The story of Amnon and Tamar is a difficult one to understand. As described in 2 Samuel 13, Amnon was King David’s oldest son and heir to the throne. Tamar was his half-sister, the beautiful daughter of David and Maacah. Amnon became infatuated with Tamar and eventually raped her, an act that brought tragedy and violence into David’s family. Why would Amnon commit such a horrific act against his own sister? A close examination of the biblical text provides some insights.
Amnon’s Obsession and Lust
The story begins by stating that Amnon was so obsessed with his half-sister Tamar that he made himself ill over her (2 Samuel 13:2). This was not a fleeting attraction or harmless crush – Amnon was consumed by inappropriate desire for Tamar. He lusted after her, objectifying her beauty and seeing her as something to be possessed rather than as a human being. His obsession warped his thinking and judgment.
As the oldest son, Amnon wielded a great deal of power and privilege. He may have been accustomed to getting what he wanted. When that desire was fixated on Tamar, Amnon refused to control himself. He let his base passions overrule moral restraint. His lust made him willing to exploit his position to take what he wanted by force.
Amnon’s Deception
Rather than directly proposition Tamar, Amnon hatched a deceptive plot to get her alone under false pretenses. He pretended to be sick and requested that Tamar personally come to care for him and prepare food for him (2 Samuel 13:5-6). This was all a manipulative lie to ensnare Tamar.
Amnon abused the trust and familial bond between them to lure Tamar into a compromised position. His deception showed his true disregard for her as a sister and human being. By deceiving her, he stripped away her agency and ability to consent. Amnon’s lies reveal that he knew his desires were morally bankrupt.
Amnon’s Force and Violence
When they were alone, Amnon directly commanded Tamar to have sex with him. She rightfully resisted and tried to reason with him, pointing out the personal and social implications of this taboo act between siblings (2 Samuel 13:12-13). Amnon ignored her appeals and overpowered her by force. The text states he forced her and lay with her by violence (2 Samuel 13:14).
This shows Amnon’s true cruel and callous nature. He was willing to inflict horrific trauma on Tamar to satiate his own lust. Amnon took what he wanted without any regard for her dignity, innocence or well-being. His violence robbed Tamar of any choice or agency in the situation.
Amnon’s Hatred and Rejection
After the rape, Amnon’s so-called “love” immediately turned to revulsion and hate. He callously sent Tamar away as if she was a used object now worthless to him (2 Samuel 13:15). This reveals that Amnon’s desire was never really about Tamar at all. She was simply an object to fulfill his lust. Once he took her virginity by force, she no longer held any value to him.
Amnon’s 180 degree change from obsession to disgust shows his true wicked character. He used, violated and discarded Tamar without a shred of care for her humanity. His hatred and rejection compounded the wounds he inflicted upon her.
Amnon Faced No Consequences
Initially after the rape, Amnon faced no consequences for his abhorrent actions. Tamar poured ashes on her head and publicly mourned as victims of sexual violence did in that culture (2 Samuel 13:19). King David was angered upon hearing what happened, but did nothing to discipline Amnon or obtain justice for Tamar (2 Samuel 13:21).
This lack of accountability perhaps fed into Amnon’s warped mindset that he could take whatever he wanted. He may have felt entitled and above the law as the king’s heir. The lack of repercussions likely emboldened Amnon in his lust without regard for moral restraint.
David’s Passivity and Parenting Failures
As both a father and king, David failed terribly in preventing this tragedy. The text says he did not discipline his sons or restrain them (1 Kings 1:6). As a father, David should have taught Amnon better morals and character. He should have guarded his daughters against potential harm.
As king, David showed favoritism by not punishing Amnon’s horrific crime. He failed to use his power to protect the vulnerable in his own household. David’s passivity and negligence as a father and leader directly enabled Amnon’s wicked behavior.
Amnon Faced Consequences Later
Two years after raping Tamar, Amnon did eventually face consequences at the hands of Tamar’s full brother Absalom. Absalom was furious over Amnon’s crime against his sister, and how David failed to punish him (2 Samuel 13:22, 32). So Absalom took matters into his own hands and ordered Amnon to be killed.
While vigilante justice is itself problematic, this does show that Amnon’s actions did not go entirely unpunished. Absalom’s revenge illustrates the far-reaching devastation caused by Amnon’s crime. It tore the royal family apart. Amnon’s violence and lust bore bitter fruit.
The Bible Condemns Amnon’s Actions
While the story is disturbing, it’s important to note that nowhere does the Bible condone or excuse Amnon’s sin. His lust, deception, rape and rejection of Tamar stand completely condemned before God. The story serves as a sobering example of the destruction that uncontrolled lust and misuse of power can bring.
The Bible consistently lifts up sexual morality, consent, justice for the oppressed, and protection of the vulnerable. Amnon’s acts violate all these biblical values. His life illustrates the warnings against foolish lust and sexual immorality that abound throughout Scripture.
Key Takeaways
– Amnon’s obsession and illicit lust consumed him and overrode moral restraint
– He used deception and force to rape Tamar, showing his cruelty and disregard for her
– Amnon faced no immediate consequences thanks to David’s negligence as a father and leader
– The rape brought violence and ruin into David’s family
– The Bible condemns Amnon’s sexual immorality and abuse of power
While disturbing, the story serves as a sobering case study of lust, violence, and the importance of godly discipline and justice. The Bible gives the account not to condone evil, but to reveal the darkness in men’s hearts and the need for moral vigilance both individually and systemically.
