We see from the story of Amnon and Tamar that sexual sin is not a new problem. This young man was so consumed with lust (not love as it demonstrated by his actions and his loathing (13:15) of her afterward) that he did not care about any of consequences of his actions. Sexual desire is a very powerful human appetite. It was created by God to bond a man and a woman together in monogamous faithfulness. When it is used for other purposes it only destroys. This story is the tragic evidence of this fact. And the story begins to fulfill what was prophesied to David–that his house would be a household of blood because of his own example in murdering Uzziah. Disobeying God always brings horrible consequences. If only we would listen and obey!
The other human weakness seen in this story is the power of family ties and entanglement. Because of David’s misplaced love for son he did not take any action to punish or vindicate Tamar (13:21) . This is often a parent’s downfall. Out of thinking we are loving our kids, and out of fear of losing their love, we act in ways that are disobedient to God’s word. This is why Jesus said, “Whoever comes to me and does not hate mother, father, sisters, and brothers, yes, even life itself, cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26 The use of hate is a hyperbole. Jesus is saying, you must love me so much more than anyone or anything else that in comparison it is as if you hate them. David loved his sons and loved the love of his sons more than he loved God. This always brings harm not good even though on the surface it appears right.
Chapter 15 reveals the shallowness of the love of David’s family. Though David loves Absolam and forgives and restores him, Absalom answers with arrogance and betrayal as he “steals the hearts” of the people and plans to usurp the throne. This is a family full of intrigue. God’s heart must have been greatly distressed by what had happened to David and his family from their disobedience and sin. But as usual, God remains faithful and continues to work in and through the cirucmstances–whatever they are–in order to accomplish the salvation that he promised. The God above all gods is ever at work behind the scenes of history to bring about his eternal purposes.