“After this Absalom the son of David had a lovely sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her. 2 Amnon was so distressed over his sister Tamar that he became sick; for she was a virgin. And it was improper for Amnon to do anything to her. 3 But Amnon had a friend whose name was Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David’s brother. Now Jonadab was a very crafty man. 4 And he said to him, “Why are you, the king’s son, becoming thinner day after day? Will you not tell me?” Amnon said to him, “I love Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.” 5 So Jonadab said to him, “Lie down on your bed and pretend to be ill.” 2 Samuel 13:1-5 NKJV
“And it came to pass, after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal Hazor, which is near Ephraim; so Absalom invited all the king’s sons. 24 Then Absalom came to the king and said, “Kindly note, your servant has sheepshearers; please, let the king and his servants go with your servant.” 25 But the king said to Absalom, “No, my son, let us not all go now, lest we be a burden to you.” Then he urged him, but he would not go; and he blessed him. 26 Then Absalom said, “If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us.” And the king said to him, “Why should he go with you?” 27 But Absalom urged him; so he let Amnon and all the king’s sons go with him. 28 Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, “Watch now, when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon!’ then kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant.” 2 Samuel 13:23-29 NKJV
Father,
Families precious and poisonous? David is remembered for being a great King after Your own heart and reuniting the Israelites with You as their God. But even he had not just naughty sons but wicked ones. The Bible does not cover up the shameful. Amnon (eldest son: mother Ahinoam, father David) was half brother to Absalom and Tamar (mother Maacah, father David). He listened to his friend (and cousin) Jonadab who showed him a way to take advantage, to abuse Tamar. He heard encouragement from Jonadab, it swelled his pride in himself and justified his desire.
Two years later, Absalom found a way to get revenge and ordered the murder of his half brother. Did he think he would get away with it? Because he knew about Davids past? What trauma David had to deal with in his close family. Not long after Absalom shows disrespect for David and seeks to undermine his governance. (2 Samuel 15).
When we find ourselves resentful, or carrying unforgiveness it always pops up when we pray. Help us to come and lay it all before You, honestly. So there is nothing that can fester for years, months or weeks. I know I have had to keep returning to forgiving someone in my heart because all situations are not resolvable. We live will them. It is an ongoing letting go till I can remove vengeance and harm from my heart. It does not take away judgement – it lets You, God take over. Not carrying it does not keep it alive. Dead to sin but alive in Christ (Romans 11:6). And it is so tiring carrying unforgiveness. Keep me from it.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 11th April 2026
Beautiful lyrics
Lord, forgive us for our pride
When our faith becomes a show
Dressed in righteous deeds
To hide all the stains below
We have judged Your sons and daughters
For the sin that is our own
May we now forgive each other
And lay down our stones
Forgiven, forgiven
Through the blood of Christ
We are forgiven
Lord, forgive us for our love
Of the things we wish to own
We forsake the feast above
For all the crumbs below
Though You’ve made us sons and daughters
We do not the world disown
May we find our greatest treasure
Is in You alone
Forgiven, forgiven
Through the blood of Christ
We are forgiven
Lord, forgive us for our shame
When we can’t release the past
When we’re quick to take the blame
But forget we’re free at last
We avoid Your sons and daughters
For the fear we don’t belong
Give us eyes to see each other
Through Your only Son
Forgiven, forgiven
Through the blood of Christ
We are forgiven
Repeat
Lyrics: Kate Degraide, Rebecca Elliott, Brittany Kauflin