Sin promises a garden of delight, full of sweet fruits. The reality of it, however, is far from that promise. The poison of sin is fatal to our souls.
In 2 Samuel, chapter 13, we read of a terrible sin. It involved incest, rape and heartache. David had succumbed to sin’s promises with Bathsheba, and the consequences for him, his family and the nation were dire indeed. Here were some of the results.
Amnon was the eldest son of King David. He was in a position of power and could have anything or anyone he wanted; yet, what he wanted was his half-sister, the princess Tamar! In 2 Samuel 13:1, we read of Amnon’s wicked desire: “After this Absalom the son of David had a lovely sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her” (NKJV). Later, we see the tragic consequences of Amnon’s sin and David’s earlier sin with Bathsheba. From verses 2-12, we read of Amnon conspiring to commit sexual assault on his half-sister. In 2 Samuel 13:12-15, we read of the result of Amnon’s sinful desire. The terrified girl protested. “No, my brother,” she said to him. “‘Do not force me, for no such thing should be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing! And I, where could I take my shame? And as for you, you would be like one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, please speak to the king; for he will not withhold me from you.’ However, he would not heed her voice; and being stronger than she, he forced her and lay with her. Then Amnon hated her exceedingly, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, ‘Arise, be gone!’”
Amnon did what so many others have done when they commit a sin that’s truly terrible. They hate the object of their desire. Amnon hated Tamar! He blamed her for his desire! He refused to accept responsibility for his dreadful act! Sin is compounded upon sin as sure as the sun rises. Amnon ordered his servant to get his half-sister away from him. However, burying his head in the sand did not remove the sin, and his was life destroyed.
In 2 Samuel 13:19, we read that Tamar put ashes on her head, rent her garment, laid her hand on her head, and cried. In the culture of ancient Israel, poor Tamar would never find a mate because of her brother’s wickedness. Her future was ruined, and all because of the wickedness of another.
When Tamar’s brother, Absalom, found out what happened, he took the law into his own hands and conspired to have Amnon killed. In 2 Samuel 13:28, the Word tells us, “Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, ‘Watch now, when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, Strike Amnon! then kill him.’” In order to escape punishment, we’re told that Absalom fled, but returned with an army of rebellion and was slain in battle.
God defines sin, and when we seek to somehow legitimize our sinful actions, we build a sea of sorrow for ourselves and our families. David was forgiven of his sin, but the damage done was long-lasting. David and his sons, Amnon and Absalom, drank from the cup of sin, and it tasted sweet at the time, but it poisoned them. Sin almost destroyed David and actually destroyed his children.
The Gospel calls for us to turn and repent from sin (Acts 2:38). The Lord Jesus tells us to believe in Him (which includes His commands) or face condemnation (Mark 16:16). Take responsibility for your sin. Bring your sins before God and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins (Acts 22:16). Spew the sin out and breathe the Word in, trusting in the promise of the good news!
