2 Samuel 13

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2 Samuel 13:12-14,  “No, my brother!” she said to him. “Don’t force me! Such a thing should not be done in Israel! Don’t do this wicked thing.  What about me? Where could I get rid of my disgrace? And what about you? You would be like one of the wicked fools in Israel. Please speak to the king; he will not keep me from being married to you.” But he refused to listen to her, and since he was stronger than she, he raped her.

This was an ugly chapter filled with family dysfunction, sexual assault, murder, and more sin.  It really marks a critical juncture in the book of 2 Samuel.  The first ten chapters describe David’s victories and faithfulness.  In the next half of the book, we begin to see David’s downfall and the beginning of a divided Israel. 

Amnon was David’s oldest son and the heir-apparent.  He lusted after his half-sister, Tamar, and despite knowing it was wrong and despite her own pleas, he rapes her and then abandons her.  There are significant parallels between Amnon’s sin and the sin of his father, King David.  Both committed sexual assault within the privacy and safety of the palace, both of the women experienced extraordinary grief because of the men’s actions, and both of their sins resulted in death for David’s sons. 

While we could probably make many reflections on this text, what stands out to me is that the sins of one generation imprint the next generation.  Each sin leads to more sin and seems to set a precedent for others to follow.  Generational patterns of sin are all too common: sexual abuse, physical abuse, alcoholism and substance use, among other things.  The only one who can break this pattern of bondage and sin is Jesus. 

Let’s pray…Lord, Forgive us for the ways we contribute to generational sin.  We submit our lives to you.  Break all the chains that keep us entrenched in sin.  We need you and the freedom that you provide.  Whatever is dark, may you bring it to light.  More of you and less of me, Jesus.  In Your Name, Amen.