2 Samuel 13:9

Then she brought the pan and set it down before him, but he refused to eat. "Send everyone away!" said Amnon. And everyone went out.

Study Bible

Then she took the pan
The Hebrew word for "pan" here is "masret," which refers to a cooking vessel. This detail highlights the domestic setting and the ordinary nature of the task that Tamar was performing. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such tasks were typically assigned to women, reflecting the cultural norms of the time. Tamar's act of taking the pan signifies her obedience and willingness to serve, which contrasts sharply with the sinister intentions of Amnon.

and served it to him
The act of serving in Hebrew is "nathan," meaning to give or present. This action underscores Tamar's innocence and her role as a dutiful sister. In the broader biblical narrative, serving is often associated with humility and care, qualities that Tamar embodies. Her service is a stark juxtaposition to the betrayal she is about to face, highlighting the theme of innocence exploited by evil.

but he refused to eat
Amnon's refusal is a pivotal moment in the narrative. The Hebrew word "ma'en" for "refused" indicates a deliberate and willful decision. This refusal is not just about the food; it is a manipulation tactic, setting the stage for his ulterior motives. In the biblical context, refusal often precedes a significant event or revelation, and here it foreshadows the impending tragedy.

'Send everyone away,'
The command to "send" in Hebrew is "yatsa," which means to go out or depart. Amnon's directive to send everyone away is a calculated move to isolate Tamar, removing any witnesses to his forthcoming actions. This phrase highlights the premeditated nature of his sin, as he creates an environment where he can act without accountability. It also reflects a misuse of authority, as Amnon leverages his position to orchestrate his desires.

said Amnon
Amnon, whose name means "faithful" or "trustworthy" in Hebrew, tragically embodies the opposite of his name's meaning in this narrative. His actions betray the trust of his family and violate the moral and ethical standards expected of him. This irony serves as a reminder of the biblical theme that names often carry significant meaning and expectations, which can be subverted by human sinfulness.

And everyone went out
The phrase "went out" uses the same Hebrew root "yatsa" as earlier, emphasizing the complete obedience to Amnon's command. This obedience reflects the hierarchical social structure of the time, where servants and attendants would follow the orders of their superiors without question. The departure of everyone else sets the stage for the isolation and vulnerability of Tamar, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the impending violation of justice and righteousness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Tamar
The daughter of King David, known for her beauty and innocence. She is the sister of Absalom and half-sister to Amnon.

2. Amnon
The firstborn son of King David, who harbors an illicit desire for his half-sister Tamar, leading to a tragic event.

3. David's House
The setting of the events, representing the royal family of Israel and the complexities within it.

4. The Servants
Those who serve in the house of David, illustrating the hierarchical structure and obedience to the royal family.

5. The Event
Amnon's deceitful request for Tamar to prepare food for him, which leads to a grievous sin against her.

Teaching Points

Guard Your Heart
The account of Amnon and Tamar highlights the importance of guarding one's heart against lust and sinful desires. As believers, we must be vigilant in maintaining purity in thought and action.

The Consequences of Sin
Amnon's actions serve as a stark reminder of the destructive nature of sin. Sin not only affects the individual but also has far-reaching consequences for others.

The Importance of Accountability
Amnon's ability to send everyone away and act on his desires underscores the need for accountability in our lives. Surrounding ourselves with godly counsel can help prevent sinful actions.

The Role of Deception
Deception is a tool often used by the enemy to lead us into sin. We must be discerning and seek truth in all situations.

God's Justice and Mercy
While the account is tragic, it also points to the need for justice and the hope of redemption through Christ. God's mercy is available to all who repent and turn from their sinful ways.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Amnon and Tamar illustrate the dangers of unchecked desires, and what steps can we take to guard our hearts against similar temptations?

2. In what ways can we ensure accountability in our lives to prevent falling into sin, as seen in Amnon's ability to act without restraint?

3. How does the theme of deception in this passage relate to other biblical accounts of deception, and what can we learn from them?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of sin. How did it affect you and those around you, and what did you learn from the experience?

5. How can we apply the principles of justice and mercy found in the Bible to situations of wrongdoing in our own lives and communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 3
The deception and fall in the Garden of Eden parallel the deceit and moral failure in Amnon's actions.

Proverbs 6:16-19
Lists things the Lord hates, including a heart that devises wicked schemes, which relates to Amnon's plotting.

Matthew 5:28
Jesus' teaching on lust and the heart's intentions connects to Amnon's sinful desires.

Galatians 5:19-21
The works of the flesh, including sexual immorality and impurity, are evident in Amnon's actions.

James 1:14-15
Describes how desire leads to sin, which is fully illustrated in Amnon's behavior.