2 Samuel 13:20-21, 30-39 CSB
20 Her brother Absalom said to her: “Has your brother Amnon been with you? Be quiet for now, my sister. He is your brother. Don’t take this thing to heart.” So Tamar lived as a desolate woman in the house of her brother Absalom. 21 When King David heard about all these things, he was furious. . . 30 While they were on the way, a report reached David: “Absalom struck down all the king’s sons; not even one of them survived! ” 31 In response the king stood up, tore his clothes, and lay down on the ground, and all his servants stood by with their clothes torn. 32 But Jonadab, son of David’s brother Shimeah, spoke up: “My lord must not think they have killed all the young men, the king’s sons, because only Amnon is dead. In fact, Absalom has planned this ever since the day Amnon disgraced his sister Tamar. 33 “So now, my lord the king, don’t take seriously the report that says all the king’s sons are dead. Only Amnon is dead.” 34 Meanwhile, Absalom had fled. When the young man who was standing watch looked up, there were many people coming from the road west of him from the side of the mountain. 35 Jonadab said to the king, “Look, the king’s sons have come! It’s exactly like your servant said.” 36 Just as he finished speaking, the king’s sons entered and wept loudly. Then the king and all his servants also wept very bitterly. 37 But Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day. 38 After Absalom had fled to Geshur and had been there three years, 39 King David longed to go to Absalom, for David had finished grieving over Amnon’s death.
- Anger should be Righteous
- Weeping should be a Remedy
- Mourning should be Redeeming
- One thing that resonated with me:
- One thing that challenged me:
- One thing I want to learn more about:
- One thing I will do:
Psalm 85 is a corporate lament. Prayerfully read, meditate, and note take on Psalm 85.
- Can you discern the structure of the lament?
- What is being lamented?
- What, if anything, is their hope?
- Where do you find hope in sorrow?
- Worship: Write down one attribute of God and worship God.
- Prayer, Remembrance, and Self-Examination: Near the end of each day this week, pray the Pray of Examen
- Presence: Ask God to make his presence know to you in this moment.
- Gratitude: Recall something(s) that happened today for which you are grateful to God.
- Review: Review your day. What was events caused you an emotional response (positive or negative emotional response)? What was your response? What might you do differently next time?
- Grace: If there is anything you need to ask for forgiveness, do so now.
- Action: What is God calling you to do tomorrow?
