Inaction leads to further Injustice

Read 2 Samuel 13.

The prophecy of Nathan in 12:10-11 began to unfold upon David and his family.

With David's multiple wives, there were many half siblings within his very large family.  Tamar was a beautiful and obedient virgin daughter of King David.  When she realized Ammon's sexual intentions toward her, Tamar displayed an unusual sense of wisdom in four strong statements.

1. This is an outrageous violation, not only against her but against the nation of Israel.

2. This will result in shame with no hiding place.

3. This will make Ammon a common fool in the nation.

4. If he really loved her, all he had to do was ask the king's permission.

Ammon was guilty of lust, lying, and the rape of his half-sister.  He did not love her.  The proof is in his feelings after the rape.  He hated her.  Her full brother Absalom took Tamar into his home and care.

David's leadership as father and king was AWOL.  He knew what happened and did nothing.  This added insult to the injury and caused the anger of Absalom to fester.  Two years passed with no justice or attempt for reconciliation for this known heinous sin in the family.  Finally, Absalom carried out a plot to murder Ammon.

Everyone cried and mourned; over what?  There are no recorded tears for Tamar.  There are no recorded outcries due to Ammon's sins against the family.  The family did not come together to mourn until Ammon was murdered.

And, David failed again in not dealing with Absalom.

As a father of adult children, he was not responsible for their decisions, or their behaviors.  However, he remained their father and if he truly loved them he should have at least spoken up and used the family circle for influence.  As king, he was ultimately responsible in overseeing Israel's justice and spiritual purity.  David's inaction only compounded the problems for himself, his family and the nation.

Lack of swift justice only breeds more sin.  One of the hallmark verses that should guide all levels of justice is Ecclesiastes 8:11-"Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil.”