While David’s great sin was forgiven and his life spared, we begin to see the repercussions of his actions as prophesied by Nathan. This next chunk of narrative describes how there would be evil raised up against David from within his own house (12:11). And throughout the course of these events, there are very notable parallels with that of David’s sins as well. The assault on Tamar by her half-brother and heir apparent to the throne, Amnon (13:1-19), likens to David’s lust and adultery towards Bathsheba. Absalom plots against Amnon to avenge Tamar for the ways she was disgraced, and eventually murders his half-brother (13:20-33). The layered and premeditated nature of this murder parallels with that of David’s on Uriah. After Absalom flees, Joab seeks to have David pardon his son so that he could return. Joab does this by orchestrating a widow to visit with the king to receive a favorable judgment for her situation- a situation that more played the part of a parable to help reveal David’s true intentions (14:1-20). This parable that convicted David was not unlike the one told by Nathan. Upon his return to Jerusalem, Absalom plots to conspire against David to seek the throne for himself (15:1-12). David is then forced to be on the run again, this time not by Saul, but by his own children.
All in all, the footprints throughout this section of the story that harken back to David’s original iniquities goes to show that sin has very real and immediate consequences. David’s actions had a direct result on his family, so much so that we see them repeating his mistakes. The mentioning of David in the background and not the fore, and indirectly referenced as “the king” rather than by name goes to show his diminished influence towards his children in this part of the story. In many ways, the integrity and commitment to justice David so strongly conveyed in the beginning parts of these books have been compromised. There are many turns in the story during these few chapters that are missing David’s intervention. The author makes it clear of how his sin has changed his resolve as king. So now, the latter part of David’s reign as king is in jeopardy.
Reflect & Connect
Psalm 3 was written during the experience of David fleeing from Absalom. While there may have been a change in David’s own ability to uphold a righteous standard as king, his reflections in this psalm show his continued dependence on God. David’s faith in the LORD and the promises of His covenant underly all of life’s circumstances, even when they are bleak and even oppressive. Read over this psalm in light of the many difficult circumstances we face today. How does the reality of God’s sovereignty encourage you to have faith in the things unseen in the face of such discouraging situations?
1 O Lord, how many are my foes!
Many are rising against me;
2 many are saying of my soul,
“There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah
3 But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,
my glory, and the lifter of my head.
4 I cried aloud to the Lord,
and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah
5 I lay down and slept;
I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people
who have set themselves against me all around.
7 Arise, O Lord!
Save me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;
you break the teeth of the wicked.
8 Salvation belongs to the Lord
your blessing be on your people! Selah
– Psalm 3
– Rev. Nameun Cho