Why did Amnon rape Tamar?

Response

The tragic tale of Amnon and Tamar unfolds as part of the breakdown of David’s family following his transgression with Bathsheba. Amnon, the son of David, found himself infatuated with his half-sister Tamar, who was described as a virgin and “beautiful” (2 Samuel 13:1-2). Unsure of how to act on his feelings, Amnon turned to his cunning friend Jonadab for advice. Jonadab, known for his cleverness, devised a scheme, suggesting, “Pretend to be sick when your father visits you. Ask him to send Tamar to prepare food for you, and then you can watch her and eat from her hand” «And Jonadab said unto him, Lay thee down on thy bed, and make thyself sick: and when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto him, I pray thee, let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat, and dress the meat in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it at her hand. », (2 Samuel 13:5). The plan aimed to create an opportunity for Amnon to be alone with Tamar and act on his desires.

Amnon executed this wicked plan by requesting Tamar to bring him food. Despite her obedience to her father and her compassionate nature, Tamar complied. After dismissing everyone else, Amnon made advances towards Tamar, attempting to force her onto the bed. Tamar adamantly rejected his advances, denouncing, “No, my brother! . . . Don’t commit this disgraceful act” «And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly. », (2 Samuel 13:12). Despite her resistance, Amnon continued his reprehensible behavior.Enforced himself upon Tamar and raped her «Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her. », (2 Samuel 13:14).

Afterwards, Amnon was said to hate Tamar more than he had “loved” her before the rape occurred—it was never really “love” at all, but brazen lust. Absalom, Tamar’s full-brother, found out about the deed, and so did David. David’s response was to become “furious” «But when King David heard of all these things, he was very wroth. », (2 Samuel 13:21), but he took no real action. Absalom cared for Tamar in his own home and would not speak to Amnon. Two years later Absalom commanded his servants to murder Amnon in revenge (2 Samuel 13:28-29). Absalom fled the country for a time and later returned to David.

Why didn’t David punish Amnon for his sin against Tamar? Many reasons have been suggested. One likely reason is that Amnon was David’s son and that David had been guilty of sexual sin himself (in the case of Bathsheba)—therefore, in the case of Amnon and Tamar, he felt inadequate to judge. Another possible reason is that there was no witness to the crime. Amnon’s friend Jonadab had carefully orchestrated the crime to avoid the possibility of witnesses; therefore, there was no way to prove the crime according to Jewish law.

Regardless of the reason, Absalom took matters into his own hands. He avenged Tamar by killing their half-brother Amnon, though it resulted in many problems for himself. Absalom lived away from his family for three years after the murder and then lived for an additional period in Jerusalem before seeing his father’s face. Absalom would also later seek to usurp his father’s throne, resulting in his own death.

The wretched, tragicThe story of Amnon and Tamar illustrates some of the issues linked to sexual misconduct and its consequences. No individual should undergo the mistreatment Tamar suffered, and it is crucial to address such circumstances with honesty and fairness. David failed to uphold justice, and Absalom enforced his own criteria, leading to further complications.