Biblical Context:
Tamar's visit to Amnon is a significant and tragic event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Samuel 13. This narrative is part of the larger account of King David's family and the ensuing turmoil that arises from personal sin and familial discord. The account of Tamar and Amnon is a poignant reminder of the consequences of unchecked desires and the violation of God's moral laws.

Key Characters:

· Tamar: Tamar is the daughter of King David and Maacah, making her a princess of Israel. She is described as a beautiful and virtuous young woman. Her name, meaning "palm tree," symbolizes grace and beauty. Tamar is the full sister of Absalom, another of David's sons.

· Amnon: Amnon is the eldest son of King David, born to Ahinoam of Jezreel. As the firstborn, he is the heir apparent to the throne of Israel. However, Amnon's character is marred by his uncontrolled lust and lack of moral integrity.

· Jonadab: Jonadab is the son of Shimeah, David's brother, making him Amnon's cousin. He is described as a shrewd and cunning man who plays a pivotal role in the events leading to Tamar's visit to Amnon.

The Narrative (2 Samuel 13:1-22):

The account begins with Amnon's infatuation with his half-sister Tamar. "Amnon son of David fell in love with Tamar, the beautiful sister of his brother Absalom" (2 Samuel 13:1). Despite the inappropriateness of his feelings, Amnon becomes obsessed with her, to the point of making himself physically ill. His desire for Tamar is not rooted in genuine love but in lustful obsession.

Jonadab, recognizing Amnon's distress, devises a deceitful plan to facilitate Amnon's access to Tamar. He advises Amnon to feign illness and request that Tamar come to his quarters to prepare food for him. Amnon follows this advice, and King David, unaware of Amnon's intentions, sends Tamar to care for her brother.

When Tamar arrives, she prepares food for Amnon, but he refuses to eat. Instead, he orders everyone to leave the room, leaving him alone with Tamar. "Then Amnon said to Tamar, 'Bring the food into the bedroom, so I can eat from your hand.' And Tamar took the cakes she had made and brought them to her brother Amnon in his bedroom" (2 Samuel 13:10).

Once alone, Amnon reveals his true intentions and urges Tamar to lie with him. Despite her protests and reasoning, Amnon overpowers her and commits a grievous sin by violating her. Tamar pleads with him, highlighting the disgrace and consequences of such an act, but Amnon refuses to listen.

After the assault, Amnon's feelings toward Tamar shift dramatically from lust to hatred. "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). He callously dismisses her, compounding the injury and shame she has already suffered.

Tamar, devastated and humiliated, tears her robe and puts ashes on her head, a traditional sign of mourning and distress. She seeks refuge with her brother Absalom, who takes her into his home and cares for her. Absalom, however, harbors a deep-seated anger toward Amnon, which eventually leads to further tragedy within David's family.

Theological and Moral Implications:

The account of Tamar's visit to Amnon serves as a sobering reminder of the destructive power of sin and the importance of adhering to God's commandments. It highlights the consequences of unchecked desires and the violation of God's moral order. The narrative also underscores the need for justice and the protection of the vulnerable within society.

This account is a call to uphold the dignity and worth of every individual, recognizing the devastating impact of sin on both personal and communal levels. It serves as a warning against the dangers of manipulation, deceit, and the failure to act righteously in the face of wrongdoing.