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2 Samuel 3:2,3
And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; …

1 Chronicles 3:2
The third, Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur: the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith:

a fair sister

2 Samuel 11:2
And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the womanwas very beautiful to look upon.

Genesis 6:2
That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that theywere fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.

Genesis 39:6,7
And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph wasa goodlyperson, and well favoured…

Tamar

2 Samuel 14:27
And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose namewas Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance.

1 Chronicles 3:9
These were all the sons of David, beside the sons of the concubines, and Tamar their sister.

loved her

2 Samuel 13:15
Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated herwas greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone.

Genesis 29:18,20
And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter…

Genesis 34:3
And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto the damsel.

David’s son Amnon
Amnon is the firstborn son of King David, making him the heir apparent to the throne of Israel. His position as the eldest son gives him significant status and expectations within the royal family. However, his actions in this chapter reveal a lack of moral integrity and self-control, which ultimately lead to his downfall. Amnon's character and choices serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked desires and the consequences of sin.

fell in love with Tamar
The phrase "fell in love" is somewhat misleading in this context, as Amnon's feelings for Tamar are more accurately described as lust rather than genuine love. This distinction is crucial, as it highlights the selfish and destructive nature of Amnon's desires. Tamar, whose name means "palm tree," is a symbol of beauty and purity, and her tragic story underscores the vulnerability of women in ancient patriarchal societies. The misuse of the term "love" here serves as a reminder of the importance of distinguishing between true love, which is selfless and sacrificial, and lust, which is self-serving and harmful.

the beautiful sister of David’s son Absalom
Tamar is noted for her beauty, which is a recurring theme in biblical narratives and often serves as a catalyst for conflict. Her relationship to Absalom, another of David's sons, is significant, as it sets the stage for the familial strife that follows. Absalom's protective nature and eventual vengeance for Tamar's mistreatment highlight the deep bonds of sibling loyalty and the devastating impact of Amnon's actions on the entire family. This familial connection also foreshadows Absalom's later rebellion against David, as the seeds of discord are sown in this chapter.

Absalom
Absalom is a key figure in the narrative of 2 Samuel, known for his striking appearance and charismatic leadership. His name means "father of peace," which is ironic given the turmoil he brings to David's kingdom. Absalom's response to Tamar's plight reveals his sense of justice and familial duty, but also his capacity for vengeance and ambition. His actions in the aftermath of Tamar's violation set off a chain of events that lead to his eventual rebellion and tragic end. Absalom's story serves as a complex exploration of the themes of justice, revenge, and the consequences of sin within a family and a nation.

“After some time” quietly bridges the tragic fallout of David’s sin in chapter 12 with the household turmoil that now unfolds. Months—perhaps even a couple of years—have passed since Nathan’s rebuke (2 Samuel 12:13) and the death of David’s infant son (2 Samuel 12:18–23). Life in the palace appears outwardly settled, yet God’s word through Nathan still stands: “the sword shall never depart from your house” (2 Samuel 12:10). This opening phrase reminds us that divine consequences often ripen gradually. The time gap lulls David’s family—and us—into thinking all is well, only to reveal, asGalatians 6:7 warns, that whatever a man sows, he will indeed reap.

Amnon, named first among David’s children (2 Samuel 3:2), holds the privileged position of crown prince. His lineage—son of Ahinoam the Jezreelite—gives him royal footing, yet privilege without self-control is perilous.Proverbs 29:15 notes that “a child left to himself brings shame to his mother,” and Amnon’s unchecked desires will soon dishonor both parents. His status makes his choices weighty; like Esau (Hebrews 12:16-17), he’s poised to trade a birthright of influence for a single indulgence.

The text says he “fell in love,” but the verses that follow expose infatuation devoid of covenant commitment.

•2 Samuel 13:2 highlights obsession, not godly affection; Amnon is “frustrated to the point of illness” because Tamar is a virgin.

•James 1:14-15 traces the path: desire conceives sin, sin births death. Amnon stands at desire’s doorway.

•1 John 2:16 calls this craving “the lust of the flesh,” echoing Samson’s pattern inJudges 14:2. Genuine love seeks another’s good (1 Corinthians 13:4-7); lust fixates on self-gratification. Scripture records the feeling to expose its counterfeit nature.

Tamar’s beauty (cf.Genesis 24:16 concerning Rebekah) is God-given, yet it fuels Amnon’s improper appetite. She is Absalom’s full sister, sharing both father and mother (2 Samuel 3:3). That family link matters on two levels:

• Moral boundary:Leviticus 18:9 forbids sexual relations with a half-sister. Amnon’s pursuit will defy God’s explicit law.

• Political fallout: Absalom’s protective rage (2 Samuel 13:22, 28-29) will ignite civil strife, fulfilling Nathan’s forecast (2 Samuel 12:11). Absalom himself, noted later for stunning appearance (2 Samuel 14:25-26), mirrors the external allure that often masks internal turmoil. Appearance captivates; character safeguards.

2 Samuel 13:1 sets the stage for one of Scripture’s most sobering family tragedies. A season of supposed calm (“After some time”) is pierced by the unchecked lust of the heir apparent (“David’s son Amnon”) toward his half-sister (“fell in love with Tamar”), whose beauty and bloodline (“the beautiful sister of David’s son Absalom”) will inflame personal sin into national crisis. The verse warns that sinful desire, left untended, grows within homes and hearts, yet God’s word remains steadfast: His justice and mercy operate even in the hidden corridors of a royal palace—and our own lives.

Absalom and Tamar were children of Maacah, daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur, and the former, at least, had been born during David's reign at Hebron (2Samuel 3:3). It is probable that the events here narrated occurred soon after the war with the Ammonites and David's marriage with Bath-sheba.

Amnon was David's first-born son (3:2).