Daily Bible Reading “Ammon and Tamar” (2 Samuel 13:1-18)

Posted on September 18, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Ammon and Tamar

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 13:1-18. Absolam, David’s son, had a beautiful sister, whose name was Tamar. David’s son, Ammon, was in love with her. David had many wives so these two had different mothers, but their father was King David.

Proverbs 6:25 warns, “Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.”

Ammon became so obsessed with his sister Tamar that it made him sick. She was a virgin and he couldn’t imagine doing anything to harm her.

But Ammon had a friend named Jonadab. He was the son of Shimeah, David’s brother, which means he was actually Ammon’s cousin. Of course, cousins can be friends and sometimes best friends. Jonadab was a shrewd man.

Jonadab was so close to Ammon that he noticed he was frail and distraught. He asked Ammon what was wrong with him. Ammon told Jonadab of his love for his sister Tamar.

Jonadab devised a plan for Ammon. He told Ammon to pretend that he was sick. Then, he told Ammon when his father, King David, came in to check on him ask his father to send his sister Tamar to cook a meal for him.

James 1:14 says, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.”

Ammon did as Jonadab suggested. King David didn’t think anything about Ammon’s request. He told Tamar to go cook for her brother Ammon since he was sick. So Tamar went to Ammon’s house and made some cakes for him, but he refused to eat. He was really playing the part.

Then, Ammon sent all his servants away and told Tamar to bring him the cakes to his bed. When she went in to give him the cakes he took hold of her arm and told her to come lie with him. She told him no. She even tried to reason with him, but he wouldn’t listen. She even told him that if he told King David of his desire for her he would probably grant his wishes, but this wasn’t the way to do things. She knew that it was wrong and tried to talk him out of it, but Ammon was stronger than Tamar and forced her to lie with him.

Once Ammon had his way with Tamar he hated her more than he had ever loved her. He told her to get out. She begged him not to send her away, but he insisted. He sent for his servant and told him to make her leave and lock the door behind her.

Tamar was wearing a multi-colored garment, which is what the king’s daughters who were virgins wore. The servant did as Ammon requested and sent Tamar away and locked the door as he was instructed.

Ammon’s obsession got the best of him. He had admired Tamar for her beauty for so long that his desire took control of him. His friend added fuel to the fire when he gave Ammon a plan as to how he could get Tamar to lie with him.

Did Ammon have to carry out the plan that Jonadab suggested? No, he could have resisted the temptation. When the enemy tempts us, we should always look for a way to escape the temptation. What could Ammon have done to escape his temptation for his sister? Surely he could of found some way to escape the temptation.

1 John 2:16 tells us, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 13:1-18

1 And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.
2 And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her.
3 But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David’s brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man.
4 And he said unto him, Why art thou, being the king’s son, lean from day to day? wilt thou not tell me? And Amnon said unto him, I love Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.
5 And Jonadab said unto him, Lay thee down on thy bed, and make thyself sick: and when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto him, I pray thee, let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat, and dress the meat in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it at her hand.
6 So Amnon lay down, and made himself sick: and when the king was come to see him, Amnon said unto the king, I pray thee, let Tamar my sister come, and make me a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat at her hand.
7 Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to thy brother Amnon’s house, and dress him meat.
8 So Tamar went to her brother Amnon’s house; and he was laid down. And she took flour, and kneaded it, and made cakes in his sight, and did bake the cakes.
9 And she took a pan, and poured them out before him; but he refused to eat. And Amnon said, Have out all men from me. And they went out every man from him.
10 And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.
11 And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister.
12 And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly.
13 And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee.
14 Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her.
15 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.
16 And she said unto him, There is no cause: this evil in sending me away is greater than the other that thou didst unto me. But he would not hearken unto her.
17 Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her.
18 And she had a garment of divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king’s daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her.

Things to think about:

Why was Ammon obsessed with his sister Tamar?
What did Jonadab suggest Ammon do about his obsession?
How did Jonadab’s plan play out?
How did Ammon feel after he took advantage of his sister?
What did Ammon tell Tamar to do after he had his way with her?
What lessons can we learn from this incidence that took place with Ammon and Tamar?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture we can see how sin can cause people to do things they shouldn’t do. Help us to realize there are always things in this life to tempt us to sin. Help us to look for ways to escape the temptation. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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The Book of Zechariah: A Story of Dreams and Visions

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Zechariah: A Story of Dreams and Visions is a Daily Bible Reading study by Deborah H. Bateman. It is a study of Zechariah from the Old Testament of the Bible. Zechariah was a prophet during Old Testament times. He tells of eight dreams or visions he has where the LORD communicates with him.

In the beginning of the book the LORD is beckoning His people to return to Him and He will return to them. The dreams that Zechariah has are dreams that are pertinent to his day as well as dreams about the future.

The Book of Zechariah: A Story of Dreams and visions contains twenty-two Daily Bible Reading Lessons that take you through the entire book of Zechariah. Each lesson contains a commentary by the author, the Scriptures for Daily Bible Reading, a few questions for contemplation called “Things to think about,” and a Prayer for the Day. It is a great book for individual or group Bible studies.

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Daily Bible Reading “David and Joab Conquer Rabbah” (2 Samuel 12:26-31)

Posted on September 17, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

David and Joab Conquer Rabbah

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 12:26-31. Joab had been trying to conquer Rabbah for a year while David was dealing with his sin. Joab finally conquered Rabbah, the capital city of the Ammonites, which is located east of the Jordan River.

Joab sent messengers to tell David that he had overtaken the royal city of Rabbah, which was also called the city of waters since it was located along the Jordan. He sent word for David to come and bring the rest of the people to help secure the city, or the city would be named after him.

David gathered his troops and went to Rabbah. They helped Joab and were able to overtake the city. David took their king’s crown from his head. The crown weighed a talent of gold and was adorned with precious stones. The crown was placed on David’s head instead of the king of Rabbah.

They obtained much treasure from Rabbah. He captured the people and put them to work for him as he did with all the cities of the children of Ammon.

David repented to God for his sin and God allowed him to be victorious again. He had suffered the consequences of his sin. Even though we sin and come short of the glory of God we still can be used by God. We can be victorious again. It would be better if we didn’t sin and turn away from God, but when we repent and turn back to God, He can bless us again.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 12:26-31

26 And Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city.
27 And Joab sent messengers to David, and said, I have fought against Rabbah, and have taken the city of waters.
28 Now therefore gather the rest of the people together, and encamp against the city, and take it: lest I take the city, and it be called after my name.
29 And David gathered all the people together, and went to Rabbah, and fought against it, and took it.
30 And he took their king’s crown from off his head, the weight whereof was a talent of gold with the precious stones: and it was set on David’s head. And he brought forth the spoil of the city in great abundance.
31 And he brought forth the people that were therein, and put them under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of iron, and made them pass through the brickkiln: and thus did he unto all the cities of the children of Ammon. So David and all the people returned unto Jerusalem.

Things to think about:

Who led the conquer of Rabbah?
Why did Joab send for David?
What was David’s response to Joab’s request?
How do we know they were victorious in this battle?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that You allowed David to be victorious again against the enemies of Israel. Help us to realize that we can be forgiven and return to Your favor. Help us not to let our sins and mistakes keep us from serving You. If we have fallen into sin, help us to repent and turn back to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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Daily Bible Reading “David and Bathsheba’s Son Dies” (2 Samuel 12:18-25)

Posted on September 15, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

David and Bathsheba’s Son Dies

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 12:18-25. For seven days David laid on the ground praying, fasting, and seeking God’s face. On the seventh day his son died. Seven is the number of completeness and perfection in the Bible. Wonder if there is some significance in this instance to the child dying on the seventh day.

David’s servants were afraid to tell him of his son’s death because David wouldn’t respond to them when they talked to him before the child was dead. They didn’t know how he would react to the news now that his son was dead.

David saw them whispering and realized that the child had died. So he asked them if the child was dead. David’s servants responded to him saying, “He is dead.”

David got up, bathed, anointed himself, and changed his clothes. Then, he went to the house of the LORD and worshiped. Despite this tragedy in David’s life, he loved the LORD and one of the first things he did was go to worship Him. David knew God loved him as well. When David was ready, his servants prepared food for him and he ate.

The servants asked David why he fasted, prayed, and cried over his child while he was alive, but now that he was dead he got up and ate.

David told them that he fasted and prayed to God hoping that He would be gracious to him and spare his son’s life. But now that he was dead, what could he do, he could go to his son, but his son couldn’t return to him.

David went in to comfort his wife, Bathsheba. He slept with her and she conceived a son who they called Solomon, whom the LORD loved.

David sent word to Nathan that they were having a son and he called him Jedidiah, which means “beloved of Jehovah.”

Sometimes we don’t understand why God allows things to happen. We may have prayed and asked God not to allow something bad to happen as David did. But, God has his reasons for allowing things to happen, both bad and good. In this Scripture God not only allowed their son to die, but he also blessed them with another son.

Isaiah 55:9 tells us, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Psalm 51 speaks of this time in David’s life. Where David repented of his sins to the LORD and asked for God’s forgiveness.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 12:18-25

18 And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead?
19 But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead.
20 Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.
21 Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.
22 And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?
23 But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.
24 And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him.
25 And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD.

Things to think about:

What had David done for seven days?
What did David do once he found out his son died?
Why did David say his actions changed?
How did God bless David and Bathsheba in this Scripture?

Prayer of the Day:

As we read this Scripture our hearts are grieved for the loss that David and Bathsheba experienced. We also see that You blessed them with another son shortly after their loss. Help us to realize that Your ways are higher than our ways. Even though we might not understand why some things happen You have Your reasons for allowing them. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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Daily Bible Reading “David’s Despair” (2 Samuel 12:7-17)

Posted on September 12, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

David’s Despair

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 12:7-17. In the previous lesson Nathan told David a story about a rich man and a poor man. In this lesson Nathan told David the rich man in the story was him. Nathan goes on to tell David that the LORD was displeased with him and everything the LORD had to say about him.

The LORD told Nathan to tell David, I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. I gave you your master’s house, and your master’s wives. I made you king over the house of Israel and Judah. If all of that wasn’t enough, I would have given you many more things.

The LORD was upset with David. He asked, Why have you despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? You killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and took his wife to be your wife, and had him slain with the sword of the children of Ammon.

Because of this the sword will never depart from your house; because you have despised me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.

The LORD said, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house, and I will take your wives before your eyes, and give them to your neighbor, and he will lie with your wives in the sight of this sun.

You did your deeds secretly: but I will do this thing before all of Israel, and before the sun.

David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” Nathan replied to David, “The LORD also hath put away your sin; you will not die.”

Because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child that is born to you will die.

Nathan departed to his house. The LORD struck the child that Bathsheba, bare to David, and he became ill.

David sought God in prayer for the child. He fasted. David went in, and laid all night on the ground. David probably would have preferred that God take him than his son.

Even though David’s son and his wife were obtained in a sinful way, he loved them and wouldn’t want anything bad to happen to either of them. David was grieved in his heart about this situation. He probably begged God to spare his child’s life.

The elders of David’s house went to console him. They tried to get David to get up: but he wouldn’t get up. He wouldn’t even eat with them.

Surely David was distraught. Imagine the despair David must have felt. David knew that God was upset with him and his son’s life hung in the balance because of his sin.

God loved David. In fact, in Act 13:22, God called David a man after his own heart. It must have grieved God for David to commit these sins, as it grieves God when we sin.

One of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn in the last few years is that there are consequences for our sin. Not for myself, but for people I care about deeply.

God is our heavenly father and as we have to punish our children when they do wrong it is his duty to see that we suffer the consequences of our sin. Does that break God’s heart, I’m sure it does as much or more as it breaks our heart when we have to correct our children.

Even though Jesus died to cover our sins on the cross and keep those of us who accept him as Savior from going to hell, there are still consequences on this earth for our sins. Some of those consequences are hard to accept.

When we disobey man’s laws there are consequences that we have to face and when we disobey God there are consequences that we face as well.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 12:7-17

7 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;
8 And I gave thee thy master’s house, and thy master’s wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things.
9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.
10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.
11 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.
12 For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.
13 And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.
14 Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.
15 And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah’s wife bare unto David, and it was very sick.
16 David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.
17 And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.

Things to think about:

Who did Nathan tell David he was like?
What did Nathan tell David the LORD said?
What was David’s response to the LORD’s words?
Is there anything in your life that you need to ask God’s forgiveness?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture we see that David’s sin displeased You. We see David’s despair in the situation. Help us to learn from this story in David’s life. Help us to know that there are consequences for our sins. Help us to consider those consequences before we sin. Help us to look for a way to escape our sin. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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Daily Bible Reading “Nathan Tells David a Story” (2 Samuel 12:1-6)

Posted on September 11, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Nathan Tells David a Story

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 12:1-6. The LORD sent Nathan to talk to David. Nathan told David a story about two men who lived in a city, one man was rich and one man was poor.

The rich man was blessed with many flocks and herds. The poor man had nothing except one ewe lamb that lived with him and his children. This lamb was like a member of the family. It ate what the man ate and drank what he drank. It slept on the man’s chest.

There was a traveler who came to the rich man. Instead of the rich man taking one of his flock to prepare for the traveler he took the poor man’s only little ewe and dressed it and fed it to the visitor.

David grew very angry when he heard Nathan’s story. He told Nathan that this man should die for his actions. He also said the man should repay the man four times for his selfish act.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 12:1-6

1 And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.
2 The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds:
3 But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter.
4 And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man’s lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him.
5 And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die:
6 And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.

Things to think about:

Why did the LORD send Nathan to talk to David?
Who were the two people that were in Nathan’s story?
What did the rich man do to the poor man?
What did David say should happen to the rich man for his transgressions?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture we see in the story that Nathan told David that the rich man took from the poor man his only possession. Help us not to be selfish. Help us to share with the poor instead of take what little they have. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

Featured Book:

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The Book of Zechariah: A Story of Dreams and Visions

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

Go to: http://amazon.com/dp/B00N1ZAOAM
Get your copy now!

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman author site to receive

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah