Amnon and Selfish Desire (Modified Talk)

Due to imperfection, we all have a tendency to be selfish or to look out for ourselves to an excessive degree (Proverbs 27:20). If we don't control our selfish desires and safeguard our figurative hearts, the outcome could be dire (Proverbs 4:23; James 1:13-15). The biblical account regarding Amnon illustrates the danger of not controlling our improper desires. King David's son did not safeguard his heart, he did not get the mastery over himself, and the consequences were drastic.

If you would turn in your Bible to 2 Samuel 13:1-2, let's read about Amnon's selfish desire.

Amnon "fell in love" with his beautiful half-sister Tamar, but this love was erotic and improper, not wholesome. It was perverse. He also was infatuated with Tamar; Amnon's so-called love for her actually was a form of selfishness. Amnon longed for Tamar so much that he became lovesick. However, what did this selfish attitude produce?

Read 2 Samuel 13:10-15

What bad consequences did Amnon's selfishness bring about? He wound up raping or sexually violating Tamar, and he humiliated her by committing this disgraceful act of violence against his half sister. As Tamar said, such a thing was not done in Israel, nor should it have been done; furthermore, not only was Tamar humiliated, but so was Amnon as he performed a forbidden incestuous act. Yet there were more consequences that he would face.

Read 2 Samuel 13:28-29

About two years went by, then Absalom (Tamar's full brother) arranged for a feast. He invited David's sons and even King David himself, but the king decided not to attend. However, Amnon attended the feast, and when his heart "was in a merry mood" from the wine, Absalom had his servants to slay Amnon. The other sons of David returned to Jerusalem, but Absalom fled into exile to stay with his Syrian grandfather. The foretold "sword" of 2 Samuel 12:10 now took effect: David would have family trouble and civil conflict for the rest of his life (internecine warfare). Yet an important lesson we learn from Amnon is the need to safeguard our heart, and resist selfish desires. If we let selfishness predominate, the outcome will be dire.

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Closing question and comments:

Couples currently dating can avoid sad consequences if they meet in public places, with other people, and have chaperones.