2 Samuel 13:2

And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she [was] a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her.

And Amnon {H550} was so vexed {H3334}, that he fell sick {H2470} for his sister {H269} Tamar {H8559}; for she was a virgin {H1330}; and Amnon {H550} thought {H5869} it hard {H6381} for him to do {H6213} any thing {H3972} to her.

Amnon became so obsessed with his sister Tamar that he became ill, for she was a virgin, and Amnon thought it would be impossible to approach her.

Amnon was sick with frustration over his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed implausible for him to do anything to her.

And Amnon was so vexed that he fell sick because of his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and it seemed hard to Amnon to do anything unto her.

Commentary

2 Samuel 13:2 describes the intense, destructive desire of Amnon, King David's eldest son, for his half-sister Tamar. This verse sets the stage for a tragic and morally reprehensible event that would have profound and lasting consequences for David's royal household and the nation of Israel.

Context

This verse is part of a dark chapter in King David's reign, following his own moral failures with Bathsheba and Uriah (2 Samuel 11:4). The prophet Nathan had foretold that "the sword shall never depart from thine house" (2 Samuel 12:10), and the events surrounding Amnon and Tamar are a direct fulfillment of this prophecy. Amnon, as the firstborn, was in line for the throne, making his actions particularly significant within the royal family's stability. The narrative here is closely linked to the preceding verse, which introduces Amnon's initial feelings for Tamar (2 Samuel 13:1).

Key Themes

  • The Destructive Power of Uncontrolled Lust: Amnon's desire for Tamar was so overwhelming that it made him physically ill. This illustrates how unchecked sinful desires can consume an individual, leading to obsessive thoughts and actions that disregard moral boundaries and the well-being of others.
  • The Vulnerability of Innocence: Tamar is explicitly noted as a "virgin," emphasizing her purity and defenselessness against Amnon's wicked intentions. Her status makes Amnon's subsequent actions even more heinous, as the Mosaic Law strictly prohibited such relations (Leviticus 18:9).
  • The Difficulty of Illicit Desire: The phrase "Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her" highlights the practical impossibility of Amnon fulfilling his incestuous lust honorably. This forced him to resort to deception and violence, revealing the corrupt nature of his heart rather than any moral restraint.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "vexed" comes from the Hebrew root แธฅฤrฤh (ื—ึธืจึธื”), which literally means "to be hot" or "to burn." In this context, it conveys a burning, intense anger, grief, or frustration, indicating Amnon's profound emotional and psychological turmoil due to his unfulfilled desire. The word "hard" is from the Hebrew pฤlฤโ€™ (ืคึธึผืœึธื), meaning "to be difficult," "extraordinary," or "wonderful." Here, it signifies the extraordinary difficulty or impossibility of legitimately approaching Tamar given her status and his illicit intentions, setting the stage for his treacherous plan.

Significance and Application

This verse serves as a stark warning about the dangers of allowing sinful desires to fester. Amnon's physical sickness underscores the holistic impact of sin โ€“ it can affect not only one's spirit but also one's body and mind. For believers today, it emphasizes the importance of cultivating self-control and bringing every thought captive to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). The narrative reminds us that unchecked lust leads to destructive actions, causing immense pain to victims and sowing discord within families and communities. It also highlights the ripple effect of sin, showing how one individual's moral failings can contribute to a wider pattern of dysfunction and tragedy, as seen in David's household.

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

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 7:10

    For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

  • 1 Kings 21:4

    And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread.

  • Song Of Solomon 5:8

    I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him, that I [am] sick of love.
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