2 Samuel 13:1-29 Bible Study Notes

Bible Study Notes - 2 Samuel 13:1-39

This week, we will study the dramatic story of Amnon’s rape of his sister, Tamar, and her brother, Absalom’s revenge of the dastardly deed.  The three of them are King David’s children.  He is aware of this great offense but says nothing about it for two years.  Possibly, his lack of communication creates the vacuum into which Absalom steps by taking revenge upon Amnon.  How could or should King David have handled this situation differently?  How could communication have prevented the rape, murder and movement to overthrow King David? As you study the passage, consider the following questions and ideas.

• Notice the extreme amount of dysfunction in this family.  Amnon’s first cousin and King David’s nephew, Jonadab, assists Amnon with the ideas which result in the rape of Tamar.
• As Amnon’s father, should King David have sensed something suspicious about Amnon’s request that Tamar prepare food for him?
• Considering verses nine (9) through fourteen (14), is Amnon guilty of incest, rape or both?
• What does Tamar’s phrase, “Such a thing should not be done in Israel!” mean?
• Also, what does the question, “Where would I get rid of my disgrace,” mean?
• Additionally, what does the comment, “You would be like one of the wicked fools in Israel,” mean?
• Consider Amnon’s treatment of Tamar after the rape.  He refers to her as “this woman.”
• In verse twenty (20), does Absalom leave open the possibility that Amnon’s dastardly deed can be rectified in way that restores Tamar’s dignity?
• Verse twenty-one (21) tells us that King David knew about the rape and was furious because of it.  How do we explain his apparent inability to do anything about it?  What prevented his proactive response to “such a deed?”
• How could fluid and effective communication have rewritten verse twenty-two (22) which reveals a total lack of communication between Amnon and Absalom about the horrible incident?  They simply did not talk about anything “good or bad.”
• Notice that the lack of communication for two years results in a murderous plot.
• In verse twenty-five (25), should King David have sensed something suspicious about Absalom’s hunting party?
• How do we explain King David’s response to the news that all of his sons are dead in verse thirty-one (31)?
• Considering verses thirty (30) to thirty-five (35), did Jonadab assist Absalom in the planning and execution of the murder of Amnon?
• Jonadab personifies a communication triangle.  Consider the damage that such misinterpretations, gossip, and intentional misrepresentation of information does to relationships, generally, and families, specifically.
• How do we explain King David’s desire to see Absalom after the death of Amnon?
• Three years after Absalom flees, King David’s spirit longs to see his first born son.
• In that time, King David finds consolation about the death of Amnon.  What consoles him?