Amnon is a significant yet tragic figure in the Old Testament, known primarily for his role in the events leading to his own demise. He was the firstborn son of King David, born to Ahinoam of Jezreel (2 Samuel 3:2). As the eldest son, Amnon was the natural heir to the throne of Israel, a position that carried both privilege and responsibility.

The Sin Against Tamar

Amnon's most notable and grievous act was his sin against his half-sister Tamar. The account is detailed in 2 Samuel 13. Amnon developed an intense and illicit desire for Tamar, who was the full sister of Absalom, another of David's sons. Despite the moral and legal prohibitions against such actions, Amnon's obsession led him to devise a deceitful plan to be alone with Tamar. With the help of his cunning cousin Jonadab, Amnon feigned illness and requested that Tamar attend to him and prepare food in his presence.

When Tamar came to care for him, Amnon's intentions became clear. Despite her protests and reasoning, Amnon overpowered her and committed a grievous act of sexual violence against her. Tamar pleaded with him, saying, "No, my brother! Do not humiliate me, for such a thing should never be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing!" (2 Samuel 13:12). However, Amnon refused to listen and violated her.

Aftermath and Consequences

Following the assault, Amnon's feelings for Tamar turned to hatred, which was even greater than the love he had previously felt. He callously dismissed her, further compounding her humiliation and distress. Tamar was left desolate, and her brother Absalom took her into his home, where she lived in her brother's house, a desolate woman (2 Samuel 13:20).

King David was furious when he heard of the incident, but he did not take immediate action against Amnon, possibly due to his love for his firstborn or the complexities of royal family dynamics. This lack of direct punishment may have contributed to the subsequent events.

Absalom's Revenge

Absalom, Tamar's full brother, harbored a deep-seated hatred for Amnon because of the violation of his sister. Two years later, Absalom orchestrated a plan to avenge Tamar. During a sheep-shearing event, Absalom invited all the king's sons, including Amnon. At Absalom's command, his servants struck Amnon down, killing him in retribution for his crime against Tamar (2 Samuel 13:28-29).

Legacy and Lessons

Amnon's life serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of unchecked lust and the consequences of sin. His actions set off a chain of events that led to family strife, bloodshed, and further turmoil within King David's household. The account of Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom is a somber reminder of the importance of righteousness, justice, and the devastating effects of sin on individuals and families.550. Amnon -- "faithful," two Israelites
... Amnon. 551 . "faithful," two Israelites. Transliteration: Amnon Phonetic Spelling:
(am-nohn') Short Definition: Amnon. ... NASB Word Usage Amnon (25), Amnon's (3). ...
/hebrew/550.htm - 6k

The Historical Books.
... of Israel, but also his grievous sin in the matter of Uriah, with the terrible
chastisements that it brought upon him and his kingdom"Amnon's incest, the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... Amnon's incest, Absalom's murder and proud rebellion,"Adonijah's scheming ambition:
truly these were grievous wounds for the man after God's own heart to ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... Reformers of our own Church denounce it,"when I see the number of young men who
walk in the footsteps of Reuben, and Hophni, and Phinehas, and Amnon,"I for ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm

Amnon's (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Amnon's (5 Occurrences). ... 2 Samuel 13:8 So Tamar
went to her brother Amnon's house; and he was laid down. ...
/a/amnon's.htm - 7k

Tamar (28 Occurrences)
... (3.) A daughter of David (2 Samuel 13:1-32; 1 Chronicles 3:9), whom Amnon shamefully
outraged and ... This brought upon Amnon the terrible revenge of Absalom. ...
/t/tamar.htm - 21k

Amnon (23 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. AMNON. am'-non ('amnon, faithful; compare 'aminon,
2 Samuel 13:20, which is probably a diminutive. ...Amnon (23 Occurrences). ...
/a/amnon.htm - 15k

Kneaded (3 Occurrences)
... it. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). 2 Samuel 13:8 So Tamar went to
her brother Amnon's house; and he was laid down. She took ...
/k/kneaded.htm - 7k

Dough (15 Occurrences)
... generations. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS). 2 Samuel 13:8 So Tamar went
to her brother Amnon's house; and he was laid down. She ...
/d/dough.htm - 12k

Paste (10 Occurrences)
... because the disease is gone. (BBE). 2 Samuel 13:8 So Tamar went to her brother
Amnon's house; and he was in bed. And she took paste and ...
/p/paste.htm - 10k

Brave (15 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 13:28 Absalom commanded his servants, saying, "Mark now, when Amnon's heart
is merry with wine; and when I tell you,'Strike Amnon,' then kill him. ...
/b/brave.htm - 11k

Baked (26 Occurrences)
... bread of it. (WEB DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). 2 Samuel 13:8 So Tamar went to her
brother Amnon's house; and he was laid down. She took dough ...
/b/baked.htm - 14k

Bake (13 Occurrences)
... (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 2 Samuel 13:8 So Tamar
went to her brother Amnon's house; and he was laid down. ...
/b/bake.htm - 12k

Bedroom (8 Occurrences)
... (BBE NAS NIV). 2 Samuel 13:10 Then Amnon said to Tamar, Take the food and
come into my bedroom, so that I may take it from your hand. ...
/b/bedroom.htm - 9k

Who was Amnon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Absalom in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Amnon rape Tamar? Why didn't David punish Amnon? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus