2 Samuel 13:15

Then Amnon hated Tamar with such intensity that his hatred was greater than the love he previously had. "Get up!" he said to her. "Be gone!"

Study Bible

Then Amnon hated Tamar
The Hebrew word for "hated" is "שָׂנֵא" (sane), which conveys a deep-seated aversion or enmity. This sudden shift from love to hate in Amnon's heart is a stark illustration of the destructive nature of sin and lust. In the biblical narrative, Amnon's initial obsession with Tamar was not rooted in genuine love but in selfish desire. This transformation from infatuation to hatred underscores the biblical teaching that true love is selfless and patient (1 Corinthians 13:4-7), contrasting sharply with Amnon's actions.

with such intensity
The phrase "with such intensity" emphasizes the profound and overwhelming nature of Amnon's emotions. This intensity reflects the volatility of human passions when they are not governed by the Spirit of God. The Bible often warns against the dangers of unchecked emotions, urging believers to exercise self-control and to be led by the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

that his hatred was greater than the love he had had for her
This comparison highlights the fleeting and deceptive nature of Amnon's so-called "love." The Hebrew word for "love" here is "אַהֲבָה" (ahavah), which can denote a range of affections, from familial to romantic. However, Amnon's "love" was a counterfeit, driven by lust rather than genuine care or commitment. This serves as a cautionary tale about the difference between true love, which seeks the good of the other, and lust, which seeks self-gratification.

'Get up!' he said to her. 'Be gone!'
Amnon's command to Tamar is abrupt and callous, reflecting his complete disregard for her dignity and well-being. The Hebrew verb "קוּם" (qum), translated as "Get up," is often used in contexts of rising or taking action. Here, it underscores Amnon's desire to rid himself of Tamar quickly, as if she were an object rather than a person. This dehumanization is a tragic consequence of sin, which blinds individuals to the inherent worth of others as image-bearers of God (Genesis 1:27).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Amnon
The firstborn son of King David, who is infatuated with his half-sister Tamar. His actions lead to a series of tragic events within David's family.

2. Tamar
The daughter of King David and sister of Absalom, who is violated by her half-brother Amnon. Her account is one of innocence and victimization.

3. David's Household
The royal family of Israel, which is marked by internal strife and moral failures, reflecting the consequences of sin and disobedience.

4. The Event
Amnon's act of violating Tamar and his subsequent hatred towards her, which sets off a chain of events leading to further family discord and violence.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
Amnon's actions are a stark reminder of how sin can lead to destructive outcomes, not only for the sinner but also for those around them. Sin often has far-reaching consequences that affect families and communities.

The Nature of Lust vs. Love
Amnon's transition from infatuation to hatred illustrates the difference between lust and genuine love. True love is selfless and seeks the good of the other, while lust is selfish and destructive.

The Importance of Righteous Leadership
David's failure to address the sins within his family highlights the need for righteous and proactive leadership. Leaders must confront sin and injustice to maintain peace and righteousness.

Healing and Restoration
While the account of Tamar is tragic, it points to the need for healing and restoration. The church is called to be a place of refuge and healing for those who have been wronged.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Amnon's behavior towards Tamar reflect the difference between lust and love, and how can we apply this understanding in our relationships today?

2. In what ways do the events in David's household illustrate the consequences of unaddressed sin, and how can we apply this lesson to our personal and communal lives?

3. How can the church provide support and healing for victims of violence and injustice, as seen in the account of Tamar?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we are leading with righteousness and addressing sin within our spheres of influence?

5. How does the account of Amnon and Tamar challenge us to examine our own hearts and attitudes towards others, and what scriptures can guide us in cultivating a heart of love and compassion?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 34
The account of Dinah, who, like Tamar, is a victim of sexual violence. Both accounts highlight the devastating impact of such acts on individuals and families.

2 Samuel 12
Nathan's prophecy to David about the sword never departing from his house due to his sin with Bathsheba. The events in 2 Samuel 13 are a fulfillment of this prophecy, showing the ripple effects of sin.

Ephesians 4:31-32
These verses speak about putting away bitterness and anger, which contrasts with Amnon's actions and attitudes. They provide a New Testament perspective on dealing with emotions and relationships.