Background and Context:
Amnon, the firstborn son of King David, is a central figure in a tragic narrative found in 2 Samuel 13. As the heir apparent to the throne of Israel, Amnon's actions and character are of significant interest in the biblical account. Tamar, his half-sister, is the daughter of King David and Maacah, making her a princess of Israel. The account of Amnon and Tamar is a poignant example of the destructive nature of sin and its consequences within a family.

The Sin of Amnon:
The account begins with Amnon's illicit desire for his half-sister Tamar. Despite the clear prohibitions against such relationships in the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 18:9), Amnon becomes infatuated with her. His obsession is so intense that he becomes physically ill. Amnon's cousin, Jonadab, a shrewd and cunning man, devises a plan for Amnon to be alone with Tamar. Pretending to be sick, Amnon requests that Tamar come to his quarters to prepare food for him. Once she is there, he seizes the opportunity to violate her.

Amnon's Hatred:
After the heinous act, a dramatic shift occurs in Amnon's feelings towards Tamar. The Bible records, "Then Amnon hated her with intense hatred. In fact, he hated her more than he had loved her. 'Get up!' he said to her. 'Be gone!'" (2 Samuel 13:15). This sudden and intense hatred is a manifestation of Amnon's guilt and shame, as well as the realization of the gravity of his sin. His actions are a stark reminder of the fleeting and deceptive nature of lust, which can quickly turn to disdain once the sinful desire is fulfilled.

Consequences and Aftermath:
Tamar, now desolate and disgraced, pleads with Amnon to do the right thing by marrying her, as was the custom to mitigate such a situation (2 Samuel 13:16). However, Amnon refuses and has her forcibly removed from his presence. Tamar's brother, Absalom, takes her into his home, and she lives there in desolation. King David, upon hearing of the incident, is furious but does not take immediate action against Amnon, which later contributes to further family strife.

Absalom, harboring a deep-seated hatred for Amnon due to the violation of his sister, eventually avenges Tamar by orchestrating Amnon's murder two years later during a feast (2 Samuel 13:28-29). This act of vengeance sets off a chain of events that leads to Absalom's rebellion against King David, further fracturing the royal family and the kingdom of Israel.

Theological Implications:
The account of Amnon and Tamar serves as a sobering illustration of the consequences of unchecked sin and the failure to adhere to God's commandments. It highlights the destructive power of lust and the importance of self-control and righteousness. The narrative also underscores the responsibility of leaders, like King David, to uphold justice and address sin within their own households. The tragic outcomes in this account remind believers of the need for repentance, forgiveness, and the pursuit of holiness in accordance with God's will.