The facts of the story:

1. David’s son Amnon raped his half-sister, Tamar.
2. Two years later Tamar’s full brother, Absolom, avenged her by having Amnon killed.
3. Absolom ran away for a period of three years; all the while David longed to see his estranged son.
4. Joab designed a way to convince David to recall Absolom.
5. When David refused to see Absolom for two years, Absolom lashed out against Joab and demanded an audience with his father the king.
6. David and Absolom were reunited, for a time.

Meditation Points:

Is David innocent in any of this?

• Having multiple wives and children of different mothers didn’t help.
• Not doing anything when he first learned of Amnon’s sin didn’t help.
• Delaying his reconciliation with Absolom didn’t help.

Is Absolom’s conduct justifiable?

• Concern for his sister’s honor is commendable.
• His desire for justice is commendable.
• Taking matters into his own hands, going outside the law is wrong.
• Premeditated is the word. For two years Amnon’s crime developed more and more hatred within Absolom.
• Burning Joab’s fields was wrong.

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The righteous should praise the Lord (v 1-3) for

• His character (v 4)
• His creation (v 5-8)
• His command (v 9)
• His counsel (v 10-11)
• His choice (v 12)
• His care (v 13-19)

Our confidence must be in God (v 20-22)

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The war isn’t over until the last enemy is defeated

• Lest it be called after my name (2 Samuel 12:28). All men should follow Joab’s example in relationship to God.
• The wealth and services of the conquered people are given to David (2 Samuel 12:30-31). So also must the converted sinner’s talents be put to service for the Savior.
• David vanquished the giant Goliath, and he and his people vanquished the giant’s family, too (1 Chronicles 20:4-8). Christ has conquered death and the devil, and Christ and his people will be victorious over all evil.

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Death of a child (2 Samuel 12)

• The LORD struck the child (2 Samuel 12:15).
• David prayed for the child (v 16)
• The child died (v 18)
• David washed and worshipped (v 20)
• When God answers your prayers, accept the answer (v 22-23)
• The LORD gave David and Bathsheba another son (v 24)

Considering our own death (Psalm 39)

• Lord, make me to know my end (Psalm 39:4)
• Lord, what am I waiting for? (Psalm 39:7)
• Lord, hear my prayer (Psalm 39:12)

Meditation Points:

1. People die. Good people, and bad people. People who have done a lot of bad; people who have done a little bad. Old people, young people. People we despise; people we love. And why? Because of sin. Romans 5:12-15. The sin of David brought death to his child.
2. We cannot bring back the dead. Many have tried. Only God can resurrect and restore the dead.
3. Guard your tongue when you are in the presence of God, lest you utter foolishness and blasphemy.

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