2 Samuel

2 Samuel 13: Sin brings sorrow to David’s house

Begin in prayer

Before we read about the sorrow in David’s house, let us come before the LORD together. Ask Him to help us see sin for what it is, and to bring our families to the Saviour.

Turn to me, and have mercy on me, for I am desolate and afflicted.

Psalm 25:16

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Show us that sin is folly that brings sorrow into a family, and show us Jesus, who cleanses the sinful heart. Help us to turn from sin. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

David’s son Amnon is sick with longing for his half-sister Tamar, and his cousin Jonadab gives him a wicked plan. Amnon pretends to be sick and asks the king to send Tamar to make food for him. Amnon wrongs Tamar and then sends her away in shame. Tamar tears her garment and lives in sorrow in Absalom’s house. David is angry, and the chapter records no action from him. Two years later Absalom has Amnon killed, and he flees to Geshur for three years.

As you read 2 Samuel 13, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

Sin is folly that brings sorrow into a family, and only God can make a sinful heart clean.

Amnon longs for his half-sister Tamar, and his cousin Jonadab gives him a plan to deceive the king (verses 1 to 6). The chapter does not name the LORD in these events, but it shows what sin does to a family. Tamar pleads that such a thing ought not to be done in Israel, and she calls it folly (verse 12). Amnon sends her away, and she is left desolate in her brother Absalom’s house (verses 15 to 20). David hears all this and is angry, and the chapter records no action from him (verse 21). Absalom says nothing, but he hates Amnon (verse 22). Two years later he has Amnon killed, and the king’s sons flee (verses 23 to 29). So one sin leads to another, and sorrow spreads through the house. Only God can make a sinful heart clean, and Jesus cleanses those who confess and trust Him (1 John 1 verse 9).

How does 2 Samuel 13 show us that sin is folly that brings sorrow into a family, and that only God can make a sinful heart clean?

Sin begins with a wicked plan in the heart.

Amnon longs for Tamar, and Jonadab gives him a plan to deceive the king (verses 1 to 5). The plan works, because the king sends Tamar to his house (verses 6 and 7). Sin begins in the heart long before anyone else sees it.

Sin hurts the innocent.

Tamar refuses, and she says such a thing ought not to be done in Israel (verses 12 and 13). Amnon sends her away, and she lives in sorrow in her brother’s house (verses 15 to 20). Sin brings sorrow to the people it harms most.

Only God can make a sinful heart clean, and Jesus does.

David is angry, and the chapter records no action from him (verse 21). Absalom hates Amnon and waits two years before he takes revenge (verses 22 and 23). The family is torn apart, and no one in the house can make it right (verses 23 to 39). Jesus cleanses sinful hearts when they confess and trust Him (1 John 1 verse 9).

Memorise

For no such thing ought to be done in Israel. Don’t you do this folly.

2 Samuel 13:12

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, what sin is hidden in my heart, and do I bring it to Jesus?

Amnon’s heart was full of wickedness, and it brought sorrow to everyone around him. Tamar was hurt, David was angry, and Absalom waited for revenge. This is what sin does to a family. Only God can make a sinful heart clean, and Jesus came to do it.

Sinners cannot cleanse their own hearts. Jesus carried the sin of His people to the cross, and His blood cleanses them fully. He was laid in a tomb, and God raised Him alive.

So come to Him. Turn from your sin and trust Jesus. Everyone who trusts Him is cleansed from sin and forgiven.

Parent's note

Tell your children that sin is folly and brings sorrow into a family, and that only God can cleanse the heart. Parents, this chapter is hard, so please explain verses 1 to 22 in your own words, without describing the wrong. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God that only He can make a sinful heart clean, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

Those who know your name will put their trust in you, for you, Yahweh, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm 9:10

Lord God, thank You that only You can make a sinful heart clean, and that Jesus cleanses the sinful heart. Help each person here repent of sin and trust the Lord Jesus. Help us to bring every hidden sin to You this week, and bring our heart question to You. Amen.