2 Samuel 13:15

2 Samuel 13:15 KJV describes a chilling moment immediately following Amnon's sexual assault of his half-sister, Tamar. The verse starkly reveals the perverse transformation of Amnon's intense, selfish desire into an equally intense, overwhelming hatred for his victim.

Context

This verse is a pivotal moment in the tragic narrative of King David's family, illustrating the devastating consequences of sin within his household. Amnon, David's firstborn son, had become obsessed with Tamar, his beautiful half-sister. Through a deceitful plot orchestrated by his cousin Jonadab, Amnon feigned illness to lure Tamar to his chambers, where he then overpowered and raped her (2 Samuel 13:14). Immediately after this heinous act, the very "love" (which was merely lust) he professed turned into an abhorrence so profound it exceeded his initial infatuation. This sudden revulsion is a common psychological aftermath of predatory sexual acts, where the perpetrator, having satisfied their selfish desire, is then repulsed by the object of their sin, often out of guilt, shame, or a desire to distance themselves from the act.

Key Themes

• The Deceptive Nature of Lust: Amnon's "love" for Tamar was never genuine affection or respect, but a consuming, selfish lust. This verse powerfully demonstrates how such a desire, once fulfilled through illicit means, can instantly morph into bitter hatred and rejection. True love seeks the well-being of the other, while lust consumes and discards.
• Immediate and Intense Revulsion: The text emphasizes that Amnon's hatred was "exceedingly" great and "greater than the love wherewith he had loved her." This highlights the psychological paradox of a perpetrator who, having achieved their sinful aim, immediately despises the victim, often to suppress their own guilt or to externalize their inner turmoil.
• The Profound Impact on the Victim: While this verse focuses on Amnon's reaction, it underscores the horrific emotional and psychological trauma inflicted upon Tamar. Her subsequent despair and isolation are detailed in the verses that follow (2 Samuel 13:19).
• Consequences of Unchecked Sin: This event sets in motion a chain of tragic events within David's family, leading to Absalom's revenge on Amnon (2 Samuel 13:28) and further turmoil, fulfilling the prophecy of the sword never departing from David's house (2 Samuel 12:10).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew text uses the verb sane' (שָׂנֵא) for "hated" and 'aheb (אָהַב) for "loved." The repetition and direct comparison ("hatred... was greater than the love") underscore the dramatic and immediate reversal of Amnon's feelings. This isn't a gradual cooling, but an instantaneous, intense shift, emphasizing the superficial and destructive nature of his initial "love." The use of the comparative structure highlights the extreme nature of his revulsion, a stark contrast to the genuine, enduring love described elsewhere in Scripture, such as 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a sober warning about the destructive power of unbridled lust and selfish desire. It reminds us that:

• Lust is not Love: What masquerades as "love" when it is self-serving and disregards the well-being of another is, in fact, a dangerous form of desire that can quickly turn to contempt.
• Sin's Bitter Aftermath: While sin may offer fleeting gratification, its immediate aftermath is often bitterness, regret, shame, and a desire to distance oneself from the consequences and the victim.
• Respect and Boundaries: The narrative underscores the critical importance of respecting others' boundaries and the devastating impact of violating them. True love honors and protects; it does not exploit or abuse.