“Avshalom ordered his servants, ‘Pay close attention: when Amnon is in high spirits from drinking wine, and I say to you, ‘Kill Amnon,’ then strike him down. Don’t be afraid — I’m the one ordering you to do it — but take courage, and be bold.’ Avshalom’s servants did to Amnon as Avshalom had ordered. At this, all the king’s sons jumped up, mounted their mules, and fled.”-2 Samuel 13:28-29
When we last left off, it was the sheep-shearing season in Israel.
This was a time of festivities accompanied by much feasting and drinking.
Avshalom decided to use this occasion to avenge his sister, Tamar’s rape, and kill Amnon.
The plot was simple.
Avshalom ordered his servants to keep an eye on Amnon.
Once they noticed he was drunk to the point where he was a bit tipsy…
They were to assault him and kill him.
Now you might be wondering…
Weren’t the servants hesitant to carry out such a dirty deed?
You betcha they were.
After all, this was the king’s firstborn son we were talking about.
He was a crown prince.
But Absalom told them not to worry…
That he would take all the blame.
Remember, these servants were part of Avshalom’s inner circle.
They were men most loyal to him.
So things unfolded as planned.
The party began.
Amnon got drunk.
The servants attacked.
Amnon was killed.
It was as simple as that.
Were the servants right to follow Amnon’s orders?
No.
They had committed murder.
In Torah terminology, “blood-guilt” was now hanging over their heads.
And again, David’s past was returning to haunt him.
Remember when he ordered Joab to kill Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah?
His only goal was to cover up his sin so he could take Bathsheba for himself.
Joab couldn’t have cared less about how wicked David’s orders were.
He was following instructions.
Now, years later, in a similar fashion, David’s son, Amnon, is about to be killed…
Not by someone with a grudge…
But by men just following orders.
The twist?
The guy giving the orders is Avshalom, David’s other son.
With Amnon gone, Avshalom knew the path would be cleared for him to become the next king.
And David??
Yet again, we see a man who seems utterly incapable of confronting his children’s sins.
David would never hold Absalom accountable for the murder of his brother…
And everyone knew it
This was the ancient Middle East after all.
In the Biblical era, justice was based on revenge and blood feuds.
Absalom never hid that he had instigated the death of Amnon…
And he didn’t need to.
He knew he’d be seen as just playing the role of the family blood avenger (go’el in Hebrew).
Ya feel me here?
This leads to a takeaway.
In every society, there is justice rooted in culture and tradition…
And justice rooted firmly in God’s Word.
It’s our job to study Scripture carefully so we can tell the difference.
And then make course corrections when necessary.
That’s the purpose of God’s Word…
And how positive change is brought about in society.
See ya all next time.
CONNECTING THIS TEACHING TO THE NEW TESTAMENT
“All scripture is given
by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction,
for instruction in righteousness”
-2 Timothy 3:16
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