2 Samuel 13

In 2 Samuel 12:11, Nathan spoke the words of the Lord stating, "I will raise up evil against you out of your own house."  So, what is going on?  Others watch our actions ; "if he did it, so can I."  David's actions with Bathsheba were witnessed by his children.  Our children watch every thing we do - good and bad - and they repeat it.  This, once again, is why our actions are so very important.

So, David's son, Amnon gets a crush on his half-sister.  He fixates on her to the point that he is making himself physically ill.  He takes some bad advice from a wicked friend and makes the choice to take what he wants.  Notice that his mind is made up - he's taking what he want regardless of the consequences, regardless of Tamar's pleas.  He is willing to ruin this woman that he "loves."  After the act is done, his "love" turns to disgust.  Why?  Because it was never about Tamar.  There was no love there, simply lust.  Once his lust was sated, he blames the victim.  Those who justify their sinful behavior will always make their sin someone else's fault.  If she wasn't so beautiful and unavailable, he wouldn't have had to do this horrible thing.

Absalom, Tamar's brother, takes her in and cares for her the rest of her days.  Because of Amnon, she will never be married or have children.  Notice, David is angry, but he does nothing to take care of the issue.  Amnon is his eldest son and he lets him get away with this sin.  Unfortunately, this favoritism breeds hate and resentment within David's large family.  Absalom waits two years, building hatred in his heart, until he finally takes matters into his own hands by having Amnon killed.  Absalom then flees to Geshur for three years.  During this time, David longs for his sons return.

So, what can we learn from this?  Once again, it all comes down to choices.  We are faced with temptation every day - are you going to give into it or are you going to walk the other way?