Absalom and His Rebellion (4): Absalom Murders Amnon (II Samuel 13:23-29) by Rev. Angus Stewart
I. The Foul Plan Formed
II. The Foul Plan Executed
John Calvin regarding David in connection with Absalom’s murder of Amnon: “This is how God punishes anyone who does not have sufficient virtue or bravery of spirit to carry out their office. When they have declined to take action and flowed with the stream, as they say, some kind of reversal will happen to them, and then they will be lost, turning hither and thither, unable to find a way out of all their affairs. It is quite true that even when we desire to serve God in utter sincerity, we will face many temptations and the devil will place obstacles before us, so that very often we will not find the way out. Yet every-one who is determined to walk uncompromisingly in their vocation, in the end will not be lacking in counsel. God will extend his hand to them in time of need, and after testing them for a time, will finally look on them in pity and guide them, so that the path will be made straight under their feet, so to speak. But if we are not straightforward in our behaviour, God must pay us the wages that we have deserved; that is, many vexations will come our way, entangling us in many worries from which we will find no means of escape” (Sermons on 2 Samuel, p. 645).