David-Forgives Absalom

by Mary Vee
II Samuel  14

From Joab's Notes

photo courtesy of visualbibleimages.com

At one time I thought saving Absalom from banishment was a good idea. May be not so much anymore.

He sent a messenger to me recently who said, "Absalom wants  you to get permission for him to go before the king."

I didn't want to interfere between him and the king anymore. 

I will be the first to admit Absalom has received great praises from all the people for his good looks. His hair grew thicker than anyone. It weighed so heavy on his head he had it cut it once a year, much more than any other man. When the cut portion fell on the scales, it weighed two hundred shekels according to the king's measurement.

I thought Absalom had settled back into his home and lived a happy life. God gave him three sons and one daughter. He names his little girl Tamar after his sister. I guess I was wrong.

I sent the messenger back to Absalom with no answer.

A few days later the messenger returned again, carrying Absalom's wish to go before the king. "Tell Absalom, No. I will not come to see him. He has asked far too much of me."

I should have known better. Absalom is quite used to getting his own way. I looked out my window a few days later and found my barley field ablaze. Only one person would do something that wicked. 

I set out for his home right away.

He had a smug look on his face, like most spoiled children. It did not look as well on a man. "Why did you burn my barley field?"

He shrugged. "You wouldn't come when I asked for you."

If he weren't the prince I would have left right then. "Tell me, what do you want."

He paced around the room moving his arms as he spoke. "I ran away to Gesur because I thought father would have me arrested for killing Amnon. He gave permission for me to come back yet it has been two years since my return. I've waited long enough. I want to see my father, now."

I bowed to him, even though he didn't deserve it. "I will go to him for you."
"Thank you, Joab. I knew I could get you to agree."

I held my tongue. There were many words I could have said, though. I traveled to the king's palace. Best to get the ordeal over with right away. I asked to go before King David. He granted permission and allowed me into his chamber right away.

"My lord, your son, Absalom requests to see you. He says he spent three years in banishment and now two years here in Jerusalem. He would like to speak with you."

David closed his eyes and sat quiet for a time. I stayed at attention waiting for him to make a decision. "All right, Joab. Bring Absalom."

I was a bit surprised but pleased, not knowing what Absalom would do if David said no.  Absalom prepared himself, put on his best clothes and journeyed with me to the palace. 

When David signaled permission for Absalom to walk forward, he did then bowed low to the floor. "Oh, Father, how I've longed to see you."

David reached his hands forward, pulled his son close to him and kissed him.

I don't think Absalom deserved his father's kindness, but I am grateful for peace.

***************************

1.  What message did the messenger bring from Absalom?
2. What message did the messenger bring the second time?
3. When Joab did not respond, what did Absalom do?
4. Joab agreed to _________
5. When Absalom went before the king, what did he do?
6. What was David's response?

Hudson Taylor-When In Rome

By Mary Vee

From J. Hudson Taylor's Notes

The saying, when in Rome, do as the Romans do had not yet become a part of my missionary work, yet. I learned there was a reason such phrases become popular. 

My friend and missionary partner, Joseph Edkins, and I had stopped at a monastery to share the Gospel with the Buddhist priests. After a two-day visit, we walked back toward the wharf where our ship had been docked.

Edkins and I had dressed in typical European fashion. Pants, button down shirt, dress shoes and our hair cut short. We did not look Chinese at all. We may as well have been wearing tuxedos to a pizza party. That's how different we looked.

The Chinese typically wore tunics, long braids of black hair down their backs, and sandals. Their skin color had a yellow tinge and many men were shorter than us.

Walking down the street dressed like Europeans raised the curiosity of the villagers. We had been called foreign devils, yet we brought books to give and told stories. The Chinese couldn't understand why men who dressed and looked so different would want to spend time with them and give them gifts.  

A large group of teenagers came close, surrounding us and making loud noises. I couldn't understand what they said but their conversation and body movements told me they wanted to cause trouble. Maybe hurt us. 

The teens picked at our clothing and drew close to our faces. They laughed and jeered at us. The more they did the bigger the crowd grew. Edkins and I tried to keep steady faces and  walk as if we did not feel bothered. On the inside, I felt  scared and concerned for our safety. If the teens squeezed any closer they could knock us down and beat us up.

We saw some gates to the side and slipped through them, hoping to escape the crowd. Unfortunately we stepped onto private property. So that was why the teens didn't follow us. The owner ran out of his home screaming and yelling something about foreign devils trespassing on his property. In my mind I saw a jail scene. It didn't look pretty.

We ran to the river and tried to flag down a passing ship. "Help us, please, help!" The sailors ignored our cry. In the meantime, the landowner had called for the police. We needed to leave, quick, but where should we go? Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a junk close to the shore. I hopped on board and asked the crew to move the ship close enough for my friend to board.

I paid the crew to take us farther up the river and collapsed on the deck. The captain took us about a mile and dropped us off. From there we walked back toward our ship. 

What an adventure. I learned a few lessons and thanked God for delivering us safe. In a short distance we would be safe on our ship.

But our trouble hadn't ended.

A few of the same teens saw us as we walked the last street toward the wharf. They gathered their friends and marched toward us. God have mercy. We need your help.

Around the corner came a local teacher. One I recognized. He had given me Chinese lessons when I first came. He stepped in between the teens and us, held out his arms and ordered them to leave us alone. He continued to tell the teens, "These are missionaries, they bring you books and want to tell you about Jesus, the God who loves you."

Thanks to God sending the teacher at the time of need, we safely walked back to our boat.  Thank you God. I sighed. Thank you.

J. Hudson Taylor

Do you have any questions?


Photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

Research resources: J. Hudson Taylor, An Autobiography by J. Hudson Taylor; It is Not Death to Die, a new biography of Hudson Taylor by Jim Cromarty; Hudson Taylor Founder, China Inland Mission by Vance Christie; J. Hudson Taylor, A Man in Christ, by Roger Steer, and Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret by dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor.

David-A Woman's Plea

By Mary Vee

II Samuel 14

From the notes of the Woman at Tekoa

courtesy of christianimageresouce.com

The captain of our army visited me and asked for my help. Yes, I was rather surprised at his visit. But as he spoke, I sensed he needed me to assist the king with a problem. I felt honored.

For the last three years, all the Hebrew people have known King David's sorrow over the death of his son Amnon. He has also missed his son Absalom, despite what he did. He murdered Amnon. Joab, the captain, ask me to carry a message, to the king. Maybe if David realizes the people want  Absalom to return from hiding, he will allow it.

Joab asked me to dress like a woman in mourning, a black robe, no lotions, or cosmetics. He felt the king would listen to my words better. I also cried for the whole morning to stain my eyes red. Prepared what I would say to the king. And set out for the palace.

I arrived at the palace the next day around mid day, as I promised Joab and requested to address the king with a problem. King David allowed me into his chambers, I knew he would. We have truly been blessed with a compassionate king.

I bowed before him laying on the ground to show my grief. "My lord, help me." I buried my face into the floor and waited.

"What troubles you?"

I raised my face and let tears fall. "I am a widow, my husband died some time ago. I am left with two sons. One day my sons fought bitterly while out in the field. There was no one around to separate them. One struck the other and killed him."

The kings eyes glazed over, he understood the problem. I continued. "And now the whole family has risen up against me saying 'Give us him who struck his brother that we may execute him for the life of his brother. We will destroy the heir.' If left alone, they will destroy the last ember that is left and leave my dead husband without a name to carry on the family."

David looked at me with tender eyes. "Go to your house and I will send an order to take care of this problem."

Then I thought, maybe someone will blame the king for saving my son, the murderer. They will think he does not keep justice in the land. "My lord, please let any guilt from this matter fall on me and not the king or his throne."

He said, "Whoever says anything to you, bring him to me and he will not touch you anymore."

"My lord, please don't let anyone hurt my son."

"I won't let that happen."

I took a deep breath and wiped my eyes. "Thank you. May I speak another word with you?"

"Yes."

"If you are willing to treat my son so kindly, why have you kept your son, Absalom, from the people. He still sits, banished from his home. I have come because I am afraid of the people, ones who will be hurt."

"Who asked you to come. Was it my captain, Joab?"

I didn't want to tell him, but he was the king. "Yes."

David called for Joab to join the conversation. "You may bring Absalom back, but he is to go to his own home, not here."

Joab bowed. "Thank you, my lord. I know I have found favor in your sight because you granted my request."

Now that the matter had been settled, I felt free to return to my home and change out of the mourning clothes.

*************************
1. Who asked the woman to go to King David?
2. What did he want her to do?
3. What story did the woman tell King David?
4. Did David offer to help her?
5. What was the second message she gave King David?
6. What did David tell Joab?
7. What clue does the story give at the end showing David was not pleased to bring Absalom back?


Psalm 5

Give ear to my words, O Lord,
Consider my meditation.

Give heed to the voice of my cry,
My King and my God,
For to You I will pray.
 My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord;
In the morning I will direct it to You,
And I will look up. 

For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness,
Nor shall evil dwell with You.
 The boastful shall not stand in Your sight;
You hate all workers of iniquity.
 You shall destroy those who speak falsehood;
The Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. 

But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy;
In fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple.
 Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies;
Make Your way straight before my face. 

For there is no faithfulness in their mouth;
Their inward part is destruction;
Their throat is an open tomb;
They flatter with their tongue.
 Pronounce them guilty, O God!
Let them fall by their own counsels;
Cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions,
For they have rebelled against You. 

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You;
Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them;
Let those also who love Your name
Be joyful in You.
 For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous;
With favor You will surround him as with a shield.

blah blah

David-Joab's Sneaky Plan

By Mary Vee

II Samuel 14

From Joab's Journal

photo courtesy of christiansourceimages.com

King David hardly spoke today. Ever since his son Absalom murdered Amnon, another son, he lost his desire to laugh and have fun. I knew he wouldn't say the words, but his heart painted the picture clearly. He missed Absalom. 

David loved all his children. He mourned terribly when one baby became ill and died. He still mourned for Amnon.  But those two were dead. It couldn't be changed. Absalom was alive, despite his sin. David needed a way to see Absalom without violating his duties as king.

I spent the last week thinking, working out a plan to bring Absalom back to David's presence without causing a problem. Absalom had fled to Geshur after murdering Amnon and was hiding there. He dared not return without king David's permission.

Then an idea came to me. As king, David held the responsibility to maintain order. He couldn't ask Absalom to come back. And it would also be wrong for him to grant permission to the captain of his army, which is me, to bring Absalom back. But...

What if the people asked for Absalom back? Yes. If I could persuade a man or woman to go before the king and plead for Absalom's return, he would then have a reason to say yes, despite the murder charges. Oh, I like this plan. 

I went out to the village of Tekoa and met a woman who showed great wisdom. She invited me into her home and gave me food and drink. 

During my visit I talked about the king's problem and asked for her help. "Go before the king and pretend you are mourning for a loved one. Dress in mourning clothes and don't dress in fancy cosmetics or lotions. Act like a woman who has gone through many days grieving for a dead loved one. Say the words I tell you."

"Why do you want me to do this?"

I stood and paced the room. Yes. She needed a reason to do a convincing job. "I want your help because the king loves his son."

"I see. For this reason I will gladly do as you ask. Absalom is a handsome man and the king is kind hearted. I will prepare tomorrow and go before the king on the next day."

I walked to the door. "Thank you. You will be helping the king."

I left her home satisfied knowing Absalom would returned to the palace in a few days. 

I may have done this for the king, but really, in truth, one day Absalom will be king. He'll remember what I did today and make me his captain. Sometimes a captain must take control of problem situations and solve them to earn what should be his in the future.

*******************************************
Do you see a problem with Joab's thinking? Was it his job to bring Absalom home? Think about a child sitting in time out. The child did something wrong and the parent gave them the time out punishment. Now if a neighbor came to the house and begged the parent to let the child out of the corner early would that be right? What would the child learn? 

This story continues next time. We'll see what happens when the woman goes before the king.
This psalm seemed fitting for today's story:

Psalm 1

Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
    Nor stands in the path of sinners,
    Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    And in His law he meditates day and night.

He shall be like a tree
    Planted by the rivers of water,
    That brings forth its fruit in its season,
    Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.

 The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Hudson Taylor-Deception

By Mary Vee

From Hudson Taylor's Notes

picture courtesy of visualbibleimages.com

Late in December of 1854, I went on my first week-long missionary journey. Joseph Edkins, who travelled short distances with me in the past, joined me for this trip.

We hired a Chinese crew and their single masted, forty foot sailing ship and stowed clothes, bedding, medical instruments, medicine, food, books, and tracts in the only cabin on board. 

We sailed up the Huagnpu River for one day and stopped at Sonjang, an ancient city with a rather large Buddhist temple. We made our way up the road to the temple and asked to preach to the priests living there. 

We were guided to a large court where the priests sat on mats. Edkins preached to the large crowd of men with shaved heads while I gave away copies of the Bible and tracts. They were very polite and seemed to listen to Edkins message with a tremendous amount of interest.

When Edkins closed the meeting with prayer, the leaders came to us. "We appreciate your visit and invite you to stay and rest for a while in our monastery. And if you would also please visit our holy man. He could not hear your earlier message."

Edkins and I looked at each other. Who were we to turn down an opportunity given by God? "Yes, we'd like to stay and are happy to visit with the holy man."

The man lead us through corridors, down stairs, and deep into the temple. I don't think I could have found my way out without help. The priest lead us to a small room that had a tiny hole in the wall, barely enough room for a man's hand to squeeze through.

The man walked to the hole and stopped. "You can see the holy man through this small hole."

Edkins first looked inside. He stayed until his eyes adjusted to the dark then stepped back for me to look. In a few minutes my eyes focused on a small man sitting on a mat. He didn't move. The room had no windows or doors. He had no way to leave.

I realized as I looked at the poor man that he had sacrificed himself to be walled off from the world. He could only speak with people who visited him and brought the little food and drink which could fit through the hole.

The priest told us this holy man hoped to keep himself from the evils of the world and to gain complete holiness. This was how he hoped to find salvation for his soul. This is how the man lived every day. Unable to clean himself, rarely hearing, seeing or speaking with anyone.

Our hearts ached for this poor deceived man. He did not need to live this way to have salvation. Edkins spoke in a language the man understood. He explained the free gift of salvation and Jesus' sacrifice to pay the punishment for our sins. All he had to do was accept the free gift.

I won't know if the holy man listened or believed until we get to heaven. I do know we prayed for this poor deceived man who thought he had to hide from the world and live without anyone or anything to please God.   

God did not created us for misery.  Instead, He showed love for us by sending his Son Jesus to give us the gift of salvation. God loves you and offers you the free gift of salvation. If you want to know more, ask your parents, a pastor, or email  Miss Mary who is writing this for me at mimary_vee@yahoo.com

J. Hudson Taylor

Do you have any questions?


Photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

Research resources: J. Hudson Taylor, An Autobiography by J. Hudson Taylor; It is Not Death to Die, a new biography of Hudson Taylor by Jim Cromarty; Hudson Taylor Founder, China Inland Mission by Vance Christie; J. Hudson Taylor, A Man in Christ, by Roger Steer, and Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret by dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor.

David-Absalom's Revenge

By Mary Vee
II Samuel 13

From Absalom's Journal

photo courtesy of christianimagesource.com

Two years ago, Amnon, my half brother did a cruel thing. He hurt my sister, Tamar.

I still remember the day when she ran to our family home, crying. This wasn't a girly cry, or a spoiled, I-didn't-get-my-way cry, this was a hurt cry from the depths of her heart.

She had been asked by our father, King David, to go to Amnon. Apparently he claimed to be sick and asked for her to make bread and spend time with him. King David agreed and told Tamar to go to his home.

While there, Amnon hurt her. She tried to make him happy by offering to be his wife, but he became angrier and threw her out of his house.

Rage boiled inside of me. I tried to control my temper by soothing her aching heart. I promised to care for her by providing a home and food for the rest of her life. It wasn't what her heart wanted, but it was all I could give.

I felt trapped. We all had the same father, and he was the king. King David became furious over the situation. I wanted more. I wanted Amnon to suffer for hurting Tamar.

I kept silent about the situation for two years. In that time, I found no forgiveness in my heart to give Amnon. Instead, my anger grew.

One day I devised a plan. I planned a sheep-sheering party. I went to my father and invited him and the whole household.

He said. "No, not this time, Absalom. And not the whole household, we'd be a burden." 

I asked again but he refused. "If you and the whole household won't come, at least send my brother, Amnon."

"Why do you want him to come?"

"Please father, please let them come celebrate what God has given."

He finally agreed, and to my surprise sent all my brothers with Amnon. Everything happened as I hoped. I returned to finish preparations for the party. It was magnificent, fitting for a king. I wanted my brothers to return to my father and tell him the wonders of the party.

Before my brothers arrived I instructed my servants. "Now, when Amnon has drunk his fill of wine so he can no longer speak clearly, strike him dead. You have my permission, and my instruction. Do not be afraid to carry out my orders."

Later that afternoon my brothers arrived. We sat down to eat, drink, and share our adventures. After a while Amnon drank more than he should. He could barely sit up in his chair. My servants took advantage of the situation and killed him, as I ordered.

All my other brothers hurried from their chairs, mounted their mules and rode off.

I sent a spy to the castle. He returned and reported rumors reached the king saying I had killed all the brothers. The king ripped his clothes and fell to the floor in mourning. His servants did the same. 

The situation became quite out of control until my advisor, Jonadab hurried to the king's side.
"My lord, please hear me. All your sons are not dead, only Amnon. Absalom planned his death now for two years because of what he did to his sister, Tamar."

He lead my father to a window and pointed. "See, your sons are returning."

King David ran out to greet his returning sons and cried with them over the death of Amnon. 

Fearing what my father would do, I ran away to Geshur and stayed there three years.

And waited for him to ask for me. He never recovered from the death of Amnon, but he did desire to see me.

*******************************
1.  Why was Absalom upset?
2.  Two years later Absalom hosted a party. Who did he invite?
3.  At first his father, king David said, _____
4.  Then David gave permission for _________ to attend.
5.  What happened at the party?
6.  What wrong news did David receive.
7.  Jonadab told David the right news. What did he say?
8.  Did Absalom do what God wanted him to do?
9.  Who's job was it to punish Amnon?

David- Absalom Comforts Tamar

By Mary Vee
II Samuel

From Tamar's Journal

courtesy of christianimagesource.com

My brother, Absalom, called to me as I ran by.

Tears poured down my face. I swiped away as many as I could, but it didn't help. His eyes grew wide with understanding. He knew something horrible upset me.

"What happened, Tamar?" 

I blubbered a few words. None of them made any sense even to me.

He held me like the loving brother he is. "There, there. You're safe. Tell me. What happened."

"Amnon." Sobs jerked at my voice. I swiped more tears away. "Amnon said he was sick. He called for me to make bread for him. The King honored his wish and told me to do as he asked." I sobbed some more.

He held his arm out, leading me to a chair. "Come over her and sit. I'll get you something to drink."

He came back a few minutes later with a glass. After a few sips, I continued. "I made the bread at his bedside as he asked and served it to him. He didn't eat any. Instead, he sent the servants out of the house and then...then he hurt me.

"I offered to be his wife and take care of him, but my words only made him angrier. He told me to leave. I begged him, oh how I begged him, Absalom, not to embarrass me, but he wouldn't listen. He called his servant and ordered me from his house. They locked the door to make sure I wouldn't try to go back inside.

My brother didn't speak for several minutes. I felt his muscles tighten with anger. He lowered his arm and moved a few inches away from me. Not because he didn't want to soothe my sorrow, but for his anger against Amnon.

He took my hands and held them in his lap. "My sweet sister. I will take care of you for all your days. You do not need to go near Amnon ever again. I promise to take care of you. I will give you a home and food. You will never be in need."

The next day a messenger reported King David heard what Amnon did to me and became very angry. He also heard Absolom agreed to take care of me.

I am thankful God has given me family to take care of me.

*****************************************

1. Who saw Tamar crying?
2. Absalom is Tamar's ____________________
3. Tamar said she was asked to make _______________
4. What did Absalom say he would do for Tamar?

Hudson Taylor-So Embarrassed

By Mary Vee

From J. Hudson Taylor's Notes

.

I had served as the only missionary from the Chinese Evangelism Society in Shanghai. 

When I heard the Parker family would arrive soon I couldn't wait for their arrival. I had so many questions about England, wanting to hear any news about my home country.

I had rented a home in Shanghai with lots of rooms for them. Unfortunately the imperial army burned it to the ground two days before they arrived. 

I rented a second home which had six rooms. Not six bedrooms, six rooms. This may seem like enough, but a complication arose. To have enough money, I had to rent half the house to another missionary family. When the Parkers arrive, we would have two families with children and one one single man squished into the six room home. 

This would prove interesting.

I remembered the day I stepped off the ship at the Shanghai dock, not knowing where to go and feeling lost. I hurried down to the water's edge the moment their ship arrived. "Hello! Welcome Parkers."

They wobbled sideways along the dock. "Oh, yes, Taylor. So good to see you. You'll have to excuse us, I'm afraid we haven't found our land legs yet."

I laughed. "I remember all too well. We'll walk slow. Follow me."

We hired natives to carry the Parker's luggage to the six room home. I pointed out the embassy where they could find their mail and other useful businesses in the city. I led them up a hill to the home and opened the door.

It had been my responsibility to arrange housing for the Parkers, but I had never received the funds to do so. I used all but three of my dollars to pay the first month's rent on the home. The three remaining dollars would provide food for me for one week.  I didn't know how the Parkers would get food.

The home had little furniture, two or three square tables, six chairs, and one Chinese bed. I gladly gave them all I had, but it wasn't enough to meet their needs.

Missionaries from other agencies, who regularly received adequate funds, came to visit the Parkers. They saw the meager furnishings I had provided for the Parkers. They wasted no time saying, "Taylor, why haven't you cared for this family? We know you like to live with litte, but really, did you have to treat these missionaries of God with such inconsideration?"

I didn't feel I should speak cruelly of the mission that sent me. The other missionaries didn't know I had to borrow more money than I should to pay the rent, or that I only had three dollars left, or that the mission had not sent the letter of credit promised to pay for housing and food for the Parkers.

Dr. Parker wrote the mission in London right away and explained my money situation, or rather lack of money to the committee. He told them of the extreme deprivation conditions I had lived in since arriving. My earlier letters had no effect, so I didn't think anything would happen. But, thanks to his letter, and God's leading, the committee raised my salary three times from what they had given me. This still was much less than other agencies gave their missionaries.

I will pray and ask God for his direction regarding not only my needs but the future needs of any other missionaries sent from CES.

I want to serve the Lord with all my heart, and I am willing to live with little, but a missionary needs to have funds to do the job.

Pray for me as I deal with this difficult and embarrassing matter.

Thank You,

J. Hudson Taylor

Do you have any questions?

David- Amnon and Tamar

By Mary Vee
II Samuel 13

Amnon loved Tamar. He wanted to spend time with her so much he felt sick.

Since he was David's son, he had an advisor to help him. His advisor, Jonadab, also happened to be his cousin.

One day Jonadab came to Amnon. "Why do you look so worn out every morning? Something must be wrong. Tell me. I'd like to help."

Amnon shook his head and sighed. "I'm in love with Tamar and I don't know how to spend time with her."

Jonadab said, "Pretend to be sick. When your father, King David comes to visit you tell him you would like to have Tamar bring you something to eat and make the food in front of you."

This sounded like a good idea to Amnon.

He pretended to be sick, King David came to ask how he felt, and he asked to see Tamar.

David called one of the servants, "Go to Tamar, tell her to vist Amnon and make bread for him in his house."

Later that day, Tamar arrived at Amnon's house. She took some dough, kneeded it, made the bread in his sight and baked it. Then she took the bread and served it to Amnon.

He told all the servants to leave because he wanted to spend time with Tamar.

Tamar said, "Amnon, we should not be alone. This could bring trouble. If you ask the king, he will let you marry me if you want."

But Amnon didn't listen. He hurt Tamar and then yelled, "Get out of my house."

Tamar begged him. "No, please, Amnon. This is wrong."

But he wouldn't listen. "Guard! Get this woman out of my house and lock the door. Do not let her back inside.

Tamar had been wearing a beautiful robe, the kind that lets everyone know she wasn't  married. She changed to plain clothes and put ashes on top of her head. Tears flowed as she walked.

Psalm 4
Answer me when I call to you,
    my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
   have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
   How long will you love delusions and seek false gods
Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
   the Lord hears when I call to him.

Tremble and do not sin;
   when you are on your beds,
   search your hearts and be silent.
Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
   and trust in the Lord.

 
 Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
   Let the light of your face shine on us.
 Fill my heart with joy
   when their grain and new wine abound.

 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
   for you alone, Lord,
   make me dwell in safety

*****************************
1.  Who is Amnon?
2.  What was Amnon's problem?
3.  Who is Jonadab?
4.  What did Jonadab tell Amnon to do?
5.  What did Amnon do wrong?
6.  What did Tamar do?

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To read more about this story, ask your parents to read II Samuel 13 with you.

David-Conquest of Ammonite Capital

By Mary Vee

II Samuel 12

David's Thoughts

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The Ammonites lived on the other side of the Jordan River, land which had been conquered in Moses' time. God had commanded us to conquer the people living there and take over the land.. 

I recently reported to you about their new king, King Hanun who disgraced my men by cutting off their beards and sending them back to me with their clothes torn. These men only wanted to give King Hanun our sympathy for his father's death and did not deserve the ill treatment.

Rabbah was the capital city for the Ammonites. King Hanun lived there. Located in the mountains, the city had a strong position to fight any attacking army.

Joab, my captain, reported finding a strong citadel (a fortress protecting the city). And near the citadel he found a large underground cistern containing the city's water supply.

Our army would need to travel forty miles to get there. Not very far. To conquer Rabbah, would be to conquer the source of life for the Ammonites. 

I sent Joab and my army to take the city. This was a dangerous mission. Climbing the mountains with weapons and remaining undetected required careful commanding. 

I received word from Joab a few days later. "My lord, we have fought the people of Rabbah and conquered the land with their water supply."

This was great news! He must have crushed the citadel to get to the water.The messenger continued, "Joab also said, 'Gather the rest of the people and camp outside the city. It's yours for the taking, King David. If you don't come, I will take it for myself and call it the city of Joab.'"

Oh he is a funny one. Yes, of course I want to join the battle. I called every available man and marched to Rabbah. We fought, and with the Lord's help, successfully conquered the city. 

Joab took the king's crown from Hanun's head. It was made of pure gold and had precious stones decorating the sides. Joab delivered the crown to me and set it on my head. The army brought spoils from the city into one place. We gathered more than we could take back with us.

We then put the remaining Ammonites who were alive to work with saws, iron picks, iron axes and made them labor in the brick works.

I left a group of soldiers to guard our new workers, and took the rest of my army to all the cities belonging to the Ammonites. God blessed us with a victory in each battle.

Once we conquered all the Ammonite cities, we returned to Jerusalem. Thanks be to God for His protection and help to conquer the Ammonites. My men who had been disgraced from King Hanun have received justice.

Here is a Psalm we sing. You call it Psalm 20

May the Lord answer you when you are in trouble!
    May the God of Jacob protect you!
 May he send you help from his Temple
    and give you aid from Mount Zion.
 May he accept all your offerings
    and be pleased with all your sacrifices.
 May he give you what you desire
    and make all your plans succeed.
 Then we will shout for joy over your victory
    and celebrate your triumph by praising our God.
May the Lord answer all your requests.

 Now I know that the Lord gives victory to his chosen king;
    he answers him from his holy heaven
    and by his power gives him great victories.
 Some trust in their war chariots
    and others in their horses,
    but we trust in the power of the Lord our God. Such people will stumble and fall,
    but we will rise and stand firm.

 Give victory to the king, O Lord;
    answer^[ us when we call.

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1. Who was the king of the Ammonites?

2. What cruel act did he do to the Israelites?

3. What is the name of their capital and where is it located?

4. What captain did David send.

5. Why would a battle against this Ammonite city be difficult?

6.  What did Joab's messenger say?

7. What was the result of the battle?