2 Samuel 13:15

Then Amnon hated Tamar with such intensity that his hatred was greater than the love he previously had. "Get up!" he said to her. "Be gone!"

Study Bible

Then Amnon hated Tamar with such intensity
This phrase marks a dramatic shift in Amnon's emotions, highlighting the volatility of lust-driven desires. In the context of ancient Israel, such intense emotions often led to destructive actions. The hatred Amnon feels is a result of his guilt and shame after committing a grievous sin against Tamar, his half-sister. This reflects the biblical principle that sin often leads to further negative emotions and actions, as seen in Genesis 4:5-8 with Cain's anger leading to Abel's murder.

that his hatred was greater than the love he previously had.
Amnon's "love" for Tamar was not genuine love but rather lust, which is fleeting and self-centered. This phrase underscores the biblical teaching that true love is patient and kind, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. The contrast between Amnon's initial desire and subsequent hatred illustrates the destructive nature of sin and the falsehood of equating lust with love.

“Get up!” he said to her.
Amnon's command to Tamar is abrupt and dismissive, reflecting his complete lack of respect and compassion. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, such treatment of a woman, especially after violating her, was a grave injustice. This command highlights the societal norms of the time, where women often had little recourse or protection against such abuses, as seen in Deuteronomy 22:28-29, which outlines laws for protecting women in similar situations.

“Be gone!”
Amnon's dismissal of Tamar is not only cruel but also compounds the injustice he has done to her. In the historical context, Tamar's future prospects would have been severely damaged by this act, as her purity was highly valued in her society. This phrase emphasizes the theme of rejection and abandonment, which is a recurring motif in the Bible, seen in the rejection of Jesus by His own people (John 1:11). Tamar's plight foreshadows the suffering of the innocent and the need for justice and redemption, themes central to the biblical narrative.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Amnon
The firstborn son of King David, who is infatuated with his half-sister Tamar. His actions lead to a series of tragic events within David's family.

2. Tamar
The daughter of King David and sister of Absalom, who is violated by her half-brother Amnon. Her account is one of innocence and victimization.

3. David's Household
The royal family of Israel, which is marked by internal strife and moral failures, reflecting the consequences of sin and disobedience.

4. The Event
Amnon's act of violating Tamar and his subsequent hatred towards her, which sets off a chain of events leading to further family discord and violence.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
Amnon's actions are a stark reminder of how sin can lead to destructive outcomes, not only for the sinner but also for those around them. Sin often has far-reaching consequences that affect families and communities.

The Nature of Lust vs. Love
Amnon's transition from infatuation to hatred illustrates the difference between lust and genuine love. True love is selfless and seeks the good of the other, while lust is selfish and destructive.

The Importance of Righteous Leadership
David's failure to address the sins within his family highlights the need for righteous and proactive leadership. Leaders must confront sin and injustice to maintain peace and righteousness.

Healing and Restoration
While the account of Tamar is tragic, it points to the need for healing and restoration. The church is called to be a place of refuge and healing for those who have been wronged.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Amnon's behavior towards Tamar reflect the difference between lust and love, and how can we apply this understanding in our relationships today?

2. In what ways do the events in David's household illustrate the consequences of unaddressed sin, and how can we apply this lesson to our personal and communal lives?

3. How can the church provide support and healing for victims of violence and injustice, as seen in the account of Tamar?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we are leading with righteousness and addressing sin within our spheres of influence?

5. How does the account of Amnon and Tamar challenge us to examine our own hearts and attitudes towards others, and what scriptures can guide us in cultivating a heart of love and compassion?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 34
The account of Dinah, who, like Tamar, is a victim of sexual violence. Both accounts highlight the devastating impact of such acts on individuals and families.

2 Samuel 12
Nathan's prophecy to David about the sword never departing from his house due to his sin with Bathsheba. The events in 2 Samuel 13 are a fulfillment of this prophecy, showing the ripple effects of sin.

Ephesians 4:31-32
These verses speak about putting away bitterness and anger, which contrasts with Amnon's actions and attitudes. They provide a New Testament perspective on dealing with emotions and relationships.