“Amnon said, “Send the servants out of the house.” After they had gone, 10 he said to Tamar, “Serve the food in my bedroom.” Tamar picked up the bread that she had made and brought it into Amnon’s bedroom. 11 But as she was taking it over to him, he grabbed her and said, “Come to bed with me!” 12 She answered, “No! Please don’t force me! This sort of thing isn’t done in Israel. It’s too disgusting! 13 Think of me. I’ll be disgraced forever! And think of yourself. Everyone in Israel will say you’re nothing but trash! Just ask the king, and he will let you marry me.” 14 But Amnon would not listen to what she said. He was stronger than she was, so he overpowered her and raped her. 15 Then Amnon hated her even more than he had loved her before. So he told her, “Get up and get out!” - 2 Samuel 13:9-15
Tamar’s brother Absalom said to her, “How could Amnon have done such a terrible thing to you! But since he’s your brother, don’t tell anyone what happened. Just try not to think about it.” Tamar soon moved into Absalom’s house, but she was always sad and lonely. When David heard what had happened to Tamar, he was very angry. But Amnon was his oldest son and also his favorite, and David would not do anything to make Amnon unhappy.” - 2 Samuel 13:20-21
Internally, I find myself screaming out:
“GO GET AMNON - Absalom! BEAT HIM UNTIL HE CAN BARELY WALK!!!! BE A RESCUER OF THOSE THAT ARE WEAKER! HONOR YOU SISTER, YOUR FAMILY, & YOURSELF!!!! MAKE SURE AMNON WILL NEVER CASE THIS PAIN TO ANOTHER!!!!”
As a bi-stander / reader.... I can feel Tamar’s pain and Absalom's unsettling, growing hatred toward Amnon.
A few questions come to mind:
Why is this in the Bible?
Why do individuals intently inflect so much pain on others?
Why are people capable so such great evils without remorse?
Despite David’s favoritism, why didn’t his anger move to him justice or disciple?
Amnon’s actions mixed with David’s inaction totally FRUSTRATE, INFURIATE, IRRITATE, & ANGER ME!!!!
A few questions come to mind:
Why is this in the Bible?
Why do individuals intently inflect so much pain on others?
Why are people capable so such great evils without remorse?
Despite David’s favoritism, why didn’t his anger move to him justice or disciple?
Amnon’s actions mixed with David’s inaction totally FRUSTRATE, INFURIATE, IRRITATE, & ANGER ME!!!!
Despite Amnon’s knowledge of the bible (Leviticus 18:11) prohibiting sexual relations between half-brothers and sisters he still acted - why?!?!?!!!! Was it his overwhelming desire for her? Come bro!!!! Self-control!!!!
Was it this desire mixed with his cousin, Jonadab’s advice - to lure Tamar into his quarters by pretending to be sick and desiring her to cook a special meal for him? Now that makes more since but defiantly does NOT make it right! The sinister / master mind is reviled.... but what’s in it for Jonadab?
Was Jonadab trying to find favoritism with Amnon as he was the heir-apparent to David’s throne?
Sometimes, the end game “why?” can not be found and that can leave my soul and mind in turmoil.... I can’t ask these men, I can’t sit and talk, or trying to understand them because i have no relationship with them... and I can’t take the pain, hurt, and action away Tamar...
Was it this desire mixed with his cousin, Jonadab’s advice - to lure Tamar into his quarters by pretending to be sick and desiring her to cook a special meal for him? Now that makes more since but defiantly does NOT make it right! The sinister / master mind is reviled.... but what’s in it for Jonadab?
Was Jonadab trying to find favoritism with Amnon as he was the heir-apparent to David’s throne?
Sometimes, the end game “why?” can not be found and that can leave my soul and mind in turmoil.... I can’t ask these men, I can’t sit and talk, or trying to understand them because i have no relationship with them... and I can’t take the pain, hurt, and action away Tamar...
What I do know from being molested is their are years of shame, isolation, and mind games that continue to follow.... ....
So, where is the redemption for Tamar (me / others)?
For Tamar, is it found two years later, when Absalom sends his savants to kill Amnon at a feast to which he had invited all the kings’ sons (2 Samuel 13) to avenge the wrong committed against his sister?
Where is redemption found?
So, where is the redemption for Tamar (me / others)?
For Tamar, is it found two years later, when Absalom sends his savants to kill Amnon at a feast to which he had invited all the kings’ sons (2 Samuel 13) to avenge the wrong committed against his sister?
Where is redemption found?
My personal application
One of God’s greatest gifts and curses for mankind just maybe the FREEDOM to choose.
Jesus doesn’t express disapproval of Tamar (me / others).
Jesus doesn’t declare Tamar (me / others) to be unfit.
Redemption is found in knowing that Jesus came for those hurting and in need. Through time and walking with
Jesus Tamar (myself / others) can experience FREEDOM & GRACE from LIFE MOST HURTFUL MOMENTS.
“43 You have heard people say, “Love your neighbors and hate your enemies.” 44 But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you.” -Matthew 5:42-44 CEV
Redemptions road doesn't always look as I picture it in the moment of pain......
Redemptions road doesn't always look as I picture it in the moment of pain......
Prayer
God, often I look for a way to make wrongs - right - and in so doing I consider committing another wrong. It’s here I remember the moment I crossed paths with the man who molested me.... I remember hearing his voice.... the emotions that were triggered.... and then hearing and watching two little kids cry out, “daddy!” Lord, protect those children and change that man’s life.... bring him to the point of change or .... ..... ...... God, for those that have giving into a dark plot, intentions, and desires.... may YOUR justice come.... however, YOU choose to bring it.... YOUR WILL not mine BE DONE... I once again trust YOU to direct me towards the path of redemption - captivate my heart and mind once again.... help me crave time like this daily!!!! Thank you God. -Trevor
youR THOUGHTS?
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