Topical Encyclopedia Definition and ContextLasciviousness, often understood as lewdness or unbridled lust, is a term used in the Bible to describe behavior that is driven by immoral sexual desires. It is considered a work of the flesh and is condemned in Scripture as contrary to the holiness and purity that God desires for His people. The Apostle Paul lists lasciviousness among the deeds of the flesh in Galatians 5:19 : "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery." Biblical Account of Amnon The account of Amnon, found in 2 Samuel 13, serves as a poignant biblical example of lasciviousness leading to devastating consequences. Amnon was the eldest son of King David, and his actions are a cautionary tale of how unchecked lust can lead to sin and destruction. Amnon developed an illicit desire for his half-sister Tamar, described in 2 Samuel 13:1-2 : "Now David’s son Absalom had a beautiful sister named Tamar, and David’s son Amnon was infatuated with her. Amnon was frustrated to the point of illness on account of his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed impossible for him to do anything to her." Despite knowing that his desires were wrong, Amnon allowed his lust to consume him. He confided in his cunning friend Jonadab, who devised a plan for Amnon to be alone with Tamar. Pretending to be ill, Amnon requested that Tamar come to his quarters to prepare food for him. Once she was there, he seized the opportunity to act on his lascivious desires. 2 Samuel 13:11-14 recounts the tragic event: "And when she brought them to him to eat, he took hold of her and said, 'Come, lie with me, my sister!' 'No, my brother!' she cried. 'Do not humiliate me, for such a thing should never be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing! Where could I ever go with my disgrace? And you would be like one of the fools in Israel. Please speak to the king, for he will not withhold me from you.' But Amnon refused to listen to her, and being stronger, he violated her and lay with her." Consequences of Lasciviousness Amnon's act of lasciviousness had dire consequences. Tamar was left desolate, and her brother Absalom, enraged by the violation of his sister, plotted revenge. Two years later, Absalom ordered his servants to kill Amnon during a feast, as recorded in 2 Samuel 13:28-29 : "Now Absalom had ordered 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 ordered." The ripple effects of Amnon's sin extended beyond his own death. It led to a cycle of violence and rebellion within David's family, ultimately contributing to Absalom's own rebellion against his father, King David. Moral and Spiritual Implications The account of Amnon serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of lasciviousness. It highlights the importance of self-control and the need to resist sinful desires that lead to actions contrary to God's will. The account underscores the biblical teaching that yielding to lust not only harms the individuals directly involved but also has far-reaching consequences that can affect families and communities. In the broader biblical narrative, lasciviousness is consistently portrayed as a sin that separates individuals from God and His righteousness. Believers are called to live lives marked by purity and holiness, avoiding the pitfalls of lust and immorality. As Paul exhorts in Ephesians 5:3 , "But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed." Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 13:1-14And 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 Description of Heart-Purity Book ii. Letter cxlvii. To Sabinianus. The Greatness of the Soul, Resources What are revellings in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about sensuality? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of debauchery? | GotQuestions.org Lasciviousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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