Day 115: To See. To Want. To Take. (Part II - A Single Prince)

Today we read 2 Samuel 13-14, 1 Chronicles 13-14, Psalm 28 and 60. Today we read almost a parallel story to yesterday’s story, when we read about David’s actions against God, his family, his neighbor’s family. Except today we read about David’s children between wives. David’s 2nd wife, Ahinoam of Jezreel who is the mother of Amnon, first son and heir apparent to the throne. And, Maacah, daughter of Tallis, King of Geshur whose children in this story include Absalom and Tamar. The name Maacah in the Jewish language and Midrash essentially means wartime wife for an Israelite capture. In this story, there’s this odd set up by Amnon and David is a part of that which led to, or at least allowed Amnon to see, want, and take his half sister, Tamar. She tried to stop him with reason and relationship but he not only overpowered her, he tried to put his sense of shame on her, rejecting her after the fact. She went to her brother, David’s third son Absalom who took her in and sought vengeance, having his half-brother Amnon killed. Cycles of violence and David’s eventual response is to end the banishment and restore the relationship with his son, Absalom. Although the text makes it clear David was angry it also describes his silence and inaction.  David doesn’t go to God for how to act or react, and like the last story, there doesn’t seem to be a sense that David is faithfully remembering and responding to all the laws and heart of God. There’s a lot to reflect on in this story.

Resources:

Dr. Carmen Imes (2022). Blame David, Not Bathsheba. Nathanial Did.  Christianity Today. https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/july-web-only/rape-david-bathsheba-adultery-sexual-sin-prophet-nathan.html

Credits:

Podcast music by Stockaudios from Pixabay. Speaker, Dr. Rachel Bodell. Podcast Sound Engineer, Alan Darling. Podcast Artwork, Will Gerard.