II Samuel 12-13

“I have sinned against the Lord” (12:3).  King David committed murder and adultery, and when the prophet Nathan exposed his sins, David sincerely repented. However, when David’s son Amnon raped his half-sister Tamar (ch 13), David did not confront the sinner, choosing instead to remain silent and hide the family shame. Without repentance or any kind of judgment, Amnon’s act caused continuing trauma for Tamar, while Absalom her brother, burning with anger, plotted a revenge-murder. Sin, “when it is fully grown, brings forth death” (James 1:15).

Hidden sin causes continuing, multiplying damage. But when we confess and repent, the Lord “puts away” our sin (II Sam 12:13) and brings healing and restoration.