Amnon

 

    Amnon is amnôn in Hebrew.  It means "faithful".  In Greek it is Ámmōn or Hámmōn.  In Latin it is Amon.  The English language adopted Amnon from the Hebrew word just changing it a little.

    Amnon is the first son of king David.  His mother was Ahinoam of Jezreel.   He was born in Hebron.  He had a half sister named Tamar that he was desperately obsessed with, so much that he thought he was in love.  She was a virgin and out of his reach.  

    However, his crafty friend came up with a plan that would put her alone in his immediate proximity.  The plan worked to perfection, but to Tamar's demise.  She was innocent and naive.  She never thought she would have to worry about a brother (even a half brother).  She should have been safe, but instead Amnon raped her.

    Tamar tried to get him to let her go.  She plead that David would allow them to marry which would be better than this.  He ignored her and raped her.  After he violated her, he hated her.  He forcibly had her removed disgraced.  She mourned harshly for what was rakishly taken from her. 

    Tamar's full brother, Absalom took her in and protected her for the rest of her life.  However, the one moment of time destroyed David's family in many layers that revealed itself years later.  Mostly because of how David handled the situation.  He was a great king, but only an average father.  David pretended like nothing happened, so there were no consequences.  Absalom loved his sister the way a brother should love a sister, so he hated Amnon.  

    Two years after Amnon raped Tamar, Absalom had him killed.  David never saw it coming.  He thought that Absalom had moved on, but he had not.  David gave Absalom the ability to be so close to his brother to kill him because they never worked out what happened to Tamar or dealt judgment for a horrendous crime like rape.  This got David's attention.  

    David allowed his daughter to be treated less than nothing.  He mourned his eldest son who would have become king and led the nation is his selfish way.  He lost the respect and love of Absalom for not protecting Tamar.  It tore their family apart.  After three years, David wanted Absalom back.  He may have come back, but the damage had already been done.

2 Samuel 3:2-5 & 2 Samuel 13