Tamar: Daughter of Absalom
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Tamar, the daughter of Absalom, is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament. She is noted for her beauty and royal lineage, being the granddaughter of King David through her father, Absalom. Her account is primarily found in the context of the narrative surrounding her father and the political dynamics of King David's family.

Family Background and Lineage

Tamar was born to Absalom, the third son of King David, and his wife Maacah, who was the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur (2 Samuel 3:3). This connection to both the royal house of Israel and the kingdom of Geshur highlights her noble heritage. Tamar had a brother named Absalom, who is more prominently featured in the biblical narrative due to his rebellion against King David.

Biblical References

Tamar is mentioned in 2 Samuel 14:27, which states, "Three sons were born to Absalom, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar. She was a beautiful woman." This brief mention underscores her beauty, a trait that is often highlighted in biblical descriptions of women of significance.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, beauty was often associated with favor and potential for advantageous marriage alliances. Tamar's beauty, therefore, would have been seen as a valuable asset to her family, potentially enhancing their political and social standing. Her mention in the biblical text, despite the brevity, suggests her importance within the royal family.

Role in the Davidic Narrative

While Tamar herself does not play a central role in the biblical narrative, her existence is part of the larger account of Absalom's family and his eventual rebellion against King David. The mention of Tamar serves to illustrate the continuation of David's lineage and the complexities of his family dynamics.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, Tamar's account, though not extensively detailed, contributes to the understanding of the Davidic line and the fulfillment of God's promises to David. Her presence in the narrative reminds readers of the intricate and often tumultuous history of David's descendants, through whom the Messiah would eventually come.

Legacy and Interpretation

Tamar's legacy, as recorded in the Bible, is primarily tied to her beauty and her place within the royal family. Her account invites reflection on the roles and experiences of women in biblical times, as well as the broader themes of family, loyalty, and the unfolding of God's plan through the generations of Israel's leaders.
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2 Samuel 14:27
And to Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance.
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Library

How Absalom Murdered Amnon, who had Forced his Own Sister; and How ...
... his house, on the occasion following: He had a daughter, who was ... all the most beautiful
women; her name was Tamar; she had the same mother with Absalom. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 how absalom murdered.htm

How, when Absalom was Beaten, He was Caught in a Tree by his Hair ...
... named Absalom's Hand, saying, that if his children were killed, his name would remain
by that pillar; for he had three sons and one daughter, named Tamar, as ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 how when absalom.htm

Concerning Rehoboam, and How God Inflicted Punishment Upon Him for ...
... of his own kindred, and had by her three children born to him, he married also another
of his own kindred, who was daughter of Absalom by Tamar, whose name was ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 concerning rehoboam and.htm

How David Laid Siege to Jerusalem; and when He had Taken the City ...
... Eliphale; and a daughter, Tamar. Nine of these were born of legitimate wives, but
the two last-named of concubines; and Tamar had the same mother with Absalom. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how david laid.htm

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God
... (Genesis 37:26, 27.) Absalom was hindered from following ... (Genesis 20:6.) On the contrary,
God permitted Judah to know Tamar, his daughter-in-law"both as ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 10 on the righteousness.htm

Demonstration vi. --Of Monks.
... took him captive by desire for his sister, [881] and Absalom slew him on account
of the humbling of Tamar. ... [882] Through Jezebel, daughter of Ethbaal, the ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration vi of monks.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Wars with the peoples of the East"Absalom's rebellion; the ... With Tamar, the widow
of the eldest of the ... Talmai"and had then promised his daughter Achsah in ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ...
... (Genesis 37:26, 27.) Thus Absalom was hindered from following the counsel ... (Genesis
20:6.) God permitted Judah to know Tamar his daughter-in-law, both as it ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 9 on the righteousness.htm

A Description of Heart-Purity
... pure in heart', like the king's daughter all glorious ... fains himself sick, and his
sister, Tamar, must be ... Absalom's covetousness made him attempt to pluck the ...
/.../16 a description of heart-purity.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... full of crime and horror; the dark story of Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom ... for the sick
child and the heartbroken lament over Absalom; the group ... O daughter of Babylon ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

Resources
What is a levirate marriage? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about birth control / contraceptives? Should Christians use birth control? | GotQuestions.org

Does Deuteronomy 22:28-29 command a rape victim to marry her rapist? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Tamar

Tamar: A City of Unknown Location

Tamar: Daughter of Absalom

Tamar: Daughter of David

Tamar: Wife of the Sons of Judah

Tamar: Wife of the Sons of Judah: Called Thamar

Related Terms

Baal-tamar (1 Occurrence)

Hazezon-tamar (2 Occurrences)

Hazazon-tamar (2 Occurrences)

Amnon (23 Occurrences)

Ab'salom (85 Occurrences)

Hazezontamar (1 Occurrence)

Hazazontamar (1 Occurrence)

Daughter-in-law (16 Occurrences)

Pharez (11 Occurrences)

Amnon's (5 Occurrences)

Perez (19 Occurrences)

Tadmor (2 Occurrences)

Maachah (19 Occurrences)

Baaltamar (1 Occurrence)

Cities (427 Occurrences)

Ciccar

Absalom's (16 Occurrences)

Palm (49 Occurrences)

Haz'azon-ta'mar (2 Occurrences)

Zerah (22 Occurrences)

Abijah (32 Occurrences)

Absalom (93 Occurrences)

Sister (113 Occurrences)

Cakes (65 Occurrences)

Plain (113 Occurrences)

Violated (23 Occurrences)

Jonadab (11 Occurrences)

Jon'adab (11 Occurrences)

Groweth (29 Occurrences)

Grows (46 Occurrences)

Wadi (11 Occurrences)

En-gedi (6 Occurrences)

Er (8 Occurrences)

Engedi (6 Occurrences)

Meribath-kadesh (4 Occurrences)

Meribah-kadesh (3 Occurrences)

Maacah (30 Occurrences)

Meribath-ka'desh (2 Occurrences)

Meriboth-kadesh (2 Occurrences)

Pherez (11 Occurrences)

Peradventure (35 Occurrences)

Bedroom (8 Occurrences)

Ab'salom's (5 Occurrences)

Grown (77 Occurrences)

Kadesh (30 Occurrences)

En (19 Occurrences)

Tree (245 Occurrences)

Hazazon (2 Occurrences)

Feared (134 Occurrences)

Widow (71 Occurrences)

Meribah (11 Occurrences)

Ashes (44 Occurrences)

Becomes (138 Occurrences)

Dwelleth (142 Occurrences)

Forced (84 Occurrences)

Southward (42 Occurrences)

Dwelt (307 Occurrences)

Chamber (73 Occurrences)

Inner (141 Occurrences)

Perhaps (89 Occurrences)

Torrent (49 Occurrences)

Dish (54 Occurrences)

Beautiful (152 Occurrences)

Ill (137 Occurrences)

Sick (117 Occurrences)

Daughter (320 Occurrences)

David's (142 Occurrences)

Abide (162 Occurrences)

Shelah (18 Occurrences)

Strife (71 Occurrences)

Fair (147 Occurrences)

Proper (62 Occurrences)

Dress (38 Occurrences)

Seem (115 Occurrences)

Room (174 Occurrences)

King's (375 Occurrences)

Boundary (83 Occurrences)

Relationships (1 Occurrence)

Tamar: A City of Unknown Location
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