In 2 Samuel 13, we learned that David has sons who are following in his ways. Like father, like son, Amnon is distracted by women. And in particular, women whom he cannot and should not desire. In this case, it is his half-sister Tamar that he wants. Amnon uses David to get what he wants. He rapes Tamar and throws her out in humiliation. David is furious but does nothing, while Absalom, Tamar’s brother, plots revenge. Two years later, Absalom murders Amnon.
Like father like son: Amnon’s sin was sexual as David’s was with Bathsheba. Absalom’s sin was murder, as David’s was with Uriah. Nathan had warned David the consequences of his sin. The sword would not depart from his household and David is living that reality.
In 2 Samuel 14, unfortunately for David, the fulfillment of Nathan’s prophecy is not over, but just begun…
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If it appears to us that David is incapable of managing relationships with his children, it must have been painfully apparent to Joab. Joab, you will recall, is David’s nephew and the commander in chief of his army. He is an intriguing Bible character because while extremely loyal to David he was also ruthless. Remember in 2 Samuel 3 how he went behind David’s back and killed Abner see episode 3. When the scene in 2 Samuel 14 opens, David seems melancholy, unable to make decisions.Joab, being a relative of David’s and the leader of the army, decides to interfere and force what he thinks is right.
Chapter 14
14 Joab son of Zeruiah knew that the king’s heart longed for Absalom. 2 So Joab sent someone to Tekoa and had a wise woman brought from there. He said to her, “Pretend you are in mourning. Dress in mourning clothes, and don’t use any cosmetic lotions. Act like a woman who has spent many days grieving for the dead. 3 Then go to the king and speak these words to him.” And Joab put the words in her mouth.
Joab interferes, presumably out of concern for the king and the continuity of the crown. David is unable to bridge the divide between himself and Absalom. And it bothers him. David wants him back, but he worries what people think. Absalom committed murder and the law dictates that he should die for it. David was The Avenger of Blood for Amnon.
Scene 1: Joab Interferes
Scene 2: Absalom Fans the Flames of Rebellion
In Scene 3: Absalom Rebels
Scene 4: David Runs from Absalom
Scene 5: Ittai is Loyal to David
In Scene 6: Zadok and the Priests are Loyal to David
Scene 7: Hushai is Loyal to David
Verses Mentioned:
The author of this article is Hayley Mowatt, producer of Bible Book Club.
