Amnon was the eldest son of King David, born to Ahinoam the Jezreelitess while David reigned in Hebron (2 Samuel 3:2, KJV). As the firstborn, he was the heir apparent to the throne of Israel, but his life was defined by a moment of unchecked lust and a resulting act of violence that fractured David’s family and led to his own assassination.
💔 The Sinful Plot
Amnon became infatuated with his beautiful half-sister, Tamar, who was the full sister of his half-brother, Absalom. Consumed by his desire, Amnon feigned illness and, following the wicked advice of his cunning friend, Jonadab (Amnon’s cousin), he orchestrated a scenario to be alone with her.
The plot was simple but cruel: Amnon asked King David to send Tamar to his room to prepare him special food as he lay “sick.” David, unaware of his son’s malicious intent, granted the request. When Tamar came to him and prepared the cakes, Amnon forced her to lie with him:
“But he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her.” (2 Samuel 13:14, KJV)
🔪 From Lust to Loathing
Immediately after the act, Amnon’s passion turned to intense hatred, demonstrating the destructive nature of his sin. He violently cast Tamar out of his room, an act that compounded the injustice and brought her profound shame.
“Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone.” (2 Samuel 13:15, KJV)
Tamar, publicly mourning her disgrace, ran to her full brother, Absalom. Though King David was told of the terrible deed, the scripture notes that “he was very wroth: but he put not his son Amnon to grief” (2 Samuel 13:21, KJV). David’s failure to dispense justice for the heir-apparent’s crime allowed the wound to fester.
⚰️ The Price of Revenge
Absalom, Tamar’s brother, chose a path of cold, calculated revenge. For two full years, Absalom concealed his hatred, waiting for the perfect moment.
The opportunity came at a sheep-shearing feast that Absalom held for all the king’s sons in Baal-hazor. Despite his father David’s initial refusal to attend, Absalom persuaded the king to let all his sons, including Amnon, attend the lavish party.
Once the revelry was underway and Amnon was merry with wine, Absalom gave his servants the command:
“Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant. And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded.” (2 Samuel 13:28-29, KJV)
Amnon was murdered by Absalom’s servants, fulfilling the disastrous cycle of sin, familial hatred, and violence that his initial action had set in motion. This act also marked the beginning of Absalom’s path toward rebellion against his father, King David, forever altering the course of Israel’s history.