and put the riches into the temple
fund. In spite of David's victory, he has no idea what evil is coming toward
him as he returns.
• II Samuel 13:1 : "After this Absalom the son of David
had a lovely sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved
her." : Nathan's prophecy in II Samuel 12:10,11 begins to come true
here. The sword and the evil have come.
- By
the way, I don't believe that God made these grown men make these choices.
These are the natural choices that would be made because David revealed a way
that they would follow.
-
Absalom and Amnon were part of David's initial six children, born to him in
Hebron. Amnon was David's oldest son, the crown Prince and Absalom was the
third child.
- The
second child, Chileab is never mentioned again in scripture after his birth
announcement. Absalom then would be the crown prince after Amnon. David is
their Father through different Mothers.
-
Absalom and Tamar were full brother and sister and Amnon, their half brother. Amnon,
with his limited exposure to Tamar, grew to love her inappropriately.
• II Samuel 13:2 : "Amnon was so distressed over his
sister Tamar that he became sick; for she was a virgin. And it was improper for
Amnon to do anything to her." : Amnon
was distressed. The NLT uses the word "obsessed," the ESV uses the
word "tormented." His mental state eventually led to physical
illness, as he continually desired her.
- She
was of marrying age, but finding a way to couple with her was out of bounds,
socially and especially according the law of Leviticus 18:9 . That didn't stop his obssession.
• II Samuel 13:3-7 : "But
Amnon had a friend whose name was Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David’s brother.
Now Jonadab was a very crafty man. And he said to him, 'Why are you, the king’s son, becoming
thinner day after day? Will you not tell me?' Amnon said to him, 'I love Tamar,
my brother Absalom’s sister.' So Jonadab said to him, 'Lie down on your bed and pretend to be
ill. And when your father comes to see you, say to him, ‘Please let my sister
Tamar come and give me food, and prepare the food in my sight, that I may see
it and eat it from her hand.’ Then Amnon lay down and pretended to be ill; and when the king
came to see him, Amnon said to the king, 'Please let Tamar my sister come and
make a couple of cakes for me in my sight, that I may eat from her hand.' And David sent home to Tamar,
saying, 'Now go to your brother Amnon’s house, and prepare food for him.'" : Amnon kept seeking for a way around the obvious conclusion.
Where would he have developed that resolve? His Father hadn't let anything
quench his desire. Why should he!?
-
Unfortunately, along with David's poor example, there are always people who are
kept around by royalty who help discover ways to circumvent better judgment.
- The apostle Paul tells us in I Corinthians 15:33 that "evil company corrupts good habits."
Amnon's "friend" Jonadab was actually a cousin and a very crafty or
subtle man of corruption.
- I'm always amazed at how little godly people
consider the influence of friends and cousins. Choose your company wisely! Are
you influencing or are you being influenced?
- Amnon's cousin is about to set a plan in
motion that will quite literally rock the nation, though it's not likely that
he had any idea how far things would digress.
- When he discovers the root of Amnon's
sickness, he hoists up a plan to secure Tamar's presence. Amnon buys in and
fools David into sending Tamar to his house.
•
II Samuel 13:8-13 : "So Tamar went to her brother
Amnon’s house; and he was lying down. Then she took flour and kneaded it, made
cakes in his sight, and baked the cakes. And she took the pan and placed
them out before him, but he refused to eat. Then Amnon said, 'Have everyone go
out from me.' And they all went out from him. Then Amnon said to Tamar, 'Bring
the food into the bedroom, that I may eat from your hand.' And Tamar took the
cakes which she had made, and brought them to Amnon her brother in the bedroom. Now when she had brought them to
him to eat, he took hold of her and said to her, 'Come, lie with me, my sister.' But she answered him, 'No, my
brother, do not force me, for no such thing should be done in Israel. Do not do
this disgraceful thing! And I, where could I take my shame? And as for you, you would be
like one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, please speak to the king; for
he will not withhold me from you.'" : Amnon
has what he wants. His sister is waiting on him, producing pancakes for her
sickly brother, who excuses the staff for the day in order to be alone with
her.
-
When she extended her food, he took hold of her hand and growled out his seedy
desire. "Come lie with me, my sister." How shameful and foul!
-
It was a disgraceful thing which would leave Tamar isolated and scarred.
-
The NET Bible records her saying, "How could I ever be rid of my
humiliation?" Without her virginity intact culturally, her marriage
prospects, even as a King's daughter would be greatly limited.
-
Aside from her humiliation, Amnon would be thought of rightfully, as one of the
fools in Israel.
-
His reputation would be soiled and his prospect of being thought of for any
royal duties would be ruined. He would be perceived as a fool, one who acts as
though there is not a God!
-
She even attempts to reason with him, noting that the King might allow her to
be made his wife. "At least have the decency to ask the King for my
hand!"
-
This is not likely a sincere statement. She's buying time, hoping to talk him
out of his action. Whatever words were said, by this time, Amnon had only one
thing in mind. Verse 14.
•
II Samuel 13:14-18 : "However,
he would not heed her voice; and being stronger than she, he forced her and lay
with her. Then
Amnon hated her exceedingly, so that the hatred with which he hated her was
greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, 'Arise,
be gone!' So she said to him, 'No, indeed!
This evil of sending me away is worse than the other that you did to me.' But
he would not listen to her. Then he called
his servant who attended him, and said, 'Here! Put this woman out, away from
me, and bolt the door behind her.' Now she
had on a robe of many colors, for the king’s virgin daughters wore such
apparel. And his servant put her out and bolted the door behind her." : Using his physical strength, Amnon overpowered Tamar and raped
her.
-
Amnon's desire has been satisfied and what is the fruit? Does sexual excitement
breed love? After all, he had been obssessed with her and claimed a love for
her.
-
Indeed, after he had raped her, he neither loved her more nor loved her at all!
In fact quite the opposite, he hated her with a greater hatred than he had
loved her!
-
He compounded his offense by sending her away and not taking responsibility for
his action of defiling her! The day before he had fantasized about Tamar, his
love.
-
Now she is known simply as "The woman" who was barred from re-entry!
Lust doesn't come from nor does it produce love!
•
II Samuel 13:19-22 : "Then
Tamar put ashes on her head, and tore her robe of many colors that was on her,
and laid her hand on her head and went away crying bitterly. And Absalom her brother said to
her, 'Has Amnon your brother been with you? But now hold your peace, my sister.
He is your brother; do not take this thing to heart.' So Tamar remained
desolate in her brother Absalom’s house. But when King David heard of all these
things, he was very angry. And Absalom spoke to his brother Amnon neither good nor bad. For
Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar." : Tamar did nothing to hide her grief. She was dispelling all thought
of a consensual encounter.
-
When a person mourned in Bible times, they would put ashes upon their heads to
signify a union with the ground. This was how low that they felt emotionally.
-
She tore her garment, also symbolizing the tearing of her soul. Her outward
expressions were akin to what a person would express when a person died.
-
To some extent, this was what had happened. A part of Tamar died in that
moment. Her innocence and her virginity were torn from her and her heart was
broken at the loss.
-
When Absalom spoke to her, he had to draw these things out of her, asking her
these specific questions and assuring her not to take these things to heart.
This wasn't her fault.
-
Tamar remained in despair, desolate in Absalom's house. She stayed with Absalom
and recovered in complete shock. Absalom waited for David to take punitive
action upon Amnon.
-
The King heard about these things and became very angry, but did nothing.
•
II Samuel 13:23-27 : "And it
came to pass, after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal
Hazor, which is near Ephraim; so Absalom invited all the king’s sons. Then Absalom came to the king and
said, 'Kindly note, your servant has sheepshearers; please, let the king and
his servants go with your servant.' But the king said to Absalom, 'No, my son, let us not all go
now, lest we be a burden to you.' Then he urged him, but he would not go; and
he blessed him. Then
Absalom said, 'If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us.' And the king
said to him, 'Why should he go with you?' But
Absalom urged him; so he let Amnon and all the king’s sons go with him." : Two full years and no justice for Tamar. No penalty has been
levied and no consequence has been suffered. Absalom has conceived a plan.
-
Sheepshearing was a time of great celebration. Absalom used this occasion to hold
a feast for the royal family. David, perhaps sensing something amiss, seeks an
excuse to avoid this.
-
"We don't want to burden you." But Absalom persisted and David gave
his blessing for the event and the crown prince's presence! What is David
thinking?
-
Certainly he knows that Absalom hates Amnon and that the wounds that had been
inflicted had neither been punished nor forgotten.
-
David sets the table for what is about to take place with his absentee
Fatherhood and royal judgment! Verse 28.
•
II Samuel 13:28-33 : "Now
Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, 'Watch now, when Amnon’s heart is
merry with wine, and when I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon!’ then kill him. Do not
be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant.' So the servants of Absalom did to
Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king’s sons arose, and each one
got on his mule and fled. And it came to pass, while they were on the way, that news
came to David, saying, 'Absalom has killed all the king’s sons, and not one of
them is left!' So the king arose and tore his
garments and lay on the ground, and all his servants stood by with their
clothes torn. Then Jonadab the son of
Shimeah, David’s brother, answered and said, 'Let not my lord suppose they have
killed all the young men, the king’s sons, for only Amnon is dead. For by the
command of Absalom this has been determined from the day that he forced his
sister Tamar. Now therefore, let not my lord
the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king’s sons are
dead. For only Amnon is dead.'" :
Absalom's plan goes perfectly!
-
When word returns to David, he is briefly misinformed until Jonadab sets the
record straight, adding his witness. What is Jonadab doing there? He's playing
every side!
-
I wonder if he ever told Absalom that it was his idea that brought about
Tamar's rape? Who doesn't know that cousin is always in the middle of family
drama? They're the ones who create it!
-
One wonders how long he had to wait and the great suffering that his heart
endured in the moments between.
-
Jonadab coldly announces Amnon's death and Absalom's determination and set plan
to kill him from the day that Amnon raped Tamar. David has lost the second of four sons.
•
II Samuel 13:34-39 : "Then
Absalom fled. And the young man who was keeping watch lifted his eyes and
looked, and there, many people were coming from the road on the hillside behind
him. And Jonadab said to the king, 'Look, the king’s sons are coming;
as your servant said, so it is.' So it was, as soon as he had finished speaking, that the king’s
sons indeed came, and they lifted up their voice and wept. Also the king and
all his servants wept very bitterly. But Absalom fled and went to Talmai the son of Ammihud,
king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day. So Absalom fled and went to Geshur, and was there three
years. And King David longed to go
to Absalom. For he had been comforted concerning Amnon, because he
was dead." : Absalom had no legal recourse
within Israel.
-
He fled to his Grandfather, who sheltered him from David's reach. It's sad that
there are many stories just like that.
-
Just like there are many cousins and "friends" who will help
facilitate sinful situations, there are just as many Grandparents who will
protect their kids from the consequence of their action!
-
Absalom was there for three years and David wanted to go to him. He wanted to
restore the relationship having fully vented his grief over Amnon.
-
Absalom was now his crown prince and David's heart longed for him in spite of
his crime.
-
David will soon seek to restore a man who has no heart for repentance, which is
a dangerous proposition.
Conclusion
- David had
sinned and was restored, but his actions carved out a path that his kids took
to heart. This record isn't here to justify those actions. It's here to keep us
from repeating them!
-
Because of the grace and mercy of God, He has sent His Son to die for you. If
you have believed in Him, you have been invited into His family!
-
By Christ's work, you have a Father who has perfectly planned for your life and
will lovingly, gently discipline you when you stray.
-
Because of Christ, you have a friend that sticks closer than a brother, who is
worthy of listening to because He has revealed His perfect obedience!
-
Because of Christ, there are no Grandchildren or great Grandchildren, only
children and heirs of the inheritance that Christ has earned for them by His
obedience!
-
God shows us David's dysfunction but invites us to experience His perfect
family! May the Lord give us wisdom to understand!
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