Lesson 7: Amnon and Tamar (2 Samuel 13)

Introduction:  After David sinned with Bathsheba, Nathan told him 
that his family would be involved in murder, insurrection, and 
sexual immorality.  Soon afterwards, his sons began fulfilling 
that prophecy.  The first recorded incident is the topic of this 
lesson.


I. Amnon Desires Tamar (2 Sam. 13:1-6)
	A. Tamar is described as beautiful.
	B. Amnon fell in love with her, so much that it made 
	   him sick.
	C. He confided in Jonadab, his cousin.
	D. Jonadab advised Amnon how to reach Tamar.
	E. Amnon pretended to be ill and asked David for Tamar's 
	   care.

Principles:
	1. Men can have unlawful desires even when women remain 
	   modest.
	2. If we have evil thoughts, we can usually find someone 
	   else who will be eager to hear them.
	3. Our evil intentions can be encouraged by others.


II. Amnon Violated Tamar (2 Sam. 13:7-14)
	A. David asked Tamar to care for Amnon.
	B. Tamar went to Amnon's house and cooked for him.
	C. Amnon violated Tamar.

Principle:  We may be abused while doing good.


III. Amnon Hated Tamar (2 Sam. 13:15-19)
	A. Amnon hated Tamar more than he loved her originally.
	B. He had her thrown out of his house.
	C. Tamar left in humility.

Principle:  We may be hated for no apparent reason.

IV. Absalom Killed Amnon (2 Sam. 13:20-29)
	A. Absalom learned the truth but kept silent.
	B. David became angry.
	C. Absalom did not speak to Amnon because of hate.
	D. Absalom persuaded David to let Amnon travel with him.
	E. Absalom commanded his servants to wait for Amnon, and 
	   then to get him drunk and kill him.
	F. All of David's sons fled.

Principles:
	1. Problems cannot be worked out by remaining silent.
	2. Hate will produce evil thoughts and actions.


V. David Heard Of The Event And Absalom Fled (2 Sam. 13:30-39).
	A. The first report inaccurately claimed that Absalom 
	   had killed all of David's sons.
	B. David reacted.
	C. Jonadab told David that Absalom had killed Amnon only.
	D. Absalom fled.
	E. The sons returned and wept with David.
	F. Absalom remained in Geshur for three years.
	G. David longed for Absalom

Principles:
	1. A parent continues to love his children, regardless of 
	   their deeds.
	2. "Yes Men" have existed since ancient times.


Questions:

1. Describe Amnon's feelings toward Tamar.  At first, did he show 
   self-control?  Why or why not?
2. How would you describe Jonadab (13:3-5; 32-35)?  Does the 
   Bible portray him as a bearer of bad news?
3. How did Jonadab influence Amnon?
4. What does the Bible say about the influence of others 
   (1 Cor. 15:33)?
5. Was Tamar mistreated because she was being punished by the 
   Lord?  What does the Bible teach about misfortune (Jn. 9:1-3)?
6. Each of the verses below relate how Absalom dealt with the 
   incident.  What did he do?

   a. 13:20 --
   b. 13:22 --
   c. 13:24, 28 --

7. What were David's feelings toward Amnon (13:21, 36)?
8. How did David feel about Absalom (13:37-39)?
9. Discuss verse 13:22.

   a. Did Absalom have a right to be upset?
   b. How did he feel toward Amnon?
   c. What did he avoid doing with Amnon?

10. After Tamar was violated, how many years passed before 
    Absalom killed Amnon?