*2 Samuel 13:1-19
Amnon, King David’s son, driven by lust, hatches a plan to rape his half-sister Tamar.
- Introduction of Amnon and Tamar:
- Amnon, David’s eldest son, becomes infatuated with his half-sister Tamar, the beautiful daughter of David and Maakah.
- Amnon’s desire for Tamar becomes an obsession, causing him to become sick with longing for her.
- Amnon’s Deceptive Plan:
- Amnon confides in his cousin Jonadab, who devises a deceitful plan to help Amnon satisfy his desire for Tamar.
- Jonadab advises Amnon to feign illness and request that Tamar prepare food for him, then to have her feed him the food while he is lying in bed.
- Amnon’s Rape of Tamar:
- Following Jonadab’s scheme, Amnon pretends to be ill, and David sends Tamar to care for him, not suspecting any harm.
- When Tamar arrives with the food, Amnon sends everyone else away and forces Tamar to come into his bedroom, where he rapes her against her will.
- Tamar’s Pleas and Rejection:
- Tamar pleads with Amnon to stop and not to commit such a disgraceful act, reminding him that he would bring shame upon himself and her by his actions.
- Despite Tamar’s pleas and objections, Amnon refuses to listen and proceeds with his assault.
- Amnon’s Hatred for Tamar:
- After violating Tamar, Amnon’s feelings toward her turn to hatred, and he orders her to leave his presence, rejecting her and refusing to acknowledge his wrongdoing.
- Tamar’s Distress:
- Tamar tears her robe in grief and distress, symbolizing her shame and desolation, and puts ashes on her head as a sign of mourning.
- She leaves Amnon’s house weeping bitterly, her spirit broken and her honor defiled by her brother’s cruel actions.
Daily Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Our hearts are heavy when we see the pain caused by sin and broken relationships. Teach us to live with love, respect, and self-control, treating others with the dignity and kindness You desire for all of us.
Help us to be people who bring healing and justice in difficult situations. Give us the courage to stand against wrongdoing and the wisdom to act in ways that reflect Your heart.
Thank You for Your mercy and for being close to the brokenhearted. May we always seek to honor You in our actions and relationships.
Amen.
2 Samuel 13:1-19 (KJV)
13:1 And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.
13:2 And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do anything to her.
13:3 But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David’s brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man.
13:4 And he said unto him, Why art thou, being the king’s son, lean from day to day? wilt thou not tell me? And Amnon said unto him, I love Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.
13:5 And Jonadab said unto him, Lay thee down on thy bed, and make thyself sick: and when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto him, I pray thee, let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat, and dress the meat in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it at her hand.
13:6 So Amnon lay down, and made himself sick: and when the king was come to see him, Amnon said unto the king, I pray thee, let Tamar my sister come, and make me a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat at her hand.
13:7 Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to thy brother Amnon’s house, and dress him meat.
13:8 So Tamar went to her brother Amnon’s house; and he was laid down. And she took flour, and kneaded it, and made cakes in his sight, and did bake the cakes.
13:9 And she took a pan, and poured them out before him; but he refused to eat. And Amnon said, Have out all men from me. And they went out every man from him.
13:10 And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.
13:11 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.
13:12 And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly.
13:13 And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee.
13:14 Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her.
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.
13:16 And she said unto him, There is no cause: this evil in sending me away is greater than the other that thou didst unto me. But he would not hearken unto her.
13:17 Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her.
13:18 And she had a garment of divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king’s daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her.
13:19 And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying.