Exposition:

Infatuation or being smitten as defined by Wikipedia is “the state of being carried away by an unreasoned passion, usually towards another person for whom one has developed strong romantic or platonic feelings”. This definition brings out some key element of infatuation worthy of consideration.

It is a state of being carried away. It involves unreasonable passions as well as strong romantic feelings.

Our scriptural text demonstrates a clear example of infatuation developed by Amnon for his sister Tamar. It was so intense that it affected Amnon’s demeanour to the point of looking sick. The wrong at such a desperate and venerable time led Amnon to cause a great mess for himself, Tamar, their family and Israel as a whole.

Infatuation being an emotion can easily mimic love but there are clear differences between the two. It is usually based on fantasies and attraction. There may be something about an individual (be it looks, achievements, how they speak, their talents etc.) that usually trigger this emotional response of infatuation. It is obsessed only with what it considers perfect but not the person as a whole. This emotional excitement is short lived because as the reality of imperfections in the object of infatuation comes up, the foundation quickly collapses.

As children of God, we must understand that, we are also open to infatuation just like other emotions but what we do with these feelings determines whether we will glorify God or sin against him. Amnon fed and fuelled his passion to the point of sin. He, however had the option to seek godly counsel and redirect his focus from his lust and obsession.