Absalom Murders His Brother

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Murder

Two years after Amnon rapes Tamar, Absalom the brother of Amnon decides it is the right time to get revenge for the rape of his sister Tamar (vv. 23-24). He chooses the season of sheepshearing as a suitable backdrop for the murder of his brother Amnon. Absalom invites the king, with all his sons and officials to join in a celebration of mutual prosperity. David declines the invitation thinking it would be too big a burden for Absalom (v. 25). Absalom then requests that Amnon alone be allowed to come (v. 26), but David questions why he should go. Absalom’s urging is successful and the indecisive king not only allows his son Amnon to go but also sends the rest of his sons along with him (v. 27).

Encouraged by his increasing success, Absalom commands his servants to serve wine to Ammon until he is drunk and then strike him and kill him (v. 28). The servants did to Amnon as Absalom  had commanded, and then all the kings sons who were panic stricken arose, got on their mules and fled (v. 29). David’s adultery with Bathsheba is mirrored in his son Amnon’s rape of Tamar, and David’s murder of Uriah is repeated in Absalom’s execution of Amnon. While they were on their way a false report reached David, that “all the king’s sons had been killed by Absalom (v. 30). David tears his clothes as a sign of mourning and his servants dutifully do the same (v. 31). The false report is quickly challenged by Jonadab as he knows that only Amnon is dead (vv. 32-33).

Application

I pray that I will never be easily confused but solely trust in Christ and God’s Word in my decisions.

II Samuel 13:23-33 (English Standard Version)


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