David, Part 9: The Sword in His House | Bible Stories Retold

It didn't take long, and this time, the worst thing David did was nothing at all. David's oldest son was Amnon, next in line to be king, and Amnon became obsessed with his half-sister Tamar, Absalom's sister. He wanted her so badly that he made himself sick over it. Amnon had a friend named Johnadab, a very crafty man. Johnadab gave him a plan. Pretend you're sick. When your father comes to see you, ask him to send Tamar to make you food, and it worked. King David himself sent Tamar to her brother's house. Tamar made the bread, and brought it to him. Amnon sent everyone out of the room. Then he grabbed her. She said, "No, my brother. Do not force me. Don't do this terrible thing. Where would I carry my shame? Please speak to the king." But Amnon would not listen to her. He was stronger than she was, and he forced himself on her. When Amnon hated her, more than he had ever wanted her. He said, "Get up. Go." He had his servant throw her out and bolt the door behind her, as if she were the one who had done something wrong. Tamar put ashes on her head. She tore the royal robe she was wearing, the robe of the king's daughters, and she walked away, crying out loud. Let's be clear about what happened. The shame was never hers. It was Amnon's. Her brother Absalom found her. He said, "Has Amnon been with you? Hold your peace. Now, my sister, he is your brother. Don't take this to heart." So Tamar lived in Absalom's house, a desolate woman. And King David, the Bible says when King David heard of all these things, he was very angry. And that's it. He didn't punish Amnon. He didn't go to Tamar. He didn't say one word. Her father was the king. He had all the power to make it right, and he did nothing. David's silence said something. It told Tamar she didn't matter, and it taught his sons that harm goes unanswered in this house. Absalom never said a word to Amnon. Not good, not bad. He just waited. Two full years. Then he invited all the king's sons to a feast, and when Amnon's heart was merry with wine, Absalom's servants struck Amnon down. Absalom fled to another country and stayed there three years. David grieved for Amnon. Then he longed for Absalom. But when Absalom finally came home, David would not see him. Two more years passed without a word between them. At last, the king called for his son. Absalom bowed down with his face to the ground, and David kissed him. But nothing was ever talked about. Nothing was ever made right. And in Absalom's heart, nothing was already growing. This story doesn't have a hero. What Amnon did was evil. There

is no excuse for it. Johnnadab helped. Absalom told her to be quiet, and David, the man after God's own heart, was angry and did nothing. Maybe you've caused harm like this. Maybe you knew about it and stayed quiet. Repentance starts the way it did for David with Nathan. No excuses, no hiding, telling the truth about what was done. And if you're someone who has been harmed, hear this clearly. It was not your shame. You matter to God. And your story deserves to be heard. [MUSIC]