Who did Amnon love, and then hate even more than he had loved her?

In the dramatic tale found in 2 Samuel chapter 13, we meet Amnon, a son of King David, whose infatuation with his half-sister Tamar spiral into a tragic situation. Amnon's obsessive love for Tamar quickly soured into hatred after he forcibly took advantage of her. This perverse arc of desire turning into hatred highlights some heavy truths about lust versus love.

What’s interesting is how the language in verse 15 conveys the toxic shift in Amnon's feelings. It's not just that he became indifferent; instead, it’s that his hatred was greater than the love he had professed. This duality can be seen as a reminder of how easily passion can turn into bitterness when relationship foundations—like respect and consent—are broken.

Tamar herself is a noteworthy figure in this narrative. Despite her victimization, her story underscores the importance of acknowledging suffering caused by abuse and dysfunction within families. There’s a historical emphasis on Tamar, surrounded by echoes of strong women in the Bible, such as Deborah and Ruth, who navigated treacherous situations with unwavering resolve.

The tragedy of Tamar’s encounter reminds readers that love must always be embraced with empathy and respect. One seemingly romantic idea can quickly devolve into chaos when the heart lacks understanding and genuine care—turning what is precious into something painfully brutal. So, this story leaves us with a reflective reminder: real love respects others and is rooted in care, not desire.