In 2 Samuel 13, we learn what happens when a person gets caught up in their lust, even for their own sister. And let me tell you that this only ends in more pain than not, as it did with Tamar, David’s daughter. You see, Amnon, David’s son, was infatuated with his sister’s beauty until it ended in rape. It says that 2“Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin.” (2 Samuel 13:2) His sister was also a virgin, and he had no right to touch her or uncover her nakedness. She was to be kept modest until she was married to her own husband. However, at the moment she was getting hit on by her brother, she knew that if he touched her sexually, then it would make God angry. This was taught by God unto Moses, 1“cursed be he that lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.” (Deuteronomy 27:22) As a person who grew up knowing God’s laws, because of her father David, this must have been on her heart the day that she was being seduced by her brother. Here is a portion of that story, as Amnon was faking to be sick, he 2“said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother. And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister. And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly. And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee.” (2 Samuel 13:10-13) So she reasoned with her brother, but did it work? Unfortunately not, for he had to get his way with her, no matter what.
Tamar tried to talk sense into her brother, but he would not listen. And then the evil deed occurred, as we continue reading this sad story, 2“howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her. Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone. And she said unto him, There is no cause: this evil in sending me away is greater than the other that thou didst unto me. But he would not hearken unto her. Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her. And she had a garment of divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king’s daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her. And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying. (2 Samuel 13:14-19) So having been raped by her brother she felt so dirty. That is why she didn’t feel worthy anymore to wear what she had on and could only put ashes on her head because of her sadness. Wow, how can someone do something like this to their own sister? Now, this story doesn’t end here, for Amnon got his just reward. Absalom, David’s other son, hated what he did to their sister and had him be killed by the king’s men. Which then caused Absalon to flee for his life. Where, 2“the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.” (2 Samuel 13:39) As we’ve learned, our lusts have consequences, where even other people are also affected. So get them under control with Jesus starting today. Allow Him to put in you a clean heart, that is willing to serve Him.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray for this world that we live in. Too many people are caught up in their lust while causing so much pain and anguish in the lives of those around them. We have people that are then caught up in a date rape situation and even brothers and sisters are getting involved with each other sexually because of this. Oh, what a sad world this has become. Where Your laws are no longer honored and people don’t care anymore about doing Your will. If people could just see the lives of others that are now suffering because of their own pride and selfish ambitions. Then, would they understand that what they are doing is only causing people to be disrespected in a way that is abominable in your sight. Taking others for granted while our own pleasures are gratified is so wrong. And how can we go on with ourselves, when we have caused another person to be violated sexually? If people could just know how You feel about fornication and adultery, then none of this would be happening. And if it did, people would come to You quickly in repentance. There would no longer be people that are living in a sexual relationship outside of marriage. For the marriage bed would finally be respected in what You have called it to be. That is for a man and woman to leave their father and mother and become one flesh in marriage. As You have spoken, taking the purity from another person, because of our sexual endeavors with them is evil. Therefore, I pray that people will no longer cause people that are waiting for marriage to have sexual intimacy with their spouse, to force them into this beforehand. So put in people the Holy Spirit, that they may start respecting one another and no longer take them for granted. You respect our wishes, and I pray that we will start doing this for others. I love You, Lord. Doing Your will brings me the greatest joy of all. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
