Wednesday 10 April, 2013

23 Two years later, Absalom invited all of the king’s sons to come to Baal Hazor. It was near the border of Ephraim. The workers who clipped the wool off Absalom’s sheep were there. 24 Absalom went to the king. He said, “I’ve had my workers come to clip the wool. Will you and your officials please join me?” 25 “No, my son,” the king replied. “All of us shouldn’t go. It would be too much trouble for you.” Although Absalom begged him, the king still refused to go. But he gave Absalom his blessing. 26 Then Absalom said, “If you won’t come, please let my brother Amnon come with us.” The king asked him, “Why should he go with you?” 27 But Absalom begged him. So the king sent Amnon with him. He also sent the rest of his sons. 28 Absalom ordered his men, “Listen! When Amnon has had too much wine to drink, I’ll say to you, ‘Strike Amnon down.’ When I do, kill him. Don’t be afraid. I’ve given you an order, haven’t I? Be strong and brave.” 29 So Absalom’s men killed Amnon, just as Absalom had ordered. Then all of the king’s sons got on their mules and rode away.

Absalom was plotting to kill Amnon as revenge for his rape of Tamar, his sister.  Two years is a long time to plot, to stew and plan.  But

Absalom did, he wanted revenge on Amnon.

So Absalom crafted a plan, where he invited David and all his sons to a feast.  David declined the offer and after some amount of badgering David allowed his sons to go, especially Amnon, who Absalom had asked specifically to come.

David suspected nothing, after all the rape was two years previous and nothing had been done about it.

Absalom instructed his men to kill Amnon when he was drunk, saying he would take the blame.

It’s interesting how revenge works.  Here Absalom plots for two years waiting for an opportune time to exact revenge.  Patience was required, both so as no one, even the king, would suspect anything, and for an opportune time to arrive.

In all this time there was also the opportunity of forgiveness.

Absalom took the route of revenge.

What happens when I am wronged,

what happens when I am deeply wronged?  Do I go the route of forgiveness or revenge?  What triggers either response?  I like to think that I go to forgiveness every time but do I really, what am I stewing on, even plotting as revenge even now?

Father, reveal my heart to me in the areas where I am wounded.  Where revenge is being cooked up in my heart pour your grace into me that I may forgive.

Written by Ps. Richard Botta