When Bitterness is Allowed to Grow

O. T. #717  "When Bitterness is Allowed to Grow"
March 17, 2016
2 Samuel 13-Part 2
So at Absalom's signal they (his servants) murdered Amnon. 2 Samuel 13:29

LET IT GLOW

Like mold allowed to grow on a loaf of bread, bitterness can take over. Do we realize how strong bitterness can grow into hatred, and worse, murder? It can destroy. Absalom did not resolve his toward his brother Amnon, who had raped his sister, and his bitterness grew into murder.

All right now, in David's time there were no cell phones nor test messaging. So I wonder how David found out what happened at the Absalom's feast-all the king's sons were killed and not one is left alive. In shock, David got up, tore his robe, and threw himself on the ground in shock and sorrow. Talk about getting your wires crossed. Only Amnon was killed, so Jonadab set everyone straight with the correct information, adding that Absalom plotted it and escaped.

As a confirmation of this information, the watchman on the Jerusalem wall told David that he saw a group of people coming down the road along the hill. They were the king's sons. Soon they arrived, weeping, and sobbing. Then the King David and his servants wept bitterly with them. David mourned many days for his son Amnon.

Did David realize that God's predictions were coming true?

LET IT GROW

Absalom fled to Geshur, east of the Sea of Galilee, because King Talmai was his grandfather (1 Chronicles 3:2), and he would be welcomed. The stayed there 3 years. The cities of refuge would not allow him protection there since his was premeditated murder.

By most casual evaluations, Absalom would have made an excellent king, and the people love him. but he lacked the inner character and control needed in a good leader. His appearance, skill, and position did not make up for his lack of personal integrity. David repented of his sins, but Absalom's sins kept on sinning. He was not wise enough to evaluate the counsel he received.  (Life Application Study Bible)

Notice that David took no action to bring Absalom back For 2 years Absalom allowed his bitterness to fester and grow into revenge. Rape was punishable by death in Israel, but not through personal revenge. An then death was to be the punishment for murder in Numbers 35:21, so Absalom knew what was due him in Israel an fled. Absalom blew it. He was next in line to be king of Israel after David. What a mess he made of his life.

Do we know of folks on a fast track toward self-destruction?
God offers forgiveness, but we have to sincerely admit our sins and confess them to God.
Are we careful to consider that often the sins of parents are repeated and amplified in their children?

LET IT GO

Forgive others before it turns into bitterness and hatred.