Amnon, Tamar, Jonadab and Absalom
“No, my brother, do not force me, for no such thing should be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing! 13 And I, where could I take my shame?… However, he would not heed her voice; and being stronger than she, he forced her and lay with her. 15 Then Amnon hated her exceedingly, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, “Arise, be gone!” 2 Samuel 13: 12-15
Amnon and Tamar. David, like others in his day, has many wives. Many of his problems stem from conflicts which develop within his household, between half-brothers and half-sisters. One son, Amnon, rapes his half-sister, Tamar. Tamar’s brother, Absalom, arranges to kill Amnon in revenge. David neither punishes Absalom for the murder nor forgives him, but permits him to live in exile.
–> 5 people are involved in this chapter. Amnon had uncontrolled lust for Tamar, his half-sister. Jonadab, Amnon’s cousin gave a bad advice to Amnon to lure Tamar and rape her. Tamar the victim who acted honorably was raped and then rejected. David, who created the setting for sins to brew by having multiple wives, failed to discipline Amnon when he heard about the rape. This led to Absalom’s murder of Amnon. David did not take any actions against Absalom either when he heard about the murder.
