Sunday, August 4 – 2 Samuel 13, Psalm 122 – Additional Reading, Patriarchs and Prophets, Chapter 72, “The Rebellion of Absalom”

1. What is the difference between Jonadab and a good friend? (2 Samuel 13:3-5)

2. How is the House of the Lord blessed when we seek the good of others? (Psalm 122:9)

Commentary and Reflection:

The seed of David’s sin was beginning to bear bitter fruit. It is noteworthy that sins of the flesh and sins against the family, though forgiven, can leave a trail of bitter consequences. Let’s look at an interesting note from the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary in the introduction to 2 Samuel 13:

“The series of narratives that follow (chs. 13 to 21) is an account of misfortunes that overtook David after his sin. Chronicles makes no mention of these calamities, as that record also fails to mention David’s sin. After his adultery with Bathsheba and his murder of Uriah, David was a changed man. He had lost much of his former confidence in himself; nor was he longer complete master of his realm. The people no longer had implicit confidence, and thus were slow to listen to his admonitions concerning the rewards of righteousness or the evils of transgression. When he saw others do the things for which he had set the example, it was difficult to reprove them. His own sons refused to obey him and no longer respected his counsel. Where before he had been strong and courageous, he now became weak and hesitant. A sense of shame constantly hung over him. The following chapters portray the course of events that in part, at least, were consequent upon David’s transgression.” (SDA Bible Commentary, 2 Samuel 13:1)

It is sobering to think how many good men of God failed in the difficult task of raising their children: Aaron, Eli, Samuel, and David. I say this as a reflection, not as judgment. May God have mercy on me and my family! It seems permissiveness mixed with abundance can create an environment that corrupts children.

The young Amnon suffered a textbook case of infatuation. Infatuation resembles love but is a dangerous counterfeit. It can happen to anyone, and we must all guard against it. It is an “emotional cold” that, if not cared for, can become “pneumonia.” As in this case, it can lead to the death of the patient. The symptoms are confused with true love. It produces a strong desire to be with the “loved” person, constant thoughts about them, loss of sleep and appetite, weight loss, clouded judgment, and a tingling sensation in the stomach when in their presence.

The main difference between infatuation and love is that once the desire to be with the object of infatuation is satisfied, interest in them quickly wanes. Love is solid and enduring; infatuation leaves as quickly as it came. The infatuated person is willing to do anything to be with the object of their infatuation, even break the law and harm their family. Love does not lose sight, cares for the loved one, is willing to wait, and wants to do things right. “Does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13:5-7)

This quote from Patriarchs and Prophets clearly explains how God’s punishment occurs in the consequences of sin:

“David had neglected the duty of punishing the crime of Amnon, and because of the unfaithfulness of the king and father and the impenitence of the son, the Lord permitted events to take their natural course, and did not restrain Absalom. When parents or rulers neglect the duty of punishing iniquity, God himself will take the case in hand. His restraining power will be in a measure removed from the agencies of evil, so that a train of circumstances will arise which will punish sin with sin.” (PP 720)

In Psalm 122, David asks for prayers for the peace of Jerusalem, for peace within its walls, and security within its citadels. David and his capital needed prayers especially in these moments. Even today is a good day to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

“Ps. 122 is another of the pilgrim psalms (see Introduction to Ps. 120). It is an expression of joy for the privilege of going up to Jerusalem to worship.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Introduction to Psalm 122)

Rejoice this week with those who go to the House of the Lord.