His Lust Leads to His Ruin
Amnon (1) is the oldest son of David. As the firstborn, we’d expect him to one day replace his father as king. Yet this is not to be.
Though it may have been David’s intent to make Amnon king, the young man’s behavior and the consequences of what he did make it impossible.
The Bible tells us that Amnon falls in love with his half-sister Tamar (2). Yet the law of Moses prohibits them from having a physical relationship.
Amnon doesn’t care. He’s obsessed. Lust overtakes him. He rapes his sister and then throws her from his bedroom as though she’s disposable.
Tamar goes to live with her brother Absalom, who takes care of her. He also looks for a way to avenge her disgrace. Three years later, he does. He has his men kill Amnon.
Though death is a disproportionate penalty for rape, Amnon deserves punishment. In his uncontrolled lust, he ruined his sister’s life, robbing her of the potential her future held.
His lack of restraint also brought about his death, which precluded him the opportunity to ascend to the throne in place of his father.
Just as one moment ruined his sister’s life, it also resulted in a premature end to his.
What lessons can we learn from what Amnon did?
What lessons can we learn from Absalom’s reaction?
[Read about Amnon in 2 Samuel 13:1–39. Discover more in 2 Samuel 3:2–3.]
Learn about 100 more biblical characters in More Old Testament Sinners and Saints, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Get your copy today.
More Old Testament Sinners and Saints is part of the Bible Character Sketches series.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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