2 Samuel 13:6

So Amnon lay down and feigned illness. When the king came to see him, Amnon said, "Please let my sister Tamar come and make a couple of cakes in my sight, so that I may eat from her hand."

Study Bible

So Amnon lay down and feigned illness.
Amnon, the firstborn son of King David, uses deception to achieve his desires. This act of feigning illness is a premeditated plan to manipulate his father, King David, into granting him access to Tamar. The use of deceit here echoes the broader theme of sin and its consequences, which is prevalent throughout the narrative of David's family. This act of deception can be compared to other biblical instances where deceit leads to significant consequences, such as Jacob deceiving Isaac (Genesis 27).

When the king came to see him,
King David, as a father, shows concern for his son by visiting him. This reflects the familial relationships and responsibilities in ancient Israelite culture, where the king also acts as a father figure. David's visit indicates his unawareness of Amnon's true intentions, highlighting a recurring theme of blindness or ignorance to sin within one's own family, as seen in Eli's relationship with his sons (1 Samuel 2:12-25).

Amnon said, “Please let my sister Tamar come and make a couple of cakes in my sight,
Amnon's request is specific and calculated, using familial terms to mask his ulterior motives. The mention of "cakes" refers to a type of bread or pastry, which in the cultural context, was a common food item. The request for Tamar to make them "in my sight" is a manipulative tactic to isolate her, setting the stage for his subsequent actions. This phrase foreshadows the violation of familial trust and the breakdown of moral order within David's house, reminiscent of the consequences of David's own sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11).

so that I may eat from her hand.”
This request for Tamar to feed him directly is an intimate act, further illustrating Amnon's inappropriate intentions. In the cultural context, eating from someone's hand could signify trust and closeness, which Amnon exploits for his own desires. This act of betrayal within the family unit is a microcosm of the larger theme of sin's destructive power, as seen in the broader narrative of David's reign and its impact on his descendants. The violation of trust here parallels the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, where a close relationship is marred by treachery (Matthew 26:14-16).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Amnon
The eldest son of King David, who harbors an illicit desire for his half-sister Tamar.

2. Tamar
The daughter of King David and sister of Absalom, known for her beauty and innocence.

3. King David
The ruler of Israel, father to both Amnon and Tamar, who is unwittingly drawn into Amnon's deceit.

4. The Deception
Amnon feigns illness to manipulate his father and sister, setting the stage for his sinful actions.

5. The Royal Household
The setting is within the palace, highlighting the personal and familial nature of the events.

Teaching Points

The Deceptive Nature of Sin
Sin often begins with deception, both of oneself and others. Amnon's feigned illness is a reminder of how sin can disguise itself as something innocent or necessary.

Guarding the Heart
Amnon's actions stem from unchecked desires. Believers are called to guard their hearts and minds, aligning their desires with God's will.

The Consequences of Sin
Amnon's deceit leads to devastating consequences for himself and his family. This serves as a warning of the far-reaching impact of sin.

The Role of Authority
David's role as a father and king is compromised by his inability to discern Amnon's intentions. Leaders must seek wisdom and discernment to protect those under their care.

The Importance of Integrity
Tamar's innocence contrasts with Amnon's deceit, highlighting the value of maintaining integrity and purity in all relationships.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Amnon's deception reflect the nature of sin as described in other parts of the Bible?

2. In what ways can unchecked desires lead to destructive actions, and how can we guard against this in our own lives?

3. What role does King David play in this account, and what can we learn about the responsibilities of leadership and discernment?

4. How does the account of Amnon and Tamar illustrate the broader biblical theme of the consequences of sin?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a situation requiring integrity. How did you respond, and what biblical principles guided your actions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 3
The deception of Eve by the serpent parallels Amnon's deceit, illustrating the destructive nature of sin and manipulation.

Proverbs 6:16-19
Lists things the Lord hates, including a lying tongue and a heart that devises wicked schemes, which relate to Amnon's actions.

Galatians 5:19-21
Discusses the acts of the flesh, including impurity and debauchery, which are evident in Amnon's behavior.

James 1:14-15
Describes how desire leads to sin, and sin, when full-grown, leads to death, mirroring Amnon's progression from desire to action.