Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Amnon's Crime, his Murder by Absalom, and Absalom's Flight

◄ David: King of Israel: Amnon's Crime, his Murder by Absalom, and Absalom's Flight ►

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Amnon's Crime

Amnon, the firstborn son of King David, is a central figure in a tragic episode within the royal family of Israel. The narrative of Amnon's crime is found in 2 Samuel 13. Amnon developed an illicit and obsessive desire for his half-sister Tamar, the beautiful sister of Absalom. Despite the moral and legal prohibitions against such actions, Amnon's lust led him to commit a grievous sin.

With the counsel of his cunning friend Jonadab, Amnon devised a deceitful plan to fulfill his desires. Pretending to be ill, he requested that Tamar come to his quarters to prepare food for him. Once she was there, Amnon violated her, committing a heinous act of sexual assault. Tamar's plea for justice and her appeal to Amnon's conscience were ignored, leaving her desolate and disgraced. The Bible records Tamar's lament: "No, my brother!" she cried. "Do not humiliate me, for such a thing should never be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing!" (2 Samuel 13:12).

Absalom's Revenge

Absalom, Tamar's full brother, was deeply enraged by Amnon's crime. Although King David was furious when he heard of the incident, he did not take immediate action against Amnon, which may have been due to his paternal affection or political considerations. Absalom, however, harbored a deep-seated desire for vengeance. He bided his time, waiting for the opportune moment to exact justice for his sister's violation.

Two years later, Absalom orchestrated a feast at Baal Hazor, inviting all the king's sons. During the festivities, Absalom commanded his servants to strike Amnon down when he was in high spirits from wine. The servants obeyed, and Amnon was killed, fulfilling Absalom's long-held desire for retribution. The suddenness of the act caused panic among the king's sons, who fled the scene, fearing for their own lives.

Absalom's Flight

Following the murder of Amnon, Absalom fled to Geshur, seeking refuge with his maternal grandfather, King Talmai. He remained there for three years, during which time King David mourned for his son Amnon and longed for reconciliation with Absalom. The Bible notes David's conflicted emotions: "And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he had been consoled over Amnon’s death" (2 Samuel 13:39).

Absalom's flight to Geshur marked a period of estrangement between him and his father, King David. Despite the gravity of his actions, Absalom's absence left a void in David's heart, highlighting the complexities of familial relationships and the consequences of sin within the house of David. The narrative sets the stage for further turmoil and rebellion in the kingdom, as Absalom's ambitions and David's paternal struggles continue to unfold in the subsequent chapters of 2 Samuel.

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2 Samuel 13:1
And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.
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