Amnon Disgraces Tamar

II Samuel 13:1–22
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Sexual immorality is a threshold sin. On one side of the threshold is immorality and on the other is purity. On one side are guilt, lying, deceit, addiction, and shame, an on the other side are freedom, honesty, transparency, liberty, and a clear conscience. Believers who are in … More

Immorality

Absalom, son of David, had a beautiful sister named Tamar. Amnon, David’s son also and Absalom’s brother, fell in love with Tamar his half-sister (vv. 1-6). Frustrated because he failed to win her favor, Amnon sought the counsel of his cousin Jonadab. He advised Amnon to pretend to be ill and then to plead with his father to have Tamar bake him bread and bring it to him. Tamar followed her father’s instruction and after she had prepared the bread and brought it to him, Amnon told her to dismiss all the servants. Then, despite her urgent pleading, he grabbed her and raped her (vv. 7-14). Such loss of a maiden’s virginity was an unbearable curse in Israel (Deut. 22:13–21). Moreover, such relationships between half brothers and sisters were strictly forbidden. Those guilty of such things were to be cut off from the community (Lev. 20:17). In this case, of course, Tamar was not guilty since she had been assaulted by Amnon (Deut. 22:25–29).

Because of what Ammon had done, he now hated Tamar more than he had previously loved her (vv. 15-19). This indicates that his original feelings had not been love but only lust. To make matters worse and in further violation of the Law, Amnon sent Tamar away. This shows how he not only wanted to have her gone from his presence but he had no desire to assume responsibility of her as a bride. He had humbled a virgin and the Law demanded that he marry her (Deut. 22:29).

When Absalom heard about what happened to Tamar he was angry and hated Amnon. He counseled his sister to remain silent about the matter and to stay at his house (v. 20). David somehow heard what had happened, and though he was furious he did not invoke the penalty prescribed by the Law (vv. 21-22). Perhaps this was because Amnon was his oldest son.

Application

If situations like this should ever arise in my life it will never improve matters by sweeping it under the rug. Sins always need to be confessed and issues reconciled as much as possible.

II Samuel 13:1-22 (English Standard Version)

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