As the story unfolds with Tamar, I just have to cry because of the intense lust in Amnon's heart. To take counsel from a crafty brother, bring your sister into your bedroom, deceive and then take and rape her - wow......The dysfunction that was going on in David's home is really overwhelming at times. She mourns, Absalom plans murder, carries it out, flees from family and David really doesn't do much about it. Because of David's lust and adulterous affair with Bathsheba, God cursed David with knowing that a "sword" would be apart of his household from that point on......Prophecy, from Nathan fulfilled right here. This story plays out much like any rape or abuse. Power, struggle, selfishness, pride and then disgust. Here's again an example of "what goes around - comes around". Even the plan to bring Absalom back to David is steeped in lies, deception and craftiness. We have to watch our motives and intentions so carefully. We to can bent the truth, manipulate the situation to then justify the end. Galatians refers to the command of God to "love your neighbor as yourself". It goes on to say, "If you keep on biting and devouring each othe,r watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." After reading 2 Samuel 13-14, it sadly is true of them and us. May the Lord help each of us "hold fast to the truth".

Another note, What did you think of Matthew 24 where Jesus is teaching about the "end-times" unfolding? Love to hear your thoughts - Blessings, PJ