Amnon
Firstborn of David
Name Information
- Meaning: "Faithful / trustworthy"
- Language of Origin: Hebrew
- Gender Usage: Masculine
Amnon, David’s firstborn, claimed to love his half-sister Tamar, but his desire was driven by lust, not true love. Deceived by sinful passion, he violated her, then despised her, leading to Absalom’s revenge and deep division in David’s household.
⏰ United Kingdom (David’s reign)
Roles
- Prince
Relationships
- Father: David
- Half-sister: Tamar
- Half-brother: Absalom
Story
Amnon became infatuated with his beautiful half-sister Tamar, to the point of making himself ill (2 Samuel 13:1–2).
Following the advice of his cousin Jonadab, he deceived Tamar and assaulted her (2 Samuel 13:6–14).
Afterward, the supposed 'love' he claimed turned into intense hatred (2 Samuel 13:15), revealing the emptiness of lust.
Two years later, Absalom avenged Tamar by arranging Amnon’s death during a feast (2 Samuel 13:28–29).
Spiritual Significance
- His sinful lust was disguised as love, showing how desire apart from God’s truth deceives the heart (2 Samuel 13:1–2, 15).
- His crime shattered family trust, dishonored God’s law, and fueled Absalom’s eventual rebellion.
What We Can Learn
- What is called 'love' can in reality be selfish lust — lust deceives and destroys.
- Sinful desire refuses wisdom and ignores warnings, leading to shame and brokenness.
- Hatred can follow lust as quickly as the pleasure fades, revealing its emptiness.
- God’s law protects dignity and purity; ignoring it brings judgment.
Memory Verses
But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab…
— 2 Samuel 13:3He would not listen to her; and being stronger than she, he violated her and lay with her.
— 2 Samuel 13:14Then Amnon hated her with very great hatred, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her.
— 2 Samuel 13:15
Key Passages
- 2 Samuel 13:1–29
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