Topical Encyclopedia Amnon, a son of King David, is a biblical figure whose actions are recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of 2 Samuel. His account is a cautionary tale of lust, deceit, and the grave consequences of violating God's commandments, particularly the prohibition against adultery and sexual immorality.Biblical Account Amnon was the firstborn son of David, born to Ahinoam of Jezreel (2 Samuel 3:2). As the eldest son, Amnon was in line for the throne, but his life took a tragic turn due to his sinful desires. The account of Amnon's transgression is found in 2 Samuel 13:1-22. Amnon developed an intense and illicit desire for his half-sister Tamar, the beautiful sister of Absalom, another of David's sons. Despite the clear prohibitions against such relationships in the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 18:9, 20:17), Amnon's lust overpowered his sense of righteousness. He confided in his cousin Jonadab, a shrewd man, who devised a plan for Amnon to be alone with Tamar. Feigning illness, Amnon requested that Tamar come to his quarters to prepare food for him. When she complied, Amnon seized the opportunity to act on his desires. Despite Tamar's protests and her appeal to his sense of honor and the law, Amnon forcibly violated her, committing a grievous sin (2 Samuel 13:14). Consequences and Aftermath Amnon's act of adultery and incest had immediate and far-reaching consequences. After the assault, Amnon's feelings turned to hatred, and he callously dismissed Tamar, compounding her disgrace and suffering (2 Samuel 13:15-17). Tamar lived in desolation in her brother Absalom's house, a victim of Amnon's sin. King David, upon hearing of the incident, was furious but took no immediate action against Amnon, possibly due to his own past sins and the complexities of royal family dynamics (2 Samuel 13:21). Absalom, however, harbored a deep-seated grudge against Amnon for the violation of his sister. Two years later, Absalom orchestrated Amnon's murder during a feast, avenging Tamar's dishonor (2 Samuel 13:28-29). Theological Implications Amnon's account serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of unchecked lust and the violation of God's commandments. The seventh commandment, "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14), underscores the sanctity of marriage and sexual purity. Amnon's actions not only defiled Tamar but also brought turmoil and tragedy to David's household, fulfilling Nathan's prophecy of calamity within David's family as a consequence of David's own sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:10-12). The narrative of Amnon and Tamar highlights the importance of self-control, the devastating impact of sin on individuals and families, and the need for justice and righteousness in accordance with God's law. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 13:1-20And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her. Nave's Topical Index Library A Man Expects to Reap the Same Kind as He Sows. The History of David Letter cxlvii. To Sabinianus. David's Deserts No Sorrow Like Messiah's Sorrow Chapter xxxix The Historical Books. Letter xxii. To Eustochium. Colossians iii. 7-May Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men Resources What can we learn from the woman caught in adultery? | GotQuestions.orgDo I have to confess my adultery to my spouse? | GotQuestions.org What was Jesus writing in the dirt/sand when the Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery? | GotQuestions.org Adultery: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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