This accusation of disloyalty made Abner very angry. Abner: Am I no better than a dog, whose head is turned by any female? Do I serve Judah? I have done nothing but give my loyalty to your father Saul, to his brothers, and to his friends; and I have not betrayed you to David. How can you come to me and accuse me of a crime concerning this woman? Now I will see you are overthrown.

David sent for Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth and had him brought to Jerusalem from the house of Machir, son of Ammiel, in Lo-debar. When he arrived, Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan, grandson of Saul, laid facedown on the floor and honored the king. David: Mephibosheth! Mephibosheth: At your service, my king.

Mephibosheth again prostrated himself before the king. Mephibosheth: What am I to you that the king should look with favor on a dead dog like me? I am as one of your servants.

“So why have you despised the word of the Eternal and chosen to do evil in His sight? It was you who killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword and stole his wife, even though you used the Ammonites to do the dirty work.

Jonadab: Son of the great king, why do you look so tired and run-down every day? Won’t you tell me? Amnon: It’s Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister. I’m in love with her.

Amnon (to Tamar): Bring the food over to my bed, so you can feed me. When Tamar brought to him the food she had made as he lay in bed, he grabbed her. Amnon: Oh, my sister! Come into my bed; I want to be with you.

But if He says, “I am through with you,” then I stand ready to endure whatever He wills.

I am 80 years old today. My judgment is not as good as it used to be. I can’t taste my food, enjoy my drink, or even hear the pleasant singing of men and women. So why should you burden yourself with me, my lord and king?