2026 2 Samuel 13, Amnon, Absalom and David; What a Tangled Web!
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2026-05-10 16:08
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Amnon, Absalom and David; What a Tangled Web!
2 Samuel 13
To summarize Chapter 13, David's eldest son Amnon plotted and raped his half-sister Tamar. Then, he immediately abandoned her. Tamar's brother, Absalom killed Amnon two years later. Rape, murder and wounds in David’s household. It is unbelievable. It is absolute chaos and disorder. Why did it happen? It was because there were no word of God, prayer and prophets in their lives.
David had six sons. The eldest is Amnon, the second, Gileab, the son born to the widow Abigail after she remarried David. He likely died young. The third is Absalom. There must have been a fierce power struggle over the royal succession between Amnon and Absalom. But they all perished.
Amnon—Foolishness
In terms of circumstances, no one was born under better conditions than Amnon to legitimately enjoy both the blessing of Abraham and the blessing of David. He was the eldest son in David’s household and his mother was an Israelite. Amnon possessed all the conditions necessary to inherit the throne and receive blessings.
However, what was Amnon's problem? He was not interested in his position, dignity and glory but was obsessed with his pretty half sister Tamar. It is insane. In fact, man should have a bigger vision and ambition. Indeed, Absalom is aiming for the big one, the throne. However, that is not also a big issue. Being anointed with the Holy Spirit is greater than any earthly throne. Saul was king but he lived like a psychopath when he had no the Spirit of God.
Amnon is like Esau. Esau was the eldest son of Isaac's family. However, unaware of how precious the birthright was, he sold it for a bowl of lentil stew when he was hungry saying, “Look, I am about to die, What good is the birthright to me?” Wow, how could this be! Amnon was the same. He sold the blessings, both Abraham’s and David’s for the impulsive carnal desire.
We could be like him, too. We possess the blessings of heaven and earth and an eternal inheritance, yet we need to examine ourselves weather we sell it for momentary pleasure or benefit. The sign of God’s people is worship, prayer and gospel work. Do you know these are great privileges? Then you are truly blessed people. However, there are fools like Amnon and Esau. “Worship? Prayer? Mission? I'll do them later.” Who gave you the right? If we take these spiritual blessings and privileges lightly, we will follow in Amnon and Esau’s footsteps.
Amnon was the Crown Prince. As the Crown Prince, he could have prayed for Israel’s revival. However, he was not interested in the word of God, prayer and God’s blessing but only in a pretty girl whom he was not supposed to love.
Look at verses 1-2. In the course of time, Amnon son of David fell in love with Tamar, the beautiful sister of Absalom son of David. Amnon became so obsessed with his sister Tamar that he made himself ill. She was a virgin, and it seemed impossible for him to do anything to her.
This is indeed a crisis to a young man Amnon. If a prophet were by his side, he could study the word of God, pray and be free from such life-threatening trap. However, beside him is a very crafty man, Jonadab. He possesses a satanic element. He counselled Amnon to commit sin. It was absolutely forbidden by the law of God in Lev 18:9. Still, he gave Amnon a brand of evil wisdom that was beyond imagination. He convinced Amnon to think that his romantic feeling was important and must be satisfied. Even ordinary people would advise that having a romantic feeling for a half sister is wrong that he must repent but he rather provoked Amnon. Worst of all, knowing that David especially loved his eldest son Amnon, Jonadab advised him to get King David involved to succeed his scheme.
“Pretend to be sick. Then, your father will come. At that time, say, ‘If Tamar makes bread and feeds me, I will be recovered.’”
Here is a pair, Amnon and Jonadab. It reminds us another pair, Ahab and Isabel. Amnon is very similar to Ahab. How much glory and privilege did Ahab have as king? And how great work could he have done for his country and people? Yet, instead of enjoying the blessings God gave him, he wanted to possess his neighbour Naboth's vegetable garden.
When Naboth refused to sell his garden based on the law of God, Ahab lay down on his bed sullen refusing to eat food. He is exactly like Amnon who made himself ill. At this time, who is by his side is important. Jonadab is by Amnon's side, and Jezebel is by Ahab's side. Jezebel used a scheme to kill Naboth and seized the vineyard. Jonadab also got David involved into this disgusting scheme to cause Amnon to commit a heinous sin.
There are times when we are greedy. At that time, if you have a prophet around you who teaches the word of God and points out your problem, "That is greed, return to God and your mission," you will escape the trap of destruction.
But know this. If you leave worship, prayer and mission, there will inevitably be people like Jonadab and Jezebel by your side making you do foolish acts. That leads to destruction. Yes, by listening to Jonadab, Amnon lost his life.
Jesus teaches us "self-denial." However, the devil lures us to strengthen us, saying, "Hey, you are right. Do as you desire." This is the work of the devil. Ammon has neither prayer, nor word of God nor prophets. That is why he perished.
King David granted Amnon's request sending Tamar to Amnon. Tamar strongly refused Amnon saying having physical relationship before marriage was sin. However, consumed by lust, Amnon hurt (raped) her by force. (v 4) This is not love. It is unspeakable wound and pain to Tamar.
Man is like a vessel. If greed and lust enter it, that vessel becomes dirty and small. It becomes disposable. Do you pray for God’s blessings? That is good. But, when you are blessed, connect it to mission and worship. That is the way to keep God’s blessings.
Love is lasting. However, Amnon's act was impulsive. Right after, he extremely hated Tamar and drove her away forcefully. This is against the law (Ex 22:16, Deut 22:28-29) Amnon is a person with borderline personality disorder. He loves intensely when things look desirable but soon and suddenly hates intensely when things look undesirable. Having such a person as a spouse is truly maddening.
Look at verses 15-19. Amnon committed an unspeakable sin, leaving a tremendous wound to Tamar. For the next 2 years, when no one punished or disciplined him, he must have thought what he did was not a big deal. He forgot it. However, he reaped what he sowed. He was murdered two years later. What a futile life! James 1:15 says, “After desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
In spite of inborn and legitimated blessings, Amnon had no prayer, word of God and prophet that he ended up tragic death while trying to satisfy his lust.
Do you think you are blessed? Do you think you have some or much? Then connect the blessing you have to mission and worship. (BMW) If we just desire more and try to satisfy our desire ignoring prayer, worship, the word of God and prophet, we are like Amnon.
Oh, Amnon! You are your father, King David’s beloved eldest son. Why didn’t you carry out your mission to pray for your nation and people as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation? Then you would have received all the blessings of Abraham and David. How glorious would that have been to you! A great king Amnon like King David! However, you ended in tragic death in your young age because you did not control your carnal desire.
Amnon could be you and me. Do not boast your youth. Do not boast what you have or who you are saying, "I was born into a Christian family," or "my life is stable." Instead, you must be connected to the Lord through worship, prayer and serving life.
Absalom—Cruelty
Tamar lived miserably in his brother, Absalom's house. As her brother, Absalom must have been deeply ached. However, he did not take immediate revenge. Verse 22 says, “And Absalom never said a word to Amnon, either good or bad; he hated Amnon because he had disgraced his sister Tamar.” If he really sought justice, Absalom should have talked to King David requesting for a trial to punish Amnon. But he was silent because he knew that King David would never sentence Amnon to death. He wanted to kill Amnon by his own hands. Indeed, he is a man who knows how to restrain his emotions and keenly analyzes the situation. He waited for two years to let Amnon's guard down.
Finally a time came to him. At that time, sheep shearing was a festival. To avoid a suspicion, Absalom invited all of the king's sons to the festival. When King David was too busy to attend, he requested that Crown Prince Amnon be sent in his place. He is shrewd. Look at verse 27. “But Absalom urged him, so he sent with him Amnon and the rest of the king’s sons.” Then Absalom killed Amnon and fled to his mother’s land.
Humanly Absalom’s act may look heroic or justified. However, before God, he was disqualified. The man of God must not be driven by personal revengeful feeling. The man of God must entrust their feelings to God and move forward with forgiveness and a new vision. Then, they are blessed with the Holy Spirit.
Amnon was a terrible man. Everyone knew that he would be disqualified to become king. Then, Absalom, the second son of King David would be next in line. He simply needed to wait for God's timing. Then he would have become king. However, he could not wait and killed Amnon with his own hands under the pretext of revenge.
David was given at least two opportunities to kill Saul, but he did not do so out of faith and conscience, believing he could not kill King Saul anointed by God. David was a man who knew how to wait and how to control his emotions. He was a man of prayer and the word of God. Yet, Absalom shed the blood of revenge by his own hands displeasing God.
Absalom is intelligent, capable and handsome. People loved and honoured him. However, because he had no prayer and the word of God, all his beauty turned into ugliness. Today, there are men who are considered "Jacks of all trades." “Look, he is able, smart and handsome.” But if he has no prayer and the word of God, there is nothing worth looking at such person. He is Absalom. He is not a good prospective husband or wife. Later, he was killed tragically.
By killing such evil man, Absalom may look heroic. However, God does not look for a hero but a humble man who comes to him to pray to find God’s will and comfort. The first son Amnon became disqualified in spite of all the favourable human conditions. The second son, Absalom also became disqualified in spite of extraordinary capability and outer appearance because he shed blood by his own hands. Then, the third person, Solomon took the throne. I pray that there are prayer and word of God in your life and carry out the mission from God.
David—no discernment
Even David lost his edge. He favoured his eldest son and disregarded his daughter according to the prejudices of the times. When Amnon made his request, wouldn't you feel something strange? “Father, I am sick.” “What shall I do?” “Let Tamar come to my room, bake cakes in my sight, and feed me with her own hands.” If David were praying, he would have noticed Amnon’s trick, “Hey, you crazy fool! Do you not have hands? If you are sick, you should call a doctor, why call your sister? If you want to eat cakes, go buy some yourself!” That would be the right answer as a father, wouldn't it? However, because he lacked prayer and the word of God, David became foolish and was exploited by Amnon.
Verses 7 says, David sent word to Tamar at the palace: “Go to the house of your brother Amnon and prepare some food for him.” No prayer, no word of God and no prophet made him dull in his spirituality and discernment failing to prevent his son from committing sin.
David later came to know the full story. Look at verse 21. “When King David heard all this, he was furious.” ‘Furious,’ but was that all? He should have properly disciplined and warned Amnon. “If you do not repent of your wickedness and turn back, you will lose your position as heir.” If David had done that, Amnon would not have died and Tamar would have been comforted. Then Absalom would have had no justification for revenge. However, for David, the Crown Prince Amnon is more important than the current royal misfortune or his daughter Tamar’s wounds. He sacrificed his daughter. “Keep your mouth shut.” As a king and father, he failed to carry out justice and love. He tried to ensure that Amnon would not be politically wounded to become king. He covered up the matter. No wonder the Davidic royal family is bound to fester. Because there is no prayer, word of God and prophet, this household has completely fallen apart.
Later, he could not discipline Absalom who murdered Amnon. Why? Because of his political calculation. To him, Absalom was the son to inherit the throne. Verse 39 says, “And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he was consoled concerning Amnon’s death.” David must have felt pain and sadness by Amnon’s death. As time passed, however David’s anger subsided. Then he asked himself, “Who is my comfort? Amnon is already dead. Still, I have Absalom, He can be king.” So, he comforted himself. Where have all those prophets gone? Now, he has no prophets, no word of God and no prayer. He followed only the prejudices and customs of that era. And he totally failed.
Absalom, yes, he suffered injustice. Even so, he should have just waited while praying to the Lord. Amnon was not qualified. Then the kingship would have come to him. But he didn’t wait. He murdered Amnon. Then all his privileges and beauty were nullified and turned ugly.
In the end, David's first, second, third, and fourth sons all died. Why? Because of a foolish father who committed adultery and who knew many women and who did not know how to discipline his children.
God has called us by grace. Are you praying now? Do you have the word of God and prophet who encourage, advise, warn and even rebuke you to turn back to God? Are you a spiritual and good father? May God bless you to connect the blessings you have to the mission of God.
2 Samuel 13
To summarize Chapter 13, David's eldest son Amnon plotted and raped his half-sister Tamar. Then, he immediately abandoned her. Tamar's brother, Absalom killed Amnon two years later. Rape, murder and wounds in David’s household. It is unbelievable. It is absolute chaos and disorder. Why did it happen? It was because there were no word of God, prayer and prophets in their lives.
David had six sons. The eldest is Amnon, the second, Gileab, the son born to the widow Abigail after she remarried David. He likely died young. The third is Absalom. There must have been a fierce power struggle over the royal succession between Amnon and Absalom. But they all perished.
Amnon—Foolishness
In terms of circumstances, no one was born under better conditions than Amnon to legitimately enjoy both the blessing of Abraham and the blessing of David. He was the eldest son in David’s household and his mother was an Israelite. Amnon possessed all the conditions necessary to inherit the throne and receive blessings.
However, what was Amnon's problem? He was not interested in his position, dignity and glory but was obsessed with his pretty half sister Tamar. It is insane. In fact, man should have a bigger vision and ambition. Indeed, Absalom is aiming for the big one, the throne. However, that is not also a big issue. Being anointed with the Holy Spirit is greater than any earthly throne. Saul was king but he lived like a psychopath when he had no the Spirit of God.
Amnon is like Esau. Esau was the eldest son of Isaac's family. However, unaware of how precious the birthright was, he sold it for a bowl of lentil stew when he was hungry saying, “Look, I am about to die, What good is the birthright to me?” Wow, how could this be! Amnon was the same. He sold the blessings, both Abraham’s and David’s for the impulsive carnal desire.
We could be like him, too. We possess the blessings of heaven and earth and an eternal inheritance, yet we need to examine ourselves weather we sell it for momentary pleasure or benefit. The sign of God’s people is worship, prayer and gospel work. Do you know these are great privileges? Then you are truly blessed people. However, there are fools like Amnon and Esau. “Worship? Prayer? Mission? I'll do them later.” Who gave you the right? If we take these spiritual blessings and privileges lightly, we will follow in Amnon and Esau’s footsteps.
Amnon was the Crown Prince. As the Crown Prince, he could have prayed for Israel’s revival. However, he was not interested in the word of God, prayer and God’s blessing but only in a pretty girl whom he was not supposed to love.
Look at verses 1-2. In the course of time, Amnon son of David fell in love with Tamar, the beautiful sister of Absalom son of David. Amnon became so obsessed with his sister Tamar that he made himself ill. She was a virgin, and it seemed impossible for him to do anything to her.
This is indeed a crisis to a young man Amnon. If a prophet were by his side, he could study the word of God, pray and be free from such life-threatening trap. However, beside him is a very crafty man, Jonadab. He possesses a satanic element. He counselled Amnon to commit sin. It was absolutely forbidden by the law of God in Lev 18:9. Still, he gave Amnon a brand of evil wisdom that was beyond imagination. He convinced Amnon to think that his romantic feeling was important and must be satisfied. Even ordinary people would advise that having a romantic feeling for a half sister is wrong that he must repent but he rather provoked Amnon. Worst of all, knowing that David especially loved his eldest son Amnon, Jonadab advised him to get King David involved to succeed his scheme.
“Pretend to be sick. Then, your father will come. At that time, say, ‘If Tamar makes bread and feeds me, I will be recovered.’”
Here is a pair, Amnon and Jonadab. It reminds us another pair, Ahab and Isabel. Amnon is very similar to Ahab. How much glory and privilege did Ahab have as king? And how great work could he have done for his country and people? Yet, instead of enjoying the blessings God gave him, he wanted to possess his neighbour Naboth's vegetable garden.
When Naboth refused to sell his garden based on the law of God, Ahab lay down on his bed sullen refusing to eat food. He is exactly like Amnon who made himself ill. At this time, who is by his side is important. Jonadab is by Amnon's side, and Jezebel is by Ahab's side. Jezebel used a scheme to kill Naboth and seized the vineyard. Jonadab also got David involved into this disgusting scheme to cause Amnon to commit a heinous sin.
There are times when we are greedy. At that time, if you have a prophet around you who teaches the word of God and points out your problem, "That is greed, return to God and your mission," you will escape the trap of destruction.
But know this. If you leave worship, prayer and mission, there will inevitably be people like Jonadab and Jezebel by your side making you do foolish acts. That leads to destruction. Yes, by listening to Jonadab, Amnon lost his life.
Jesus teaches us "self-denial." However, the devil lures us to strengthen us, saying, "Hey, you are right. Do as you desire." This is the work of the devil. Ammon has neither prayer, nor word of God nor prophets. That is why he perished.
King David granted Amnon's request sending Tamar to Amnon. Tamar strongly refused Amnon saying having physical relationship before marriage was sin. However, consumed by lust, Amnon hurt (raped) her by force. (v 4) This is not love. It is unspeakable wound and pain to Tamar.
Man is like a vessel. If greed and lust enter it, that vessel becomes dirty and small. It becomes disposable. Do you pray for God’s blessings? That is good. But, when you are blessed, connect it to mission and worship. That is the way to keep God’s blessings.
Love is lasting. However, Amnon's act was impulsive. Right after, he extremely hated Tamar and drove her away forcefully. This is against the law (Ex 22:16, Deut 22:28-29) Amnon is a person with borderline personality disorder. He loves intensely when things look desirable but soon and suddenly hates intensely when things look undesirable. Having such a person as a spouse is truly maddening.
Look at verses 15-19. Amnon committed an unspeakable sin, leaving a tremendous wound to Tamar. For the next 2 years, when no one punished or disciplined him, he must have thought what he did was not a big deal. He forgot it. However, he reaped what he sowed. He was murdered two years later. What a futile life! James 1:15 says, “After desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
In spite of inborn and legitimated blessings, Amnon had no prayer, word of God and prophet that he ended up tragic death while trying to satisfy his lust.
Do you think you are blessed? Do you think you have some or much? Then connect the blessing you have to mission and worship. (BMW) If we just desire more and try to satisfy our desire ignoring prayer, worship, the word of God and prophet, we are like Amnon.
Oh, Amnon! You are your father, King David’s beloved eldest son. Why didn’t you carry out your mission to pray for your nation and people as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation? Then you would have received all the blessings of Abraham and David. How glorious would that have been to you! A great king Amnon like King David! However, you ended in tragic death in your young age because you did not control your carnal desire.
Amnon could be you and me. Do not boast your youth. Do not boast what you have or who you are saying, "I was born into a Christian family," or "my life is stable." Instead, you must be connected to the Lord through worship, prayer and serving life.
Absalom—Cruelty
Tamar lived miserably in his brother, Absalom's house. As her brother, Absalom must have been deeply ached. However, he did not take immediate revenge. Verse 22 says, “And Absalom never said a word to Amnon, either good or bad; he hated Amnon because he had disgraced his sister Tamar.” If he really sought justice, Absalom should have talked to King David requesting for a trial to punish Amnon. But he was silent because he knew that King David would never sentence Amnon to death. He wanted to kill Amnon by his own hands. Indeed, he is a man who knows how to restrain his emotions and keenly analyzes the situation. He waited for two years to let Amnon's guard down.
Finally a time came to him. At that time, sheep shearing was a festival. To avoid a suspicion, Absalom invited all of the king's sons to the festival. When King David was too busy to attend, he requested that Crown Prince Amnon be sent in his place. He is shrewd. Look at verse 27. “But Absalom urged him, so he sent with him Amnon and the rest of the king’s sons.” Then Absalom killed Amnon and fled to his mother’s land.
Humanly Absalom’s act may look heroic or justified. However, before God, he was disqualified. The man of God must not be driven by personal revengeful feeling. The man of God must entrust their feelings to God and move forward with forgiveness and a new vision. Then, they are blessed with the Holy Spirit.
Amnon was a terrible man. Everyone knew that he would be disqualified to become king. Then, Absalom, the second son of King David would be next in line. He simply needed to wait for God's timing. Then he would have become king. However, he could not wait and killed Amnon with his own hands under the pretext of revenge.
David was given at least two opportunities to kill Saul, but he did not do so out of faith and conscience, believing he could not kill King Saul anointed by God. David was a man who knew how to wait and how to control his emotions. He was a man of prayer and the word of God. Yet, Absalom shed the blood of revenge by his own hands displeasing God.
Absalom is intelligent, capable and handsome. People loved and honoured him. However, because he had no prayer and the word of God, all his beauty turned into ugliness. Today, there are men who are considered "Jacks of all trades." “Look, he is able, smart and handsome.” But if he has no prayer and the word of God, there is nothing worth looking at such person. He is Absalom. He is not a good prospective husband or wife. Later, he was killed tragically.
By killing such evil man, Absalom may look heroic. However, God does not look for a hero but a humble man who comes to him to pray to find God’s will and comfort. The first son Amnon became disqualified in spite of all the favourable human conditions. The second son, Absalom also became disqualified in spite of extraordinary capability and outer appearance because he shed blood by his own hands. Then, the third person, Solomon took the throne. I pray that there are prayer and word of God in your life and carry out the mission from God.
David—no discernment
Even David lost his edge. He favoured his eldest son and disregarded his daughter according to the prejudices of the times. When Amnon made his request, wouldn't you feel something strange? “Father, I am sick.” “What shall I do?” “Let Tamar come to my room, bake cakes in my sight, and feed me with her own hands.” If David were praying, he would have noticed Amnon’s trick, “Hey, you crazy fool! Do you not have hands? If you are sick, you should call a doctor, why call your sister? If you want to eat cakes, go buy some yourself!” That would be the right answer as a father, wouldn't it? However, because he lacked prayer and the word of God, David became foolish and was exploited by Amnon.
Verses 7 says, David sent word to Tamar at the palace: “Go to the house of your brother Amnon and prepare some food for him.” No prayer, no word of God and no prophet made him dull in his spirituality and discernment failing to prevent his son from committing sin.
David later came to know the full story. Look at verse 21. “When King David heard all this, he was furious.” ‘Furious,’ but was that all? He should have properly disciplined and warned Amnon. “If you do not repent of your wickedness and turn back, you will lose your position as heir.” If David had done that, Amnon would not have died and Tamar would have been comforted. Then Absalom would have had no justification for revenge. However, for David, the Crown Prince Amnon is more important than the current royal misfortune or his daughter Tamar’s wounds. He sacrificed his daughter. “Keep your mouth shut.” As a king and father, he failed to carry out justice and love. He tried to ensure that Amnon would not be politically wounded to become king. He covered up the matter. No wonder the Davidic royal family is bound to fester. Because there is no prayer, word of God and prophet, this household has completely fallen apart.
Later, he could not discipline Absalom who murdered Amnon. Why? Because of his political calculation. To him, Absalom was the son to inherit the throne. Verse 39 says, “And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he was consoled concerning Amnon’s death.” David must have felt pain and sadness by Amnon’s death. As time passed, however David’s anger subsided. Then he asked himself, “Who is my comfort? Amnon is already dead. Still, I have Absalom, He can be king.” So, he comforted himself. Where have all those prophets gone? Now, he has no prophets, no word of God and no prayer. He followed only the prejudices and customs of that era. And he totally failed.
Absalom, yes, he suffered injustice. Even so, he should have just waited while praying to the Lord. Amnon was not qualified. Then the kingship would have come to him. But he didn’t wait. He murdered Amnon. Then all his privileges and beauty were nullified and turned ugly.
In the end, David's first, second, third, and fourth sons all died. Why? Because of a foolish father who committed adultery and who knew many women and who did not know how to discipline his children.
God has called us by grace. Are you praying now? Do you have the word of God and prophet who encourage, advise, warn and even rebuke you to turn back to God? Are you a spiritual and good father? May God bless you to connect the blessings you have to the mission of God.