But she answered him, “No, my brother, do not force me, for no such thing should be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing! And I, where could I take my shame? And as for you, you would be like one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, please speak to the king; for he will not withhold me from you.” However, he would not heed her voice; and being stronger than she, he forced her and lay with her. Then Amnon hated her exceedingly, 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, “Arise, be gone!”
Sin never satisfies. After months, or perhaps years, of desiring Tamar, Amnon acts on his lust despite her pleadings for him to stop. She knows that his intent is despicable, but he cannot be stopped until he has violated his half-sister.
But rather than finding pleasure in this violent moment, Amnon then hates Tamar exceedingly. Why? Because she resisted? Because she didn’t respond to his advances with enthusiasm? Likely there was more to it than that.
For Amnon, Tamar was now the proof of his wickedness. Guilt, regret, and shame all blended together in Amnon’s heart. Now, rather than acknowledge the horrifying wickedness of his actions, he decides to hold Tamar responsible and hates what she represents.
Sin never satisfies. It only reveals the darkness of our hearts and causes us the same regret and shame, even if our actions seem less wicked than Amnon’s. Don’t let lust—the desire for what you don’t have—destroy you. Live with gratitude for what is yours and let your thanksgiving overcome your lust.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
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