Daily Devotional for Tuesday, January 9

Amnon Defiles Tamar

“Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone,” 2 Samuel 13:15.

God’s Word is full of the promises of spiritual restoration. As believers, we are rescued from eternal damnation and separation from God. Nothing can pluck us from His hand. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Why do bad things still happen? The short answer is sin. Until all believers receive their glorified bodies, the results of sin will always be felt in this earthly life.

We have seen how David’s sinful choices resulted in turmoil within his children. The Law was clear about sexual relationships within families (Leviticus 18). Amnon had let his friend and cousin, Jonadab, lead him astray from the instructions in the Law. He was alone with his half sister Tamar in his chamber and grabbed her to entice her to sleep with him. Tamar refused and tried to reason with him, but as we find when most people are deep in sin, truth and reasoning fall on deaf ears. He instead overpowered her and forced himself on her, taking her virginity and leaving behind physical, emotional, mental and spiritual damage. We read in verse 15 that Amnon hated her. After completely destroying her, he now hardened his heart toward her and sent her away defiled and distraught. This section ends with the picture of total anguish as Tamar was crying on a heap of torn clothes and ashes. The colorful, vibrant virgin’s garment now lying ripped symbolized the dark and broken situation that had taken place.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Let the Holy Spirit control you in times when sin is trying to creep in. Remember that all your choices have consequences for you and those around you.

Ashley Ridings