What does 2 Samuel 13:15 mean?
"¶ Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone." - 2 Samuel 13:15
The Bible verse 2 Samuel 13:15 from the King James Version (KJV) reads, "Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone."
This verse comes from the story of Amnon and Tamar, which is a tragic and disturbing story of sexual assault and abuse within the royal family of Israel. The context of this verse is important to understand the full meaning and commentary behind it. Amnon, the eldest son of King David, lusted after his half-sister Tamar. He was consumed by his desire for her and, with the help of his friend Jonadab, he created a plan to be alone with her. Once he had Tamar alone, he raped her and then sent her away in disgust.
The themes present in this verse are numerous and profound. One of the main themes is the destructive power of lust and uncontrolled desire. Amnon’s obsession with Tamar led him to commit a heinous act that ultimately destroyed both their lives. Another theme is the abuse of power within a family. As a prince, Amnon believed he was entitled to whatever he desired, regardless of the consequences for others. The theme of betrayal is also present as Amnon betrayed the trust of Tamar, his half-sister. Additionally, there is a theme of the consequences of sin, as Amnon’s actions led to a series of tragic events within his family.
The symbolism in this verse is also significant. Amnon’s love for Tamar is contrasted with his hatred for her after he had satisfied his lust. This speaks to the fickle and self-centered nature of his feelings. The word "exceedingly" also emphasizes the intensity of his hatred, indicating the depth of his revulsion for Tamar in the aftermath of his assault. The act of telling Tamar to "arise, be gone" symbolizes his dismissal and rejection of her, treating her as nothing more than an object to be used and discarded.
This verse serves as a powerful commentary on the destructive nature of unchecked desires and the devastating effects of sexual abuse and violence. It also highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the abuse of power, particularly within the family. Amnon’s actions resulted in a cycle of violence and tragedy within his family, ultimately leading to his own murder at the hands of Tamar’s brother, Absalom.
In a broader sense, this story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of giving in to sinful desires and the importance of recognizing and respecting the dignity and humanity of others. It also underscores the need for justice and accountability in cases of abuse and violence. Despite the darkness of this story, it ultimately serves as a reminder of the need for compassion, empathy, and the pursuit of righteousness and justice.
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2 Samuel 13:15 - "¶ Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone."
"¶ Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone." - 2 Samuel 13:15
2 Samuel 15:13 - "¶ And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom."
1 Samuel 15:13 - "And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD."
"¶ And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom." - 2 Samuel 15:13
1 Samuel 13:15 - "And Samuel arose, and gat him up from Gilgal unto Gibeah of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the people that were present with him, about six hundred men."
2 Samuel 5:15 - "Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,"
2 Samuel 13:38 - "So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years."
2 Samuel 2:15 - "Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, which pertained to Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David."
2 Samuel 15:15 - "And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint."
2 Samuel 16:15 - "¶ And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him."
2 Samuel 15:37 - "So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem."
2 Samuel 15:29 - "Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there."
2 Samuel 22:13 - "Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled."
2 Samuel 22:15 - "And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them."
2 Samuel 13:21 - "¶ But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth."
2 Samuel 10:15 - "¶ And when the Syrians saw that they were smitten before Israel, they gathered themselves together."
2 Samuel 15:17 - "And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off."
2 Samuel 15:9 - "And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron."
2 Samuel 18:15 - "And ten young men that bare Joab's armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him."
2 Samuel 6:15 - "So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet."
"And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD." - 1 Samuel 15:13
2 Samuel 13:27 - "But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him."
2 Samuel 15:33 - "Unto whom David said, If thou passest on with me, then thou shalt be a burden unto me:"
2 Samuel 15:28 - "See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me."
2 Samuel 13:35 - "And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come: as thy servant said, so it is."
2 Samuel 3:15 - "And Ish-bosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel the son of Laish."
2 Samuel 7:13 - "He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever."
2 Samuel 15:1 - "And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him."
2 Samuel 8:15 - "And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people."