How does Amnon's plan in 2 Samuel 13:5 compare to other biblical deceptions? The Text: 2 Samuel 13:5 “Jonadab told him, ‘Lie down on your bed and pretend to be ill. When your father comes to see you, say to him, “Please let my sister Tamar come and give me something to eat. Let her prepare the food in my sight so that I may watch and eat it from her hand.”’” Anatomy of Amnon’s Scheme • Feigned illness—false appearance to gain sympathy • Exploited David’s authority—manipulating a loving father • Targeted Tamar—sexual sin against a helpless family member • Prompted by Jonadab—ungodly counsel feeding lust • Private setting—designed secrecy for sin Echoes of Earlier Deceptions 1. Serpent in Eden (Genesis 3:1-5) – Twisted God’s word, appealed to forbidden desire, ended in shame 2. Jacob before Isaac (Genesis 27) – Disguise, special meal, abuse of parental trust 3. Laban’s wedding switch (Genesis 29:21-25) – Hidden identity at night, family strife as result 4. Joseph’s brothers and the bloody coat (Genesis 37:31-33) – Fabricated evidence, broke a father’s heart 5. Gibeonite ruse (Joshua 9:3-15) – Pretended to be travelers, secured covenant without inquiry of the LORD 6. Delilah with Samson (Judges 16:4-21) – Feigned affection, lured victim into vulnerability 7. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10) – Lied for personal gain, faced swift divine judgment What Sets Amnon Apart • Deception aimed at incest and rape—direct violation of Leviticus 18:9 • Sin plotted through the king himself—misusing royal privilege • Immediate ripple: Tamar’s desolation, Absalom’s vengeance, David’s turmoil (2 Samuel 13–18) Common Threads in Biblical Deceptions • False appearances and disguises • Sinful counsel egging on hidden desire • Short-term gain, long-term ruin (Galatians 6:7) • Violation of covenant relationships • God inevitably exposes deceit (Numbers 32:23; Luke 12:2-3) Contrast: The Path of Truth • “LORD, who may dwell in Your tent? … he who walks with integrity and speaks the truth from his heart.” (Psalm 15:1-2) • “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor.” (Ephesians 4:25) • Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6) Living Lessons • Guard the heart—deception starts in hidden lust (James 1:14-15) • Shun corrupt counsel—“Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33) • Hidden sin will surface—better to repent than to cover up • Protect the vulnerable—truth and love safeguard family and community |
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