The story of Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom — a great evil in King David’s own household led to years of silent anger, a brother’s revenge, and a family torn by grief.
This account is found in 2 Samuel 13-14, among the sons and daughters of King David.
The Story of Amnon, Tamar and Absalom
King David had many children. Among them were Amnon, Absalom, and their sister Tamar. Amnon set his heart on his half-sister Tamar in a way that was wrong, and he grew sick with his own sinful desire.
By a cruel trick, Amnon got Tamar alone in his house. There he wickedly wronged her and violated his sister, treating her with shame. It was a great evil. When it was over, he sent her away, and Tamar was left desolate and grieving. Her brother Absalom took her into his house and cared for her, and Tamar lived there, broken by what had been done to her.
When King David heard of it, he was very angry. But he did not bring justice for Tamar, and the wrong was left unanswered. Tamar’s brother Absalom said nothing to Amnon, neither good nor bad, yet inside he hated Amnon for what he had done to his sister.
Absalom carried that anger quietly for two full years. Then he made a feast for the king’s sons and invited them all. He told his servants that when Amnon was merry with wine, they should strike him down. At Absalom’s command they killed Amnon, and the other sons fled home in fear. David wept bitterly, thinking at first that all his sons were dead, until word came that only Amnon had died.
Absalom fled far away and stayed in exile for three years, afraid to return. In time David’s heart longed for him. Through a wise plan carried out by Joab, Absalom was finally brought back to Jerusalem, though for a while the king still refused to see his face. At last David sent for him, and when Absalom bowed before him, the king kissed his son. The family was together again, but the wounds of this story ran deep.
Key Verses
“Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her” 2 Samuel 13:1
“Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar” 2 Samuel 13:22
“Smite Amnon; then kill him” 2 Samuel 13:28
“The king kissed Absalom” 2 Samuel 14:33
Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), a public-domain translation.
What the Story of Amnon, Tamar and Absalom Teaches Us
This story tells the truth about sin without excusing it. A terrible wrong was done to Tamar, and the Bible calls it a great evil. It treats her suffering seriously and with compassion, and it does not pretend that the powerful are innocent. When wrong is ignored instead of faced, the pain does not simply go away.
It also shows how anger left to grow can turn into more harm. Absalom’s revenge did not heal his sister or bring peace; it added death and grief to an already broken family. The account is honest that even in a household chosen by God, human choices can cause deep and lasting damage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in this story?
In 2 Samuel 13-14, Amnon wickedly wrongs his half-sister Tamar. Her brother Absalom, full of anger, waits two years and then has Amnon killed. Absalom flees, and is later brought back to Jerusalem.
Who were Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom?
They were all children of King David. Amnon and Absalom were half-brothers, and Tamar was Absalom’s sister, whom Amnon wronged.
Why did Absalom kill Amnon?
Absalom hated Amnon for the great evil he had done to their sister Tamar. After David failed to bring justice, Absalom took revenge himself two full years later.
What happened to Absalom afterward?
Absalom fled and lived in exile for about three years. Through Joab’s help he was later brought back to Jerusalem, and in time David welcomed him and kissed him.
Where is this story in the Bible?
It is found in 2 Samuel 13-14.