Tyndale Open Study Notes2 Samuel 13

the beautiful sister: Tamar was the full sister of Absalom, but only the half sister of Amnon (see 2 Samuel 3:2–3). As Tamar’s closest male relative, Absalom later took action to avenge her (2 Samuel 13:23–29; compare Genesis 34; Numbers 35:19).

• sick with frustration: The story shows that Amnon's "love" for Tamar (2 Samuel 13:4) was not healthy love. It was an unhealthy sexual obsession that made him emotionally distressed.

• She was a virgin: Amnon’s fixation grew stronger because Tamar had not had sexual relations.

• it seemed implausible for him to do anything to her: The law forbade marriage between a brother and a sister (Leviticus 18:9, 11; 20:17; Deuteronomy 27:22). However, Amnon did not seek marriage with Tamar. He wanted only to have sex with her.

• shrewd (literally wise): Jonadab's "wisdom" was similar to the serpent's cleverness (Genesis 3:1).

•  In the context of a royal court, the Hebrew term for friend is closer to “counselor” or “adviser.”

morning after morning: Amnon's obsession grew stronger and never stopped.

• disgraceful thing: The Hebrew word nebalah means "outrage" or "deplorable act." It often refers to sexual crimes like rape and adultery (Genesis 34:7; Deuteronomy 22:21; Judges 20:6, 10; Jeremiah 29:23). The person responsible must pay with his life.

• in Israel: The added phrase either shows outrage that such a crime took place among Israelites, or it describes the act as a serious violation of Israel’s standards for sexual behavior.

he will not withhold me from you: Tamar said this to gain time. Amnon knew that the law prohibited marriage between half-siblings (see study note on 2 Samuel 13:2), and he refused to stop.

being stronger: Tamar resisted as much as she could.

The fact that Amnon’s feelings for Tamar quickly changed into hate shows that what he called “love” (2 Samuel 13:4) was actually selfish sexual desire, not genuine care for her.

worse than this great wrong you have already done: In that culture, a virgin who had been raped was considered unable to marry (2 Samuel 13:20; see Deuteronomy 22:28–29).

a robe of many colors: This phrase also describes Joseph's robe in Genesis 37:3.

• Tamar tore her robe to show the loss of her virginity and honor and to mourn her future's end (2 Samuel 13:16).

• Ashes symbolized death; sitting in ashes or placing ashes on one's head were signs of mourning (Esther 4:1–3; Job 42:6; Daniel 9:3; Jonah 3:6).

• Be quiet for now … Do not take this thing to heart: Absalom’s words sound comforting, but they do not match Tamar’s deep shame and grief. This restrained response hid Absalom’s intense anger (2 Samuel 13:22) from Tamar, who was already overwhelmed.

• as a desolate woman: See study note on 2 Samuel 13:16.

King David … was furious: David was deeply angry about what happened, but he does not seem to have punished Amnon.

Some ancient texts, including the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Greek version, add an explanation. They say David did not punish Amnon because he loved him. Another possibility is that David, who had committed sexual sin himself (see 2 Samuel 11:1–12:24), felt unable to judge his son for a similar offense. A third possibility is that David saw this event as a form of God’s “eye for an eye” judgment for his own wrongdoing.

• Baal-hazor is different from the well-known fortified city of Hazor, which is north of the Sea of Galilee. A fortified city is a city protected by strong walls and defenses. Baal-hazor is believed to be at Jebel el-Asur, about 24 kilometers (15 miles) north of Jerusalem.

• he invited all the sons of the king: Sheep shearing was a time to share abundance and blessings with others (see 1 Samuel 25:2–8).

David tore his robe, just like Tamar did after being harmed (2 Samuel 13:19). This act showed deep distress or regret (see also Genesis 37:34).

Absalom was now a fugitive. He sought refuge among his mother’s family.

• fled and went to Talmai: See 2 Samuel 3:3.

• Geshur was in Aram, northeast of Israel’s territory (see 2 Samuel 15:8; Joshua 13:13).

• And King David: The Dead Sea Scrolls and Greek version say And the spirit of the king.

• longed to go to Absalom: David’s intense grief over Amnon’s death had eased. Any desire he may have had to put Absalom to death had faded, and he now wanted to restore their relationship.