Seduction of Tamar
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The account of the seduction of Tamar is a significant narrative found in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Samuel 13. This account is a part of the larger narrative concerning the family of King David and highlights themes of sin, betrayal, and the consequences of moral failure.

Biblical Context

The account unfolds during the reign of King David, a period marked by both triumphs and personal tragedies within his household. David's family dynamics were complex, with multiple wives and children, leading to tensions and rivalries. The events involving Tamar, Amnon, and Absalom are set against this backdrop of familial discord.

Key Characters

· Tamar: Tamar is the daughter of King David and Maacah, making her a princess of Israel. She is described as a beautiful and virtuous young woman.
· Amnon: Amnon is David's eldest son, born to Ahinoam of Jezreel. As the firstborn, he is the heir apparent to the throne.
· Absalom: Absalom is Tamar's full brother, also a son of David and Maacah. He is known for his striking appearance and later becomes a central figure in the rebellion against David.

The Narrative

The account begins with Amnon's illicit desire for his half-sister Tamar. Consumed by lust, Amnon becomes obsessed with her, to the point of feigning illness to lure her into his quarters. He seeks the counsel of his cunning cousin Jonadab, who devises a plan for Amnon to be alone with Tamar.

Amnon deceives his father, King David, into sending Tamar to prepare food for him while he pretends to be ill. Once Tamar is in his chamber, Amnon's intentions become clear. Despite Tamar's protests and her appeal to his sense of honor and the law of Israel, Amnon forcefully violates her. Tamar pleads, "No, my brother! Do not humiliate me, for such a thing should not be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing!" (2 Samuel 13:12). Her words highlight the gravity of Amnon's sin and the cultural and religious prohibitions against such acts.

After the assault, Amnon's feelings turn to hatred, and he callously dismisses Tamar, compounding her humiliation and distress. Tamar is left desolate, tearing her robe and putting ashes on her head as signs of mourning and disgrace.

Aftermath and Consequences

The immediate aftermath of the incident sees Tamar seeking refuge in the house of her brother Absalom, who takes her in and becomes her protector. Absalom harbors a deep-seated anger towards Amnon for his actions but initially remains silent, biding his time for revenge.

King David, upon hearing of the incident, is furious but does not take decisive action against Amnon, possibly due to his own moral failings and the complexities of royal family politics. This lack of response sets the stage for further tragedy.

Two years later, Absalom orchestrates a plan to avenge his sister by having Amnon killed during a feast. This act of vengeance leads to Absalom's estrangement from David and eventually contributes to the larger conflict and rebellion against his father.

Theological and Moral Implications

The seduction of Tamar serves as a poignant reminder of the destructive power of unchecked lust and the far-reaching consequences of sin. It underscores the importance of justice, the protection of the innocent, and the need for righteous leadership. The narrative also highlights the failure of David to address the sins within his own household, which ultimately leads to greater turmoil and division.

This account is a sobering reflection on the human condition, the need for repentance, and the pursuit of God's standards of holiness and justice.
Nave's Topical Index
2 Samuel 13:1-14
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.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs.
... with the Hamite Shuah, and the episode with his daughter-in-law Tamar. ... Then follows
a detailed account of the seduction employed by his shameless mistress, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the testaments of the twelve.htm

Letter cxlvii. To Sabinianus.
... How great must be the sin beside which seduction and adultery are insignificant?
Miserable wretch that you are! ... [4000] Amnon did not spare Tamar, [4001] and ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxlvii to sabinianus.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... misfortunes of the tribe to the crime of its chief in his seduction of Bilhah ... With
Tamar, the widow of the eldest of the latter, he had accidental intercourse ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... the friendships Plato pictures; the dramatic fortunes of the outlaw; the family
tragedies full of crime and horror; the dark story of Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... But I wonder why he set [4361] Judah and Tamar before us for an example, unless
perchance even harlots give him pleasure; or [4362] Onan who was slain because ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

Resources
What is the doctrine of Balaam? | GotQuestions.org

What did Jesus mean when He said, “He who has ears to hear”? | GotQuestions.org

What is mammon? | GotQuestions.org

Seduction: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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