2 Samuel 13:15
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What's chilling here is the suddenness and completeness of Amnon's shift. The text emphasizes that his hatred became greater than his prior affection, showing how quickly lust can curdle into utter revulsion once its selfish goal is achieved, leaving Tamar utterly discarded.
Then Amnon hated her with very great hatred, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, “Get up! Go!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just before this, Amnon had violently raped his half-sister Tamar, a deeply horrific act that shattered their family. After the assault, his initial infatuation curdled into intense loathing, leading him to demand she leave immediately, showing no remorse or concern for the devastation he had caused. This act ignites a long-simmering revenge plot in Tamar's brother Absalom, setting the stage for further bloodshed.
Have you ever seen a sudden, dramatic shift in someone's emotions? The Bible doesn't shy away from showing us the darkest parts of human nature, and this verse is a prime example of a rapid emotional freefall.
This verse vividly illustrates the destructive power of unbridled lust and sin. Amnon's initial 'love' for Tamar was not true affection but selfish desire, a lust that was quickly extinguished once satisfied.
The Nature of Amnon's 'Love'
The scripture emphasizes the intensity of his hatred, showing how the sin he committed festered and turned into something even more vile than the initial impulse.
After the unthinkable act, Amnon's words are chillingly abrupt. What do these final commands reveal about his state and the devastating consequences of his sin?
Amnon's immediate rejection of Tamar after violating her is a stark picture of the utter emptiness and destructiveness of sin. His only thought is to expel her, to rid himself of the evidence and perhaps the unbearable guilt or shame.
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The Shameful Expulsion
Understand the original words
sane' · Hebrew Noun/Verb
A strong, often consuming emotion of intense dislike or hostility. In scripture, it can be a sinful reaction to others or, in contrast, a righteous rejection of evil.
ahabah · Hebrew Noun
A deep, profound affection, devotion, and commitment. Biblically, it is characterized by action and self-sacrifice, rather than merely being a passing emotional attraction or sexual desire.
This event is a tragic illustration of how unchecked desire and broken relationships within a powerful family can lead to devastating consequences, shattering lives and destabilizing the kingdom.
c. 1010 BC
David Becomes King of Israel
David unites the tribes of Israel and establishes Jerusalem as his capital, ushering in a golden age.
During David's Reign
Birth of Amnon and Tamar
Amnon, David's eldest son, and Tamar, his half-sister, are born into the royal family.
During David's Reign
Amnon's Lust for Tamar
Amnon develops an unhealthy obsession with his half-sister Tamar, which is fueled by his friend Jonadab.
During David's Reign— this verse
Rape of Tamar
Amnon feigns illness, tricks Tamar into visiting him, and then rapes her, violating sacred family and societal boundaries.
Shortly After the Rape
Tamar's Despair and Exile
Devastated and shamed, Tamar is cast out of Amnon's house, and her brother Absalom eventually takes her in.
Two Years After the Rape
Absalom's Revenge
Absalom, Tamar's full brother, orchestrates the murder of Amnon at a royal feast to avenge his sister's honor.
This passage highlights the destructive power of sibling jealousy and favoritism, which, like Amnon's lust turning to hate, also leads to a terrible act of betrayal and suffering.
Proverbs 6:32-34These verses describe how lust, once indulged, inevitably leads to dishonor and hatred, mirroring Amnon's rapid descent from desire to violent repulsion after his sin.
Romans 7:15-20Paul's struggle with doing what he wants to do, and instead doing what he hates, powerfully illustrates the inner turmoil and self-hatred that can follow sinful actions, much like Amnon's likely internal state after his sin.
Matthew 5:28Jesus' teaching on lusting after a woman as committing adultery in one's heart is a stark reminder of the sinful seed planted in Amnon's mind, which ultimately bore the rotten fruit of his actions and subsequent hatred.
What's chilling here is the suddenness and completeness of Amnon's shift. The text emphasizes that his hatred became greater than his prior affection, showing how quickly lust can curdle into utter revulsion once its selfish goal is achieved, leaving Tamar utterly discarded.
Just before this, Amnon had violently raped his half-sister Tamar, a deeply horrific act that shattered their family. After the assault, his initial infatuation curdled into intense loathing, leading him to demand she leave immediately, showing no remorse or concern for the devastation he had caused. This act ignites a long-simmering revenge plot in Tamar's brother Absalom, setting the stage for further bloodshed.
Just before this, Amnon had violently raped his half-sister Tamar, a deeply horrific act that shattered their family. After the assault, his initial infatuation curdled into intense loathing, leading him to demand she leave immediately, showing no remorse or concern for the devastation he had caused. This act ignites a long-simmering revenge plot in Tamar's brother Absalom, setting the stage for further bloodshed.
"Then Amnon hated her with very great hatred, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, “Get up! Go!”" — What's chilling here is the suddenness and completeness of Amnon's shift. The text emphasizes that his hatred became greater than his prior affection, showing how quickly lust can curdle into u…
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Last reviewed October 2026
