The situation in David’s household goes from bad to worse and again the events that follow are directly related to David’s own sin. Absalom would have naturally expected that his father would deal harshly with his half-brother’s sin against his sister, Tamar. But David did nothing about it. This was an uncharacteristic breach of justice for a king who so cherished the law of God. Certainly, it would have been difficult for David to judge his own son, Amnon, in this case. But what would have made it extra difficult was the fact that he was expected to judge his son for something that resembled his own previous sin. In other words, David’s previous adultery and murder made it difficult for him to hold his line as the final court of justice in Israel. This is why David is furious about Amnon’s sin but then does nothing about it. By his sin David has undermined his own confidence to fulfil his role. It is further warning for us regarding the far-reaching consequences of sin. Whether it is lust, malice, selfish ambition, envy, slander or any other sin, if we let it into our lives, it will do irreparable damage. God will take away our guilt but will often let us live with the consequences of our sin to underline an important fact: sin is self-sabotage. Don’t take it lightly.
Ask God to show you what sin he wants to uproot out of your life.
Read 2 Samuel 13:23-39
