Rape of Tamar by Amnon
Characters: Absalom, Tamar, Amnon, David, Jonadab
Questions for Discussion:
1. What should David have done differently?
2. What did the Law require?
3. Comment on Absalom's response?
4. Comment on the counsel of Amnon's cousin, Jonadab?
Deut 22:28,29 - The Law requires that the man must marry the woman or be killed. Amnon is David's eldest son. David does not do anything in response. Absalom does what David should have done in an effort to bring honor to his sister. He is angry at his father for not taking charge. David is no longer a revered king in his eyes.
ReplyDeleteThis passage highlights to me the challenge associate with being consistent with our actions and beliefs.
ReplyDeleteIt is true that the law required for the man to be killed. My guess is that this was not the first time that someone violated a woman without marrying her. I can image that it would have been easy for David to enforce the law when he didn't have any emotional attachments to the situation. However, as soon as he was emotionally connected to the situation, those decisions become a little more challenging.
I would ask to the group, do we always act consistently in every situation that we face? Is David wrong for allowing his emotions to cloud his judgment?
Good question Darian. I think we tend to be consistent to our own personality and values. David is an interesting study for the simple fact that he comes with the label "a man after God's own heart". Therefore, we can all examine the details of his life (more detail on his life than any other bible character, except Jesus) in search of a better understanding of how we can be men and women after God's own heart. That includes all his highs and his lows. David failed to act on the situation with Amnon. His judgement was clouded and it led to more drama within the ranks of his household. Right or wrong, I see God's divine will taking place relative to who will be the next king of Israel. a) the eldest son, Amnon, is exposed as unfit for obvious reasons. b) Absalom, also gets exposed as unfit to be king as the test of the life exposes his own motivations for power. God's will never enters into his decision-making. David, however, remains consistent in this regard. Fast forward to 2Sam. 15:25,26 ... If it is God's will that David remain on the throne, he trusts God to make it so ... with the ark of the covenant back in its rightful place.
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