MPV Commentary

Amnon Loves Tamar.

1. Tamar was David's daughter by Maachah (2Sa 3:3).

2. As an unmarried virgin, Tamar lived in seclusion from men, with
limited contact even with her relatives. Amnon had seen Tamar before,
but now he was consumed by a strong passion for her, which went against
the law (Leviticus 18:11). Although Abraham's example and local customs
allowed princes to marry their half-sisters, Amnon didn't consider this an
issue. However, he had no way of expressing his feelings to Tamar, and
the frustration took a toll on his appearance and health.

3. Jonadab, David's cousin, devised a plan with Amnon to secure an
uninterrupted meeting with Tamar. This scheme was orchestrated by
Jonadab, who would play a significant role in the events that followed.

4. In Eastern cultures where polygamy is common, younger sisters are often
under the protection and care of their older brothers, who serve as their
guardians and defenders (see Genesis 34:6-25).