Amnon
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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According to the Bible, Amnon ("faithful") was the oldest son of David, King of Israel, with his wife, Ahinoam, who is described as "the Jezreelitess".
Rape of Tamar
Although he was the heir-apparent to David's throne, Amnon is best remembered for the rape of his half-sister Tamar, daughter of David with Maachah.
Despite the biblical prohibition to sexual relations between half-brothers and sisters, Amnon had an overwhelming desire for her. He took advice from his cousin, Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David's brother, to lure Tamar into his quarters by pretending to be sick and desiring her to cook a special meal for him. While in his quarters, and ignoring her protests, he raped her.
Two years later, to avenge his sister, Absalom, Amnon's half-brother and Tamar's full brother, sent his servants to kill Amnon at a feast to which he had invited all the king's sons.
Books
- The Rape of Tamar, novel by Dan Jacobson (ISBN 1-84232-139-0)
