(story told in 2 Samuel 13:1-39)
Amnon was one of King David’s sons, a young man with great privilege and promise. But instead of using his position for good, he allowed sinful desire to control him. Amnon became obsessed with his half-sister Tamar, who was kind, beautiful, and innocent. His feelings were not love but selfish lust, and he became sick with longing for something he knew was wrong.
With the help of a deceitful friend named Jonadab, Amnon formed a wicked plan. He pretended to be ill and asked that Tamar come to prepare food for him. When she came to serve him, he took advantage of her and forced her, ignoring her pleas to stop. Afterward, his guilt and shame turned into hatred, and he cruelly sent her away. Tamar was left heartbroken and disgraced.
When King David heard what Amnon had done, he was furious but took no action against his son. The silence in David’s household only deepened the pain. Tamar’s brother Absalom comforted her and quietly plotted revenge.
Two years later, Absalom invited all the king’s sons to a feast. When the wine was flowing and Amnon was off guard, Absalom ordered his servants to kill him. After Amnon’s death, Absalom fled, and King David mourned for his son.
Amnon’s story is one of selfishness and tragedy. His lack of self-control and disregard for others brought destruction to himself and his family. It reminds us that sin begins in the heart—and when left unchecked, it leads to pain, brokenness, and regret. Real strength comes from honoring God and treating others with respect and purity.