2 Samuel 20:1-3 – Suffering Because of the Sin of Others
In verse 3 David comes to his house at Jerusalem. It should have been a glorious moment. But it’s not quite a return to how things were before his sin with Bathsheba. On the national level, there are clear tensions, which in the days of David’s son Solomon will become even clearer when the nation fractures irreversibly. It’s all part of the impact of David’s sin.
We also see the personal toll of sin in verse 3. Particularly, those who suffer because of the sin of others. David’s concubines are suffering firstly because David has ignored God’s blueprint of one man and one woman for life, and that never goes well in the Bible. So even the very existence of concubines is against God’s pattern. But now, because Absalom has lain with them while David has been in exile, they can have no ongoing relationship with David. He will provide for them. But they’re shut up until the day of their death, living as if in widowhood. What a terribly sad picture. Their hopes and dreams brought to a sudden end. And not because of anything they’ve done. All because of the sins of others. Like Tamar, back in chapter 13, she was violated, and left asking the question: ‘Where can I carry my shame?’ Amnon sinned, and Tamar suffered. Here, David sinned, and these women suffered. Some Christians have had their lives take a turn that they would have never chosen, as the direct result of the sin of someone else. I can’t answer the ‘Why’ question. But I can remind you that you are not alone. And I can also point you to the one who Psalm 147 tells us heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds. And also to the one who promises one day to wipe away every tear from your eyes.
Questions
- What are some of the results of David’s sin here?
- Who can heal the broken hearted?
Prayer Points
- Pray for Christ to comfort His people who are broken hearted.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.