Amnon and Tamar

The result of David’s sin with Bath-sheba slowly took root.

“His own sons refused to obey him and no longer respected his counsel. Where before he had been strong and courageous, he now became weak and hesitant. A sense of shame constantly hung over him.” The defects found in David’s character had found a place in the characters of his sons. Absalom’s sister was Tamar. Both were the children of Maacah, the daughter of the king of Geshur. Amnon was the son of “Ahinoam the Jezreelitess” (2 Samuel 3:2) and was David’s firstborn son. Amnon lusted after his half-sister Tamar, for she was a beautiful virgin. When Amnon explained the problem to his cousin Jonadab, Jonadab suggested Amnon act ill. When the king would check on Amnon, he should request Tamar bring him food, then take her.

The plot played out as planned. In ordering Tamar to serve her brother, David set in motion a string of events that would end in the death of his son, shame to his daughter, and ultimately threaten the very throne. Amnon ordered his court cleared.

He then ordered Tamar to bring the food into his bedchamber.

Alone with his half sister, he took hold of her and said, “Come lie with me, my sister” (v. 11). Tamar refused his advances, saying if he persisted in his demands, he would look the fool and she would be disgraced (vv. 12, 13).

“Amnon was utterly selfish, lustful, and determined to have his own way regardless of consequences. He could not be reasoned with. The requirements of God, the virtue of his sister, and the honor of his own name meant nothing to him. For these characteristics David was in part to blame. He avoided bringing his children to account when they did wrong, and permitted them to have their own way. Now they were beyond reason and restraint.” Amnon raped Tamar, and then he ordered his servants to remove her from his presence and bolt the door behind her. How could David punish his son for doing what he himself had once done? Even confessed sins must sometimes run their course, bringing additional pain and sorrow.