Sadly, Cain slaying Abel is not the only account of brother killing brother in the Bible. In this chapter, many horrific events take place; and as one can see, the effects of Amnon’s desire to have his half-sister sets in motion a chain of events that only brings sorrow upon sorrow to more and more people. As with most temptations, it begins with what Amnon sees.
Amnon sees that his half (I assume) sister, Tamar, is very beautiful. He dwells on his desire to have her, for he is “vexed.” The temptation to sin is persistent. His “subtle” friend (and I assume cousin) Jonadab helps him devise a plan of deception. It seems there is usually another person willing to help us get what we want when it comes to sin. Sin usually involves planning and that planning involves deception.
When Amnon goes about to commit the act, Tamar rationally explains that he could have her in marriage if he would only ask his father, the king, permission to do so. But Amnon, driven by lust at this point, refuses. Sin always clouds good judgment. After Amnon has sinned he is not satisfied for he realizes he hates her now; even more so than he first desired her. Sin never satisfies.
Now the effects of sin begin to take their toll. Tamar is shamed and she rends her virginal garments and cries. Sin always affects others. Absalom coldly tells his sister to keep quiet about the event; and he harbors resentment by not talking to his brother. He then devises a plan of deception himself to get revenge, which he carries out 2 years later. David is wroth with what Amnon has done. Sins effects are far reaching.
Absalom eventually carries out his revenge by having Amnon murdered. Sin has consequences. Absalom flees and stays hidden in Geshur for 3 years. Jonadab pops in here to tell David where Absalom is; contrast Jonadab and his council in this chapter with Joab’s council to David in the following chapters. David mourns the death of Amnon; and is angry with Absalom. Sins consequences are irreversible.
Amnon’s decision to plot and then carry out his lust cost Tamar her dignity and David his son and helped turn Absalom into a murderer; and also cost Amnon his own life.
What can we see about sin from this chapter?
- Temptation begins with what we see
- Temptation to sin is persistent
- There is usually another person willing to help us get what we want when it comes to sin
- Sin usually involves planning and that planning involves deception
- Sin always clouds good judgment
- Sin never satisfies
- Sin always affects others
- Sin’s effects are far reaching
- Sin has consequences
- Sin’s consequences are irreversible
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