Like Father, Like Son

Read 2 Samuel 13:1–14:33

1. David’s son Absalom had a beautiful sister named Tamar. And Amnon, her half brother, fell desperately in love with her. . . .
6. So Amnon lay down and pretended to be sick. And when the king came to see him, Amnon asked him, “Please let my sister Tamar come and cook my favorite dish as I watch. Then I can eat it from her own hands.” . . .
11. But as she was feeding him, he grabbed her and demanded, “Come to bed with me, my darling sister.”
12. “No, my brother!” she cried. “Don’t be foolish! Don’t do this to me! Such wicked things aren’t done in Israel.
13. Where could I go in my shame? And you would be called one of the greatest fools in Israel. Please, just speak to the king about it, and he will let you marry me.”
14. But Amnon wouldn’t listen to her, and since he was stronger than she was, he raped her. 2 Samuel 13:1, 6, 11-14

As you get older, do you notice how much you are becoming like your parents? You may think, I’m just like my father or mother. It’s funny how we leave adolescence eager to be unlike our parents, and then the plan goes afoul. There’s a part of Mom and Dad that we just can’t escape.

David’s kids are all grown up now, and his sons are bringing him a lot of grief. Unfortunately, by this time there’s little he can do about it—indeed he does little. In this way, David sees his own sins coming back to haunt him. As you read this passage, think of the parenting implications David’s actions have brought (disciplining, being a good role model, spending time together).

In this section of Scripture, you will also see the difference between love and lust, and the damage that can result from a rebellious attitude.

David faced sins in his own family similar to those that he had committed earlier. David’s son, Amnon, raped his half sister Tamar. Amnon was then murdered by another of David’s sons, Tamar’s brother, Absalom (2 Samuel 13:1-29). David’s sin was magnified in the lives of his children. David was angry with Amnon for raping Tamar, but he did not punish this wayward son (13:21-22). David probably hesitated because he didn’t want to cross Amnon, who was his firstborn son (see 1 Chronicles 3:1), and next in line to be king. David was guilty of a similar sin himself in his adultery with Bathsheba. While unsurpassed as a king and military leader, David had problems as a husband and father.

If you are a parent, you can’t always control what your children will do. You can, however, live by God’s standards and give them a good example to follow. What changes should you make in order to be a better mother or father?