Topical Encyclopedia Background and Family LineageAmnon was the firstborn son of King David, the renowned king of Israel, and his wife Ahinoam of Jezreel. As the eldest son, Amnon held a position of prominence and was the presumed heir to the throne of Israel. His account is primarily recorded in the Second Book of Samuel, where his actions and their consequences are detailed. Incestuous Act The most notable and tragic event in Amnon's life was his incestuous act against his half-sister Tamar. Tamar was the daughter of King David and Maacah, making her Amnon's half-sister. The account of this grievous sin is found in 2 Samuel 13:1-22. Amnon developed an intense and sinful desire for Tamar, which he confided to his cousin Jonadab, the son of David's brother Shimeah. Jonadab, described as a shrewd man, devised a deceitful plan for Amnon to fulfill his desires. Amnon feigned illness and requested that Tamar come to his quarters to prepare food for him. When she complied, Amnon seized the opportunity to overpower her and commit the act of incest. Despite Tamar's pleas and reasoning, Amnon's lust overpowered any sense of morality or familial duty. After the act, Amnon's feelings turned to hatred, and he callously dismissed Tamar, further compounding her humiliation and distress. Biblical Account: 2 Samuel 13:14-15 "But Amnon refused to listen to her, and being stronger, he violated her and lay with her. Then Amnon hated Tamar with such intensity that his hatred was greater than the love he had previously felt. 'Get up!' he said to her. 'Be gone!'" Consequences and Death The aftermath of Amnon's sin was devastating. Tamar was left desolate, and her full brother Absalom took her into his home, harboring a deep-seated hatred for Amnon. King David, upon hearing of the incident, was furious but did not take immediate action against Amnon, which may have been due to his own moral failings or the complexities of royal family dynamics. Absalom, however, bided his time and plotted revenge. Two years later, during a sheep-shearing event at Baal Hazor, Absalom orchestrated the murder of Amnon. He commanded his servants to strike Amnon down when he was in high spirits from wine, thus avenging his sister Tamar's disgrace. Biblical Account: 2 Samuel 13:28-29 "Now Absalom had commanded his young men, 'Watch Amnon until his heart is merry with wine, and when I order you to strike Amnon down, then kill him! Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous!' So Absalom’s young men did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the rest of the king’s sons got up, and each one fled on his mule." Legacy Amnon's life serves as a cautionary tale of unchecked desire, the violation of God's laws, and the destructive consequences of sin within a family. His actions set off a chain of events that led to further turmoil and tragedy in King David's household, highlighting the importance of righteousness, justice, and the severe repercussions of moral failings. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 13:1And 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 The Second Book The Historical Books. On the Government of God Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents Resources Does Deuteronomy 22:28-29 command a rape victim to marry her rapist? | GotQuestions.orgHow many children did King David have? | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Book of 2 Samuel - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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