Topical Encyclopedia Tamar, a significant yet tragic figure in the Old Testament, is the daughter of King David and the sister of Absalom. Her account is primarily found in 2 Samuel 13, where she is central to a narrative of familial betrayal and personal suffering.Family Background and Context Tamar was born into the royal family of Israel, as the daughter of King David, one of the most prominent figures in biblical history. Her mother is not named in the biblical text, but she is the full sister of Absalom, another of David's children. This places Tamar in a position of both privilege and vulnerability, as the dynamics within David's family were complex and often fraught with tension. The Tragic Incident The account of Tamar is marked by a grievous event involving her half-brother Amnon, the eldest son of David. Amnon developed an intense and inappropriate desire for Tamar, which he confided to his cousin Jonadab. Jonadab, described as a shrewd man, devised a plan for Amnon to feign illness and request that Tamar attend to him. In 2 Samuel 13:11-12 , when Tamar brought food to Amnon, he seized her and said, "Come, lie with me, my sister!" Tamar pleaded with him, saying, "No, my brother! Do not humiliate me, for such a thing should never be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing!" Despite her protests, Amnon overpowered and violated her, committing a heinous act that was both a personal and familial tragedy. Afterward, Amnon's feelings turned to hatred, and he callously dismissed Tamar, further compounding her humiliation and distress. Aftermath and Consequences Tamar's immediate response was one of deep mourning. She tore her robe of many colors, a symbol of her status as a virgin daughter of the king, and put ashes on her head, a traditional sign of grief. She went to her brother Absalom, who took her into his home. Absalom advised her to remain silent about the incident, saying, "Be quiet for now, my sister. He is your brother. Do not take this thing to heart" (2 Samuel 13:20). Tamar lived in Absalom's house, described as "desolate," indicating her profound sense of loss and isolation. The incident had far-reaching consequences for David's family. Absalom harbored a deep-seated grudge against Amnon for the violation of his sister. Two years later, Absalom orchestrated Amnon's murder during a feast, an act of vengeance that further destabilized David's household and set off a chain of events leading to Absalom's rebellion against his father. Theological and Moral Reflections Tamar's account is a poignant reminder of the devastating effects of sin and the breakdown of moral and familial order. It highlights the vulnerability of women in ancient Israelite society and the need for justice and protection for the innocent. The narrative also underscores the failure of King David to adequately address the sins within his own family, which had dire consequences for his reign and legacy. Tamar's experience is a call to uphold righteousness and justice, to protect the vulnerable, and to seek healing and restoration in the face of sin and brokenness. Her account, though tragic, serves as a powerful testament to the need for compassion and the pursuit of God's justice in a fallen world. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 13:1-32And 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 1 Chronicles 3:9 Library How David Laid Siege to Jerusalem; and when He had Taken the City ... Genealogy of Jesus According to Matthew. How Absalom Murdered Amnon, who had Forced his Own Sister; and How ... How, when Absalom was Beaten, He was Caught in a Tree by his Hair ... On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God The virgin Mother to Her Child Concerning Rehoboam, and How God Inflicted Punishment Upon Him for ... On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ... In Thee Will I Begin to Speak, Thou Head that Didst Begin all ... Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... Resources Why did Amnon rape Tamar? Why didn't David punish Amnon? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Tamar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Amnon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Tamar: A City of Unknown Location Tamar: Wife of the Sons of Judah Tamar: Wife of the Sons of Judah: Called Thamar Related Terms Daughter-in-law (16 Occurrences) Haz'azon-ta'mar (2 Occurrences) Meribath-kadesh (4 Occurrences) Meribah-kadesh (3 Occurrences) Meribath-ka'desh (2 Occurrences) |
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