Amnon - Tamar - Absalom (2 Sam. 13) The seeds of this event begin in Ch. 13 with Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom. David King Talmai (Geshur) Maacah Ahinoam Shimeah Jonadab Amnon Tamar X Absalom

Amnon - Tamar - Absalom (2 Sam. 13) What does scripture tell us David did to Amnon? What was due according to the Law of Moses? (Deut. 22: 28-29). Lev. 20:17 – They (he) was to be cut off from the people What did Absalom do initially? How long did Absalom wait before exacting revenge on Amnon? As Payne quite properly observed, the entire episode of Absalom's rebellion against David began, "With the same sins which David had committed, namely, adultery leading to murder."

Absalom - David - Joab (2 Sam. 14) The events surrounding Absalom’s flight and return reflect the continued theme of “continuing sin after centuries of apostasy”. David Maacah Ahinoam Amnon Tamar Joab X King Talmai (Geshur) Absalom Woman of Tekoa

Pre-Rebellion (2 Sam. 14) What can we learn from: Absalom/David’s Relationship? Should Absalom have been punished for his actions? By this point in the narrative, we no longer know.  Absalom fled to Geshur (13:37), so he obviously felt threatened as a result of his actions.  Upon his return, he challenges David to find guilt in him (14:32).  It appears that David wanted Absalom to return, but could not openly make that known (?) – 13:39 & 14:1 Supposition:  Absalom has seen, first hand, his father’s failure to execute God’s laws regarding Amnon, perhaps causing resentment.  “David’s Inactivity” will be a key part of Absalom’s rebellion in chapter 15.

Pre-Rebellion (2 Sam. 14) What can we learn from: Joab/Absalom’s Relationship? Joab appears to play the role of peacemaker between David and Absalom (14:1-24) Upon being unable to get the attention of David or Joab, however, Absalom burns Joab’s fields! (14:28-31) Supposition:  Despite his efforts to bring Absalom back, Joab is the victim of his pettiness and immaturity.  This may be a key reason why Joab supports David during the rebellion.

Pre-Rebellion (2 Sam. 14) What can we learn from: David/Joab’s Relationship? Joab has to concoct a plan to stir David into action. (14) The exact feeling and purpose behind this plan is unclear, but it does not necessarily appear to endear Joab and David to one another. One way to look at the point of the woman’s story is that David was confronted with his own failings in this matter  “If you will not punish him the right way, why punish him at all?” OR  “Why punish Absalom, when you didn’t punish Amnon and he really deserved it? Supposition:  Joab is having to goad David to action, when David should be leading.  Later on, Joab will turn on David…and this may be why!

Absalom - David - Joab (2 Sam. 14) There are two ways to interpret the events of Absalom’s return: David longed for Absalom to return (“the king’s heart was toward Absalom” (14:1 - KJV)) Joab’s plan gave David an “out” to allow Absalom to return in spite of his sins. The point of the woman’s story is basically “If you will not punish him the right way, why punish him at all?” Though Amnon be dead, yet the death of Absalom cannot bring him to life, nor repair this loss. Besides, for his crime, he justly deserved to die; and thou, in this case didst not administer justice. Horrible as this fratricide is, it is a pardonable case: …Seeing, then, that the thing is so, and that Amnon can be no more recalled to life than water spilt upon the ground can be gathered up again…restore thy son to favor, and pardon his crime, as thou hast promised to restore my son, and the Lord thy God will be with thee. This is the sum and sense of the woman’s argument. - Clarke David was opposed to his return (“the king’s heart was [against] Absalom” – see – Dan. 11:28) Joab is basically blackmailing David to allow Absalom’s return. The woman’s story is designed to let David know that Joab knows what he has NOT done (ie – “You did not administer the correct punishment. Bring Absalom back or I’ll tell everyone!”) This view may help us understand Joab’s actions during the second rebellion.

Rebellion ! (2 Sam ) Who’s on whose side? Absalom Ahithophel (adviser) David Hushai (adviser) Zadok (priest) Ittai (ally) Abiathar (priest) 200 men (15:11) Ziba (servant) Mephiboseth (ally) Shimei Abishai (soldier) David’s concubines ( 15:16) Amasa (general) Joab (general)

Rebellion ! (2 Sam ) What can we learn from: The people? Once again we see the people divided (15:7-12; 16:15)  All the people were united under David previously (5:1) because of his devotion to the Lord.  Now the people are divided because of David’s sin (and the consequences).

The Aftermath (2 Sam ) What can we learn from: David’s relationships? With the people…  David seems oddly disconnected with the people – a major point in Absalom’s rebellion (15:1-6) With God…  David seems inconsistent in his relationship with God, contrary to his early years.  Acknowledges God’s sovereignty (15:25; 15:31; 16:12)  Does not consult God in some key circumstances when we might expect it o Fleeing the city (15:13-17) o Dealing with Ziba (16:1-4)

David 15:13-17; 16:1-4 The People 15:1-12; 16:15 God 15:13-17; 16:1-4 Absalom 14:1, 28-31, 32 Joab 14 Amnon (13-14) Ahithophel (15:12) Ziba (16) Amasa (17:25) Israel (19:9) Mephiboseth (19:24)

Absalom’s Rebellion (14-18) Sheba’s Rebellion (Civil War; 19-20) Death of Amasa (20:10) Division provides opportunity for these other elements to enter in… (Eph. 4:1-15)

David’s Final Actions (2 Sam ) David avenges the Gibeonites (21) Still cleaning up for the failings of Saul (v.1; Josh. 9-10) More blood is required to atone for Saul’s actions( 21:6) David is nearly killed in battle (21:15-22) We see clearly that David (not necessarily God) is the focal point of the people. David’s Census (24) David’s census is an example of several more sins/errors/ mistakes on his part that have widespread consequences.

David’s Census (2 Sam. 24 & 1 Chron. 21) This event probably follows the rebellion of Absalom, making it one of the last events of David’s reign. Compare 2 Sam. 24 with 1 Chron. - God vs. Satan? – Perhaps this is like Job’s trials (“God allowed Satan…”) Ex. 30:12, Num. 1 - There were rules for a census - sacrifices were required! Scholars have suggested that (Middle Eastern Tradition) you could only count what belonged to you personally. In other words, David’s error is assuming Israel belongs to him.

David’s Census (2 Sam. 24 & 1 Chron. 21) From the choices David is presented: 3 years of famine 3 months of fleeing before his enemies 3 days of pestilence …David appears to choose the one that has the biggest effect on the people! However… He recognizes the mercy of God (v. 14) He admits that the guilt is his. (v.17) He “appeases” God in the proper way (v. 25)