2 Samuel 13:1-22 — Amnon and Tamar
Read
2 Samuel 13:1-22
Questions
1. Amnon’s assault of Tamar and Absalom’s murder of Amnon (13:23-39) are a direct result of David’s sin (2 Sam 12:10). This is a striking lesson that a) “private” sin has collateral damage and b) behavior is more caught than taught.
With respect to (a), what are examples of sin we don’t take seriously because we believe it’s merely a private matter? With respect to (b), what are ways you can be mindful of your private and public behavior in order to point others to Christ with your actions?
2. Amnon misuses power—physical strength and social status—to violate Tamar. David misuses power to harm Tamar even further through his inaction (v.21). Outside of politics, how does the abuse of power impact our lives negatively? On the flip side, how can we as believers use the power we do possess (power = ability to produce meaningful action) as a force for good in the time and place we’re in?
3. God designed the family to be a place of warmth, joy, and where His presence is displayed, and yet this scene depicts a horrific corruption of familial relationships. What are Gospel-oriented ways to maintain relationships as God intended: family, friendship, the church?
4. Verse 17 literally reads “Put this out of my presence…” i.e. “take out the trash.” In vivid language Amnon reveals that sexual assault—along with any other form of abuse—always entails utter dehumanization of the person abused. What are ways our modern culture dehumanizes others (systemically or individually), often in ways they’re ignorant of the true extent of the evil they’re committing?
5. David got angry at injustice yet did nothing; Absalom pursued justice (murdering his brother) while filled with vindictive hatred. Both approaches were wrong, and illustrate that righteous anger toward injustice is good yet easily corrupted. Examples today include expressing rage on social media while feeling self-righteous about it and looking down on those who don’t voice anything publicly. Another example is pursuing justice in a vindictive manner rather than in a way that sees oneself in just as much in need of God’s mercy as the perpetrator(s). How can we as citizens of Christ’s kingdom cultivate healthy and serious approaches toward injustice while avoiding the pitfalls common in our culture?
6. Tamar’s story is bracketed by the story of Mephibosheth, which shows that ultimate redemption is not merely ridding the world of evil or [insert bad thing in your life here], but in being in the positive presence of the King (2 Sam 19:30). 2 Samuel 6 illustrates the same principle with David dancing before the Lord. It’s only in the presence of the King that everything will be ok.
Discuss this principle in general. Next, discuss where you are prone to seek redemption (making things right) through means other than placing yourself in the presence of Christ.
Pray
for one another, our church, our city