A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 6

Text: Psalm 3

WHEN EVIL TAKES ON A PERSONAL FORM

It is easy enough to talk about how to face and confront evil, when one is discussing things theoretically. It is quite another when evil takes on a form that is very personal in nature!

King David faced such a problem on one occasion. The superscription in Psalm 3 reads, "A Psalm of David when he fled from his son Absalom." The superscription is not "inspired" as the text of the Scriptures. Nevertheless, because of its antiquity, it gives us an important clue as to the occasion for the writing of the psalm. In this case, the evil that David had to confront came in the person of his own flesh and blood. His son, Absalom sought to usurp the throne of Israel.

THE FOUL MURDER OF A BROTHER

Long before Absalom usurped the throne, his evil traits were already visible. He nursed a deep seated hatred against Amnon who had raped his sister Tamar (2 Samuel 13:1-22). David and Absalom had very different reactions when they heard about the rape of Tamar.

"But when King David heard of all these things,
He was very angry. And Absalom spoke to his brother
Amnon, neither good nor bad. For Absalom hated Amnon,
Because he had forced his sister Tamar."
2 Samuel 13:21-22

Absalom was capable of great deceit. He kept his feelings to himself, no matter the depth of hatred he felt in his heart towards his brother Amnon. He would bide his time until he found a suitable time to kill his brother! How long could Absalom hide his hatred? The Scriptures tell us that he waited for two whole years before an occasion arose where he could make an attempt to slay his brother (2 Samuel 13:23).

After two years, the incident of Tamar's rape was all but forgotten, except to Absalom. Under the guise of having a feast at sheep-shearing, Absalom invited all his brothers to the feast. Unsuspecting Amnon also attended the feast, for the last thought in his mind was that his brother would kill him!

At the height of the sheep-shearing feast, Absalom ordered his men to slay Amnon. He assured his servants that he would support them.

"Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying,
'Watch now, when Amnon's heart is merry with wine,
And when I say to you, 'Strike Ammon!' then kill him.
Do not be afraid! Have I not commanded you?
Be courageous and valiant."
2 Samuel 13:28

A garbled version of the killing of Amnon was reported to David! He thought that all his sons had been murdered! He was stunned by the news and he tore his garments as a sign of deep grief! But would this reaction be appropriate when faced with such evil? David seemed impotent when it came to the matter of confronting evil - in his sons!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~