Monday, August 14, 2023

Today’s Scripture Reading
2 Samuel 13:23–39

After two full years Absalom had sheepshearers at Baal-hazor, which is near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king’s sons. Absalom came to the king, and said, “Your servant has sheepshearers; will the king and his servants please go with your servant?” But the king said to Absalom, “No, my son, let us not all go, or else we will be burdensome to you.” He pressed him, but he would not go but gave him his blessing. Then Absalom said, “If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us.” The king said to him, “Why should he go with you?” But Absalom pressed him until he let Amnon and all the king’s sons go with him. Absalom made a feast like a king’s feast. Then Absalom commanded his servants, “Watch 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 myself commanded you? Be courageous and valiant.” So the servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king’s sons rose, and each mounted his mule and fled.

While they were on the way, the report came to David that Absalom had killed all the king’s sons, and not one of them was left. The king rose, tore his garments, and lay on the ground; and all his servants who were standing by tore their garments. But Jonadab, the son of David’s brother Shimeah, said, “Let not my lord suppose that they have killed all the young men the king’s sons; Amnon alone is dead. This has been determined by Absalom from the day Amnon raped his sister Tamar. Now therefore, do not let my lord the king take it to heart, as if all the king’s sons were dead; for Amnon alone is dead.” But Absalom fled. When the young man who kept watch looked up, he saw many people coming from the Horonaim road by the side of the mountain. Jonadab said to the king, “See, the king’s sons have come; as your servant said, so it has come about.” As soon as he had finished speaking, the king’s sons arrived, and raised their voices and wept; and the king and all his servants also wept very bitterly. But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. David mourned for his son day after day. Absalom, having fled to Geshur, stayed there three years. And the heart of the king went out, yearning for Absalom; for he was now consoled over the death of Amnon. (NRSV)

Reflection
This biblical story reads like a soap opera or crime drama, featuring betrayal, violence, sexual assault, and murder. Given the sexual assaults that occur far too often in our society, this can be triggering to readers.

Prince Absalom, son of King David, arranges to have his half-brother, Prince Amnon, killed. Amnon, as the oldest son, is in line to become the next king, but that’s not why Absalom wants him dead. Amnon has assaulted their sister Tamar. Earlier in the story, it says that Amnon “fell in love” with Tamar (13:1), but later it describes him as being consumed by lust. After he assaults her, he immediately “loathes her” and expels her from his lodging and locks her out (13:15). So, we know this is not about love.

King David is angry when he learns of the assault, but he won’t punish Amnon “because he loved him, for he was his firstborn” (13:21). After two years, Absalom arranges to have Amnon killed by the servants when he is drunk from a royal feast, but word gets back to King David that all his sons have been killed. When he learns that only Amnon has been killed, David grieves the death of Amnon and Absalom flees into exile. Later Absalom leads an uprising against his father, King David, and Absalom is killed in the effort.

In epic stories like this, where is God? In our own long complicated lives, or in the political machinations of society, where is God? Our answer depends on who we think God is and how we think God interacts with us, God’s created people. God has given humans free will, and sometimes we use our power in ways that harm others. Yet, sometimes we use our power to resist evil and domination. Each one of us is faced with many choices, and not one of us can control the outcome. But we can change the trajectory. We can play our part.

Prayer
God of justice and of love, help me to use any power I have to protect those who are more vulnerable and to bring about justice. Protect me from any human tendency to tighten my grip on power and privilege. Let me find my security, joy, and fulfillment in you and your love. Amen.

Written by Nanette Sawyer, Associate Pastor for Discipleship and Small Group Ministry

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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