2 Samuel Chapter 13 — The Tragedy of Amnon and Tamar
Amnon commits a grave sin against his sister Tamar, leading to David's anger and Absalom's eventual plot to kill Amnon in revenge.
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Notable Verses
2 Samuel 13:12
“She answered him, “No, my brother, do not force me! For no such thing ought to be done in Israel. Don’t you do this folly!””
This verse highlights Tamar's plea for moral conduct and her recognition of the social and spiritual gravity of the act.
2 Samuel 13:22
“Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad; for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.”
This indicates the deep-seated resentment and silence that preceded Absalom's violent revenge.
2 Samuel 13:39
“King David longed to go out to Absalom, for he was comforted concerning Amnon, since he was dead.”
It shows the complex emotional state of David as he grieved one son while desiring to see the other.
Chapter Summary
2 Samuel 13 recounts a dark period in King David's household, fulfilling the prophecy of turmoil within his family. The chapter begins with Amnon, David's eldest son, becoming obsessed with his half-sister Tamar. Following the advice of his cousin Jonadab, Amnon feigns illness to lure Tamar into his house, where he forces himself upon her. Afterward, his obsession turns to hatred, and he casts her out. When King David hears of this, he is furious but takes no disciplinary action. Tamar’s brother, Absalom, harbors a silent, growing hatred for Amnon. Two years later, during a sheep-shearing festival, Absalom invites all the king’s sons and commands his servants to kill Amnon when he is festive with wine. The murder causes panic among the other sons, who flee back to Jerusalem. Initially, David hears a rumor that all his sons were killed, but Jonadab clarifies that only Amnon is dead. Absalom flees to Geshur, where he remains in exile for three years, while David eventually longs for reconciliation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jonadab was the son of Shimeah, David’s brother, making him a cousin to Amnon and Absalom. He is described as a very subtle or crafty man who devised the plan for Amnon to trap Tamar.
Absalom killed Amnon to avenge his sister Tamar, whom Amnon had forced and then humiliated. Absalom waited two full years before executing his plan during a feast.
The text states that King David was very angry when he heard what Amnon had done to Tamar. However, the chapter does not record David taking any legal or disciplinary action against his son.
After ordering the death of Amnon, Absalom fled to Geshur, seeking refuge with King Talmai, his maternal grandfather. He remained there in exile for three years.
Study Note
The description of Tamar's garment of various colors uses the same Hebrew phrase as Joseph's coat in Genesis, indicating her status as a royal virgin.
Related Chapters
2 Samuel 12
This chapter contains Nathan's prophecy that the sword would never depart from David's house, which begins to unfold here.
2 Samuel 14
This follows the narrative of Absalom's eventual return to Jerusalem after his exile.
Genesis 34
Another biblical account of brothers taking violent revenge for a sister's dishonor.
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