March 31 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 90

David's family situation continues to spiral.  In today's reading, David's family is torn apart by rape.  As a consequence, David's son sets his eyes on his father's throne.

DAILY READINGS

2 Samuel 13-15 & Psalm 90

DAILY NOTES

1 Samuel 13:1-14

• Amnon was David's first born son (3:2).  That may shed light as to why David seems to deal with him so easily (Verse 21).  Although he does kind of the same thing later with Absalom.
• Tamar is Absalom's full sister, half sister to Amnon.  Amnon is lovesick with her.  He devises a plan, with the help of a friend, to have her enter his chamber (bedroom).  
• Since she was a virgin, she didn't go out and about.  She remained in her house, perhaps protected.  
• Tamar knows what will become of her if Amnon goes through with his wishes; she will be left aside, unable to marry (see Verse 20).  She seems willing to have become married to Amnon, but his lust clouds his judgement.  
• Then, because he's so upset about what happens, he forces her out, too (See Verse 15).

1 Samuel 13: 23-39

• Absalom avenges the rape of his sister.  He plots to kill Amnon.  He is successful.  Even though he himself did not commit the act, it was done by his order.  So, he is responsible. 
• Ironically, Jonadab, consoles David after Amnon's death.  He was a part of this since the beginning-he's the friend that gave Amnon the plan to see Tamar.
• David seems to quickly get over Amnon's death.  why do you think that is?
• But he "mourned for his son (Absolam) day after day."

1 Samuel 14

• Remember how Nathan trapped David with a story?  The wise woman does the same thing to him.
• "Wise woman" seems to be more than a personal characteristic.  Look ahead to 20:16; the term is used again.  
• The story works and David calls for Absalom to return to Jerusalem.  He does not allow his son to come into his presence, however.  
• After two years, Absalom cannot take the silent treatment any more.  He orchestrates a meeting with his father.  David offers him a kiss, a sign of forgiveness.

1 Samuel 15

• Absalom garners the attention of the people and steals their hearts.  One notes suggests that Absalom deceives the people; the same phrase is translated that way in Genesis 31:20.
• Absalom uses his growing influence to mount a rebellion against his father.  Since people are willingly following Absalom, there is a sort of civil war brewing.
• He goes to Hebron, his birthplace, as his home base.
• David flees Jerusalem.  He is worried that Absalom will come to kill him and ravage the great city.  David is able to coordinate spies within Absalom's court.

Psalm 90

• Our lives come and go so quickly.  We stand with our finite living and understanding alongside the God that is from everlasting to everlasting.  

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

I was considering why we knew about Absalom's beauty and gorgeous hair.  It seemed strange to highlight those features about him.  After all, he is going to try to take the throne away from David.  But as you keep reading, you see how these traits play out in the rest of the story.  

Was Absalom so wise in his judgments? Or was easy to win over the people with his good looks?  That shouldn't be such a far-fetched notion for us who live in a culture that is enamored by our athletes and celebrities.  Those people are often given accommodations that the regular people like us should not anticipate (and I don't mean just things like getting nice tables in restaurants).  

Maybe it was Absalom's good looks that paved the way for him to begin a rebellion against David.  Does that sound vain?  Yes, but look at Absalom's pretense for rising to power.

And what about those gorgeous locks?  Well, we'll see how that comes to play soon....very soon.

Stay blessed...joh