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.

And it came to pass after {H310} this, that Absalom {H53} the son {H1121} of David {H1732} had a fair {H3303} sister {H269}, whose name {H8034} was Tamar {H8559}; and Amnon {H550} the son {H1121} of David {H1732} loved {H157} her.

Now Avshalom the son of David had a beautiful sister named Tamar. Some time after the previous events, Amnon the son of David fell in love with her.

After some time, David’s son Amnon fell in love with Tamar, the beautiful sister of David’s son Absalom.

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.

Commentary

2 Samuel 13:1 introduces a pivotal and tragic chapter in the life of King David and his royal family. This verse sets the stage for a series of devastating events that fulfill prophecies concerning David's household.

Context

The phrase "And it came to pass after this" directly connects this narrative to the preceding events in 2 Samuel 12. Following the death of David's first son with Bathsheba and the subsequent birth of Solomon, a period of relative peace and comfort might have been expected. However, this verse immediately plunges the reader back into the tumultuous personal life of King David. It signals the beginning of the fulfillment of the prophet Nathan's words concerning the sword never departing from David's house (2 Samuel 12:10). This internal strife within the royal family highlights the deep consequences of David's earlier sins, even after his repentance.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Introduction of Key Characters: This verse introduces three crucial figures: Absalom, David's handsome and ambitious son; Tamar, Absalom's beautiful full sister; and Amnon, David's firstborn son and heir apparent. Their relationships and actions will drive the tragic narrative.
  • The Nature of Amnon's "Love": The statement "Amnon the son of David loved her" sounds benign, but the unfolding story reveals this "love" to be a destructive, obsessive desire rather than genuine affection or care. It foreshadows the violent and immoral act that Amnon will commit against Tamar.
  • Foreshadowing Family Strife: This seemingly simple introduction lays the groundwork for a profound family crisis. The illicit desire of Amnon for Tamar will ignite a chain of events involving rape, murder, and ultimately, Absalom's rebellion against his father, David. It underscores the fragility of even a royal family when moral boundaries are disregarded.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "loved" in "Amnon the son of David loved her" is 'aheb (אָהַב). While 'aheb is the standard word for love, its context here is critical. Unlike the self-sacrificial love often described elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., God's love for Israel), Amnon's "love" is quickly revealed to be self-serving and predatory. This highlights that the mere presence of the word "love" does not always imply positive or righteous affection, especially when detached from respect, honor, and proper boundaries.

Practical Application

While set in ancient royalty, 2 Samuel 13:1 offers timeless warnings. It reminds us of the dangers of unchecked desires and passions, which, if not brought under control, can lead to devastating consequences for individuals and families. It also serves as a stark reminder that sin's ripple effects can extend far beyond the initial transgression, impacting generations and fulfilling negative prophecies. The narrative emphasizes the importance of healthy relationships, respect for others, and the need for moral integrity, especially within leadership and family structures.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 3:2

    And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;

  • 2 Samuel 3:3

    And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;

  • 1 Chronicles 3:9

    [These were] all the sons of David, beside the sons of the concubines, and Tamar their sister.

  • 1 Chronicles 3:2

    The third, Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur: the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith:

  • 2 Samuel 14:27

    And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name [was] Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance.

  • 2 Samuel 13:15

    Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her [was] greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone.

  • Genesis 29:20

    And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him [but] a few days, for the love he had to her.
← Back