2 Samuel 13:9

KJV

And she took a pan, and poured [them] out before him; but he refused to eat. And Amnon said, Have out all men from me. And they went out every man from him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And she took {H3947} a pan {H4958}, and poured them out {H3332} before {H6440} him; but he refused {H3985} to eat {H398}. And Amnon {H550} said {H559}, Have out {H3318} all men {H376} from me. And they went out {H3318} every man {H376} from him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then she took the pan and turned them out in front of him, but he refused to eat. Amnon said, "Have everyone leave me"; and everyone left him.

Berean Standard Bible

Then she brought the pan and set it down before him, but he refused to eat. “Send everyone away!” said Amnon. And everyone went out.

American Standard Version

And she took the pan, and poured them out before him; but he refused to eat. And Amnon said, Have out all men from me. And they went out every man from him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 13:9 marks a chilling and pivotal moment in the tragic narrative of Amnon and Tamar, King David's children. This verse captures Amnon's decisive move from feigned illness to active malevolence: he rejects the food Tamar innocently prepared, then issues a forceful command to remove all attendants. This deliberate act of creating complete privacy isolates his unsuspecting half-sister, Tamar, from any potential witness or help, thereby setting the stage for his premeditated and heinous act of sexual violence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded in the unfolding tragedy of 2 Samuel 13. It immediately follows Tamar's dutiful compliance with King David's instruction to prepare food for his supposedly ailing son, Amnon, who had feigned illness at the cunning suggestion of Jonadab ([2 Samuel 13:5-7](/2_samuel/13-5 "2 Samuel 13:5-7 - Amnon's Deception and David's Instruction")). Tamar, unaware of Amnon's true intentions, has just completed her task, bringing the cakes directly to him. Amnon's refusal to eat and his subsequent command to clear the room serve as the critical turning point, transforming a seemingly innocent act of familial care into a calculated prelude to a horrific crime. This moment of isolation directly precedes the rape itself ([2 Samuel 13:10-14](/2_samuel/13-10 "2 Samuel 13:10-14 - The Rape of Tamar")), highlighting the premeditated nature of Amnon's sin and the deliberate creation of an environment devoid of accountability.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, hospitality and familial care were deeply ingrained cultural values. It was customary for family members, especially women, to care for the sick, including preparing special meals. Tamar's actions in this verse are entirely consistent with these norms, underscoring her innocence and obedience. Amnon, as a prince and the king's son, wielded significant authority within the royal household. His command, "Have out all men from me," would have been immediately and unquestioningly obeyed by servants and attendants, reflecting his social status and power. This context of expected obedience and familial duty makes Amnon's abuse of power all the more egregious, as he exploits established social structures and familial trust to achieve his wicked ends. The privacy he demands would typically be for intimate family discussions or personal matters, not for illicit acts.
* **Key Themes:** 2 Samuel 13:9 powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the broader narrative of 2 Samuel and the Old Testament. Firstly, it showcases **Deception and Manipulation**, as Amnon's entire scheme, from feigning illness to his refusal to eat, is built on a foundation of lies orchestrated with Jonadab's help ([2 Samuel 13:3-5](/2_samuel/13-3 "2 Samuel 13:3-5 - Jonadab's Cunning Counsel")). Secondly, it highlights the **Abuse of Power and Authority**, as Amnon, a royal prince, leverages his position to command complete isolation, demonstrating how authority can be tragically perverted for sinful purposes. Thirdly, the verse underscores **Isolation as a Precursor to Sin**, revealing a common tactic of those intending to commit evil deeds—the deliberate removal of witnesses and accountability, creating a private space where darkness can operate unseen ([John 3:19-20](/john/3-19 "John 3:19-20 - Men Love Darkness Rather Than Light")). Finally, this verse is a critical point in the **Progression of Sin**, demonstrating how unchecked desire, nurtured by cunning counsel, moves from thought to a carefully orchestrated plan, culminating in this demand for privacy before the ultimate transgression, a progression vividly described in [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Sin from Lust to Death").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pan (Hebrew, _masret'_):** The term מַשְׂרֵת (masret) refers to a specific type of cooking vessel, often translated as "pan" or "basket." Its mention here emphasizes the domestic and seemingly innocent nature of Tamar's actions. She has prepared the food with care, using the appropriate utensil, highlighting her dutiful service and the normalcy of the situation Amnon is about to shatter.
* **Refused (Hebrew, _me'en_):** The Hebrew verb מֵאֵן (me'en) is a strong term meaning "to refuse," "to decline," or "to reject." It implies a deliberate and firm unwillingness, not merely a lack of appetite. Amnon's refusal to eat is a conscious act that signals the end of his pretense of illness. It's a calculated rejection that immediately precedes his revelation of true intent, marking the transition from deception to the execution of his plan.
* **Have out (Hebrew, _hotzi'u_):** The imperative הוֹצִיאוּ (hotzi'u) is a plural command meaning "cause to go out" or "bring out." This is a forceful, direct order, not a polite request. The use of the plural implies that Amnon is addressing multiple attendants or servants present in the room. This command carries the weight of royal authority, ensuring immediate and complete compliance, and is crucial for creating the isolated environment Amnon desires for his wicked purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she took a pan, and poured [them] out before him;":** This clause describes Tamar's final act of service in preparing the food. She has completed the task assigned by King David, presenting the cakes (likely still warm from the pan) to Amnon. Her actions here are entirely innocent, dutiful, and in keeping with the role of a caring sister, completely unaware of the sinister intentions lurking beneath Amnon's feigned illness.
* **"but he refused to eat.":** This is the immediate and chilling pivot. Amnon's refusal to partake of the food he ostensibly requested reveals the true nature of his "illness." The pretense is dropped, and his rejection of the nourishment signals that his desire is not for food or comfort, but for something far darker. It marks the moment his deception gives way to his true, malevolent purpose.
* **"And Amnon said, Have out all men from me.":** This is the critical command that engineers Tamar's isolation. Amnon, now abandoning his charade, issues a forceful, authoritative order for everyone else to leave the room. This is a deliberate and calculated move to remove any potential witnesses, protectors, or interruptions, creating the private, uncontrolled environment necessary for him to carry out his plan.
* **"And they went out every man from him.":** The immediate and complete obedience to Amnon's command underscores his authority as a prince. The attendants leave without question, highlighting Tamar's complete vulnerability and isolation. This compliance seals her fate, leaving her utterly alone with her predator, with no one to intervene or bear witness to the impending crime.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in 2 Samuel 13:9 is rich with **Foreshadowing**, as Amnon's abrupt refusal to eat and his forceful command for privacy strongly hint at the impending violence, creating a sense of dread for the reader. There is profound **Irony** at play: Tamar's act of loving and dutiful service, preparing nourishing food for her supposedly sick brother, is tragically met with his malicious intent to harm her. Furthermore, King David's parental concern for Amnon inadvertently places Tamar in extreme danger. The narrative employs **Contrast** by juxtaposing the domestic, caring scene of Tamar preparing and serving food with the sinister, isolating command that immediately follows. This stark contrast highlights the perversion of familial bonds and hospitality. Finally, the prepared food itself, meant for nourishment and healing, becomes a **Symbol** of Amnon's deceit, a prop in his destructive scheme, while the removal of "all men" symbolizes the deliberate removal of all moral boundaries, accountability, and the protective presence of community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a stark biblical illustration of the insidious nature of sin, particularly when fueled by unchecked lust and enabled by manipulation. It reveals how evil often operates by isolating its victim and removing accountability, preferring darkness to light. The breakdown of David's family, initiated by this act, underscores the devastating consequences of sin, not only for the individual but for the wider community and even future generations. It highlights the importance of guarding one's heart against the very seeds of evil and the critical role of transparency and community in safeguarding against moral transgression. The narrative implicitly warns against the abuse of power and the perversion of trust, demonstrating how authority can be tragically misdirected to serve selfish and destructive ends.

* [Genesis 39:11-12](/genesis/39-11 "Genesis 39:11-12 - Joseph and Potiphar's Wife")
* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Sin")
* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Samuel 13:9 offers a sobering warning about the dangers of creating or seeking environments of isolation for illicit purposes. It compels us to be vigilant against the insidious nature of deception, recognizing that evil often cloaks itself in seemingly innocent requests or circumstances. Amnon's premeditated actions remind us that many grave sins are not spontaneous but are the result of careful planning and the deliberate creation of opportunities, often involving the removal of accountability or witnesses. This should prompt us to examine our own hearts and motives, guarding against the very seeds of evil and the subtle ways temptation can lead us down destructive paths. Furthermore, the verse underscores the profound importance of community and transparency in our lives. The presence of others, particularly within a healthy, accountable spiritual community, can serve as a vital safeguard against sin. Conversely, the deliberate removal of others often signals a move towards darkness, highlighting the value of living in the light and embracing genuine accountability in our relationships and spiritual walk.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Amnon's progression from lust to manipulation to isolation serve as a powerful warning for us today regarding the nature of sin?**
* **In what ways might we, or those around us, consciously or unconsciously create "private spaces" that enable sin rather than foster healthy relationships and accountability?**
* **What practical safeguards does a healthy community provide against the kind of isolation and unchecked desire that Amnon engineered, and how can we cultivate such community?**

### FAQ
**Why did Amnon refuse to eat the food Tamar prepared?**

Answer: Amnon refused to eat the food Tamar prepared because it was part of his elaborate deception. He had feigned illness to lure Tamar to his chambers, knowing that King David would send her to care for him. Once she was there and had completed the act of serving him, the food itself became irrelevant to his true, wicked purpose. His refusal signaled the abandonment of his pretense and the immediate transition to the execution of his plan to sexually assault her. The food was merely a prop in his scheme to isolate her.

**What does "Have out all men from me" signify?**

Answer: This command signifies Amnon's deliberate and calculated intent to isolate Tamar completely. By ordering "all men" (meaning all servants, attendants, or other individuals present) to leave, he removed any potential witnesses, protectors, or interruptions. This created a private, uncontrolled environment for him to commit his heinous act without immediate interference or observation. It marks the precise moment his deception ended and his true, malevolent design began to unfold. This act of creating absolute privacy is a common tactic for those intending to commit evil deeds, as darkness often prefers to operate unseen and unhindered, as highlighted in [John 3:19-20](/john/3-19 "John 3:19-20 - Men Love Darkness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic account of Amnon and Tamar, particularly Amnon's calculated isolation of his victim, stands in stark contrast to the character and mission of Jesus Christ. Amnon, consumed by selfish lust and abusing his power, sought to create a private space for sin and destruction. His actions led to profound brokenness, violence, and ultimately, death within David's household. In stark contrast, Jesus, though possessing all divine power, did not use it for self-gratification or to dominate others, but rather for humble service, self-sacrifice, and the redemption of humanity, as beautifully articulated in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility"). While Amnon sought isolation for evil, Christ often withdrew to isolated places not for sin, but for prayer and intimate communion with His Father, preparing for redemptive acts that would bring light into the world ([Luke 5:16](/luke/5-16 "Luke 5:16 - Jesus Withdraws to Pray")). Amnon's act brought division and suffering; Christ's ultimate sacrifice on the cross brings reconciliation and healing, breaking down the dividing walls of hostility and offering true peace ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). The darkness that Amnon embraced is utterly overcome by the light of Christ, who came to expose and conquer the works of darkness, offering freedom from the very sin and lust that enslaved Amnon and continues to plague humanity ([John 1:5](/john/1-5 "John 1:5 - The Light Shines in the Darkness"); [Romans 6:6-7](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6-7 - Freedom from Sin")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 45:1

¶ Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren.

Judges 3:19

But he himself turned again from the quarries that [were] by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him.

John 3:20

For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.