Royal wedding day today in England, and in Israel, the birds come home to roost for David. Having pleased himself in sexual matters, one of his sons does the same. Only he’s a bit more messy about it.
David and Joab capture Rabbath
2 Samuel 12:26-31, 1 Chronicles 20:1-3
Praise for victory
Psalm 21
Amnon rapes his sister Tamar
2 Samuel 13:1-20
Absalom murders Amnon
2 Samuel 13:21-29
Absalom flees to Geshur
2 Samuel 13:30-39
Absalom persuaded to return
2 Samuel 14:1-33
David had a sure touch when dealing with kings and enemies. But when it comes to his own family, he is confused. He is either too harsh or too gentle. His family manipulate him, his courtiers and each other.
Only on the battlefield does David find relief. He overcomes the Ammonites completely, adding more glory to his kingdom, just as the cracks within his family get wider and wider.
It’s interesting that Chronicles only records David’s military triumphs - it shows a lofty indifference to his domestic troubles, or is that airbrushing? Even the Bible demonstrates how history is written by the winners - were it not for the honesty of whoever wrote Samuel, David would be remembered as nigh on perfect.
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