v1-2: The promises of 12.11 began to be fulfilled, adversity "from your house". A sad and significant story. It speaks into the area of abuse. It describes relationships and where they go wrong. It refers to broken trust. It indicates where one person has power over another, repeatedly. And it shows who have a voice, and whose voice is silenced.

Amnon was full of lust for his half-sister. But it was 'improper' (rather than "impossible") for him to pursue that relationship. This means that a course of action was not fitting; and implies that there is a clear standard of behaviour. Amnon became frustrated, through his unfulfilled lust. This happened "morning after morning", perhaps for weeks or months.

Tamar, Absalom's sister, was daughter of Maacah (3.3).

v3-5: Jonadab was full of deceit; he was not a good man to have as a friend. His advice made on opportunity for Amnon to sin.

v6-7: Even David was taken in by the deceit. He gave her false assurance; so she went assumign she would be safe.

David, the man after God's own heart, seems not to deal well with guile. He is later deceived by Ziba (16.3), as well as Absalom's treachery (15.13).

v8-11: Tamar was compliant, making food for Amnon.

v12-14: Tamar's argument proved useless. Amnon refused to listen to her. Sometimes the power of sin is very great.

v15: Immediately there was a change of attitude; Amnon now hated Tamar, and threw her out. Again, such is the effect of sexual sin, which is so different from true love and compassion.

v16-22: Tamar had refused food, tore her robe, and put ashes on her head. Both Absalom and David heard of the incident. However, Absalom's words merely cover the abuse, insisting that Tamar remain quiet, making matters worse. And, David failed to deal with Amnon; two years later, he had said nothing (v23).

Both David and Amnon fell into sexual sin. Doubtless influences had been at work previously.

v23-29: During the two years, Absalom's anger remained, for Amnon had not been rebuked, and his sister Tamar had been disgraced. He used the opportunity of a family meal, which David declined to attend, to kill Amnon.

v30-33: Jonadab remained in the king's presence. He knew of Absalom's plans during the two years. But David had been ignorant of this. So the strife within David's family was growing.

v34-36: David's other sons arrived back at the palace. Although this proved the truth of Jonadab's words, there was great sorrow.

v37-39: Absalom fled to his mother's house, not his father's. David loved him and wanted to forgive him, but Absalom stayed away. David, in the circumstances, should perhaps have gone to Absalom. In time, David was consoled concerning Amnon's death, but the hurt in Absalom's heart remained, and the seeds of his rebellion were sown.