Bible Chapter Summary
2 Samuel 13 Summary
Amnon's Rape of Tamar
David's son Amnon lusts after his beautiful virgin sister Tamar and falls ill with longing. His cunning friend Jonadab advises him to feign sickness and request Tamar come prepare food for him. David complies and sends Tamar to Amnon's house. There Amnon forces Tamar to lie with him despite her pleas that such a thing ought not be done in Israel. After violating her, Amnon's love turns to hatred and he casts her out. Tamar tears her royal robe, places ashes on her head, and goes away crying. Her brother Absalom learns of the assault and secretly harbors hatred against Amnon. Two years later, Absalom invites all the king's sons to a sheepshearing feast and commands his servants to kill Amnon when his heart is merry with wine. They do so, and false reports reach David that Absalom has slain all his sons. Jonadab clarifies only Amnon is dead. Absalom flees to Geshur, where he remains three years while David mourns his dead son.
Key themes
Key verses
2 Samuel 13:11-12
“And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister.”
2 Samuel 13:14
“Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her.”
2 Samuel 13:22
“And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.”
2 Samuel 13:28-29
“Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.”
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