2 Samuel 13 summary meaning ai explained commentary

2 Samuel 13 meaning explained in AI Summary

2 Samuel 13 is a chapter that recounts a tragic incident involving Amnon, the eldest son of King David, and his half-sister Tamar.

Amnon's Love for Tamar: Amnon, smitten with Tamar, seeks to seduce her.
Tamar's Rejection: Tamar refuses Amnon's advances, fearing her father's disapproval.
Amnon's Deception: Amnon feigns illness, invites Tamar to his room, and rapes her.
Tamar's Distress: Tamar is deeply distraught and flees, torn by shame and rejection.
Amnon's Shame: Amnon is filled with shame and disgust for his actions.
Absalom's Revenge: Tamar's brother, Absalom, vows to avenge her honor and plots against Amnon.
Absalom's Banquet: Absalom invites Amnon and the king's sons to a feast.
Amnon's Murder: During the feast, Absalom's servants ambush Amnon and murder him.
David's Grief: King David is deeply saddened by Amnon's death, but Absalom flees to his grandfather's territory.

Meaning and Significance

This chapter highlights the dangers of unchecked lust, the consequences of sin, and the importance of family honor in ancient Israeli society.

The Consequences of Sin: Amnon's actions lead to a tragic chain of events, culminating in his own death. This serves as a warning against the destructive power of sin.
The Importance of Family Honor: The chapter underscores the significance of family honor in ancient Israel. Tamar's rejection of Amnon's advances and Absalom's quest for revenge illustrate the importance of upholding family reputation.
The Pain of Betrayal: The story reveals the emotional pain and betrayal experienced by Tamar and the devastating consequences for the family.

Overall, 2 Samuel 13 is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked passions and the importance of making wise choices. It also highlights the complex dynamics within families and the devastating consequences of sin.

2 Samuel 13 bible study ai commentary

The account in 2 Samuel 13 serves as a grim fulfillment of the judgment Nathan pronounced upon David. It graphically illustrates how David's personal sin with Bathsheba unleashes a cascade of lust, violence, hatred, and revenge within his own household. The chapter traces the tragic violation of Tamar by her half-brother Amnon, David’s passive failure to administer justice, and Absalom's subsequent calculated murder of Amnon. This narrative marks the beginning of the end for the unity of David's family and kingdom, demonstrating that sin, especially when unchecked by leadership, breeds devastating consequences.

2 Samuel 13 context

This chapter unfolds within the royal court of Jerusalem, a generation after David secured the kingdom. The historical setting is crucial:

Royal Polygamy: David had multiple wives and children from them (2 Sam 3:2-5), creating a complex web of half-siblings with competing loyalties and potential succession claims. Amnon was the firstborn and heir apparent; Absalom was third in line.
Torah Law: The Mosaic Law strictly forbade incest (Lev 18:9, 11) and prescribed severe punishments for sexual violations (Deut 22:25-29). The expectation was for the father and king—in this case, the same person—to uphold this law and execute justice.
Prophetic Judgment: The events are a direct outworking of Nathan's prophecy in 2 Samuel 12:10-11 that the "sword shall never depart from your house" and that trouble would arise from within his own family because of his sin with Bathsheba. David’s own moral failure paralyzes him when he needs to act as a righteous judge for his children.

2 Samuel 13:1-2

Now Absalom, David's son, had a beautiful sister, whose name was Tamar. And after a time Amnon, David's son, loved her. And Amnon was so tormented that he made himself ill because of his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed impossible to Amnon to do anything to her.

In-depth-analysis

The narrative immediately establishes the key relationships: Absalom and Tamar are full siblings, while Amnon is their half-brother. All are David’s children, emphasizing this is a family tragedy.
Word: The Hebrew for "loved" (ahab) is the same word used for genuine love, but its context here reveals a self-centered, obsessive infatuation. It is not true love but a possessive desire.
Amnon's passion is a sickness. It consumes him physically, demonstrating the destructive power of unchecked lust.
Tamar's virginity is noted not just as a fact, but as a component of her value and the barrier Amnon perceives. His problem isn't love, but access.

Bible references

Gen 39:6-7: "...Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. And after a time his master's wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, 'Lie with me.'" (A parallel temptation of lust, but with a righteous response from Joseph).
James 1:14-15: "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death." (A perfect theological description of Amnon's internal process).

Cross references

Prov 6:25 (lust in the heart), Matt 5:28 (adultery in the heart), 1 Thes 4:3-5 (controlling the body in holiness).

2 Samuel 13:3-5

But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David's brother. And Jonadab was a very crafty man. And he said to him, “O son of the king, why are you so haggard morning after morning? Will you not tell me?” Amnon said to him, “I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister.” Jonadab said to him, “Lie down on your bed and pretend to be ill. And when your father comes to see you, say to him, ‘Let my sister Tamar come and give me bread to eat...’”

In-depth-analysis

Jonadab is introduced as a relative (David's nephew) and a "friend" who offers devastatingly wicked advice.
Word: The Hebrew for "crafty" is chakam, the same word often translated as "wise." Here it denotes cunning and worldly cleverness devoid of morality, a perversion of true wisdom which begins with the "fear of the LORD" (Prov 9:10).
Jonadab’s plan is manipulative and sinister. It preys on David's fatherly concern and Tamar's sisterly duty to create the exact situation of isolation Amnon needs to enact his sin. He is the catalyst that turns sinful desire into sinful action.

Bible references

Ps 1:1: "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked..." (Jonadab personifies the "counsel of the wicked").
Prov 27:6: "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy." (Jonadab is a "friend" whose counsel is poison, a kiss of betrayal).

Cross references

Prov 1:10 (if sinners entice you), Prov 12:5 (counsels of the wicked are deceitful), 1 Cor 15:33 (bad company ruins good morals).

2 Samuel 13:6-14

So Amnon lay down and pretended to be ill. And when the king came to see him, Amnon said to the king, “Please let my sister Tamar come and make a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat from her hand.” Then David sent home for Tamar, saying, “Go to your brother Amnon's house and prepare food for him.” ... But when she brought them near him to eat, he took hold of her and said to her, “Come, lie with me, my sister.” She answered him, “No, my brother, do not violate me, for such a thing is not done in Israel; do not do this outrageous thing! ... As for me, where could I carry my shame? And as for you, you would be as one of the outrageous fools in Israel. Now therefore, please speak to the king, for he will not withhold me from you.” But he would not listen to her voice, and being stronger than she, he violated her and lay with her.

In-depth-analysis

Tamar's Righteous Plea: Tamar's response is remarkably intelligent and righteous. She appeals on four levels:
1. Family: "No, my brother." An appeal to their shared blood.
2. National/Theological Law: "such a thing is not done in Israel." She appeals to the covenant identity and moral law of their people.
3. Consequences: She considers her "shame" and his status as a "fool" (nabal) in Israel.
4. A Possible Legal Path: "speak to the king." She offers a potential legitimate path, suggesting a marriage could be arranged. While difficult, this was her attempt to avert disaster and shows her poise under extreme pressure.
Word: "Violate" is a strong term (anah), meaning to afflict, humble, or oppress. "Outrageous thing" (nebalah) is a technical term for a heinous act that violates social and divine order, the same term used for the rape of Dinah (Gen 34:7).
Amnon's response is brute force. He overpowers reason, law, and familial duty, revealing his "love" as nothing but selfish, violent lust.

Bible references

Gen 34:7: "the sons of Jacob... were grieved and very angry, because he had done an outrageous thing in Israel by lying with Jacob's daughter, for such a thing must not be done." (The rape of Dinah, using identical language for the crime).
Deut 22:25-27: "But if in the open country a man meets a virgin who is betrothed, and the man seizes her and lies with her... only the man who lay with her shall die... for he met her in the open country, and though the betrothed young woman cried for help, there was no one to rescue her." (The legal backdrop for Amnon's crime and why Tamar was blameless).

Cross references

Lev 18:9 (incest law), Gen 34 (rape of Dinah), Prov 7:22-23 (following temptation to slaughter).

2 Samuel 13:15-18

Then Amnon hated her with a very great hatred, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, “Get up, go!” ... But she said to him, “No, my brother, for this wrong in sending me away is greater than the other that you did to me.” But he would not listen to her... And he said, “Put this woman out of my presence and bolt the door after her.” Now she was wearing a long robe with sleeves, for thus were the virgin daughters of the king dressed. So his servant put her out and bolted the door after her.

In-depth-analysis

The psychological shift from obsession to repulsion is stark and immediate. This confirms his passion was never love but selfish gratification. Once satisfied, the object of his lust becomes a repulsive reminder of his own sin and shame.
Sending her away is a second act of violence. The assault was a private sin; the expulsion is a public humiliation. He treats her like refuse.
The Robe: The "long robe with sleeves" (Hebrew: kethoneth passim) is the same description used for Joseph's famous coat (Gen 37:3). It was a garment signifying special status and favor—in this case, her royal virginity. By having her thrown out, Amnon symbolically rips away her status along with her innocence.

Bible references

Gen 37:3: "Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors." (Connects Tamar's robe of status to Joseph's, both of which become central to a family tragedy).
Eze 23:17-18: "And the Babylonians came to her... and she became disgusted with them. When she flaunted her whoring... I became disgusted with her, as I had become disgusted with her sister." (God using the metaphor of disgust after illicit relations to describe His relationship with unfaithful Israel/Judah).

Cross references

Prov 5:3-4 (lips of a forbidden woman are sweet, but in the end she is bitter), Jdg 19:25-28 (similar brutality in the account of the Levite's concubine).

2 Samuel 13:19-22

And Tamar put ashes on her head and tore the long robe with sleeves that she wore. And she laid her hand on her head and went away, crying aloud as she went. And her brother Absalom said to her, “Has Amnon your brother been with you? Now hold your peace, my sister. He is your brother; do not take this to heart.” So Tamar lived, a desolate woman, in her brother Absalom's house. When King David heard of all these things, he was very angry. But Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad, for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had violated his sister Tamar.

In-depth-analysis

Tamar's Mourning: Her actions—ashes, tearing the robe, hand on head, crying aloud—are all classic, public signs of deep grief, trauma, and protest. She is not hiding; she is mourning her lost honor and future.
Absalom's Response: His reaction is chilling. He correctly identifies the culprit but tells Tamar to be silent ("hold your peace"). He is not seeking justice through the proper channels; he is internalizing the wrong and beginning to plot his own solution. His silence toward Amnon is not forgiveness but the quiet nursing of a deadly grudge.
David’s Inaction: "He was very angry." The text stops there. His anger is impotent. Unlike the sons of Jacob who avenged Dinah, and unlike what the Law required, David does nothing. His own sin with Bathsheba has robbed him of the moral authority to discipline or judge his firstborn son. This failure is the direct cause of Absalom's later actions.

Bible references

2 Sam 12:10: "Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife." (David’s inaction is the context for the sword now being drawn between his sons).
1 Kgs 1:6: "(His father [David]) had never at any time displeased him by asking, 'Why have you done thus and so?'" (Shows David's pattern of passive parenting, failing to correct his sons).

Cross references

Gen 34:7 (Jacob's sons were very angry over Dinah), Gen 4:5-8 (Cain’s anger leading to murder), 1 Sam 3:13 (Eli’s failure to restrain his sons' sin).

2 Samuel 13:23-29

After two full years, Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal-hazor... And Absalom came to the king and said... “Please let the king and his servants go with your servant.” ... But he pressed him until he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him. Then Absalom commanded his servants, “Mark when Amnon's heart is merry with wine... then kill him. Do not be afraid... be courageous and be valiant.” So the servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and each mounted his mule and fled.

In-depth-analysis

Two Full Years: This time gap is significant. It highlights Absalom's patient, cold, and calculated desire for revenge. This was not a crime of passion but premeditated murder.
Deception: Absalom uses a festive occasion (a sheepshearing) to mask his murderous intent, just as Amnon used feigned sickness. The sin of deception runs deep in this family.
Targeting Amnon: Absalom pressures David to send Amnon specifically. David is reluctant but gives in, becoming an unwitting accomplice for the second time in the chapter.
The murder itself is carried out by servants at Absalom’s command, showing his princely authority and his distance from the physical act. This is fratricide, the second in the Bible after Cain and Abel.

Bible references

Gen 4:8: "Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him." (The archetype of brother murdering brother).
Rom 12:19: "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'" (Absalom takes vengeance into his own hands because justice was not served by the king).

Cross references

Prov 26:24-26 (he who hates, dissembles), 1 Sam 18:25 (Saul’s plot to kill David), Jdg 3:20-21 (Ehud's political assassination).

2 Samuel 13:30-39

While they were on the way, a report came to David, “Absalom has struck down all the king's sons, and not one of them is left.” ... But Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David's brother, said, “Let not my lord suppose that they have killed all the young men, the king's sons, for Amnon alone is dead... for by the command of Absalom this has been determined from the day he violated his sister Tamar.” ... And the soul of King David longed to go out to Absalom, for he was comforted about Amnon, since he was dead.

In-depth-analysis

Jonadab’s Return: The crafty counselor reappears. His immediate and accurate assessment reveals his intimate knowledge of the situation. It’s likely he knew of Absalom’s plan all along, showing him to be a perverse observer and perhaps an instigator of court intrigue. He who helped start the fire now calmly explains why the house is burning down.
David’s Grief and Longing: David’s reaction is complex. He grieves the loss of Amnon but is described as "comforted" since he is dead. His longing then shifts toward the murderer, Absalom. This reveals a deeply dysfunctional and broken family dynamic. The king's heart is torn, unable to exercise clear judgment, foreshadowing his later vulnerability to Absalom.

Bible references

2 Sam 12:11: "Thus says the Lord, 'Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house.'" (The prophecy continues its grim fulfillment).
Gen 27:41: "Now Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing... and Esau said to himself, 'The days of mourning for my father are approaching; then I will kill my brother Jacob.'" (A parallel of hatred and a plot for fratricide, though averted).

Cross references

2 Sam 14:1 (Joab perceives David's heart is toward Absalom), 2 Sam 18:33 (David’s famous grief over Absalom).

2 Samuel 13 analysis

The Chain of Sin: This chapter is a textbook example of sin’s domino effect. David’s sin with Bathsheba leads to his inability to discipline his children. This inaction enables Amnon's sin of rape. David’s failure to bring justice for that sin fuels Absalom's sin of hatred and murder. The sword prophesied by Nathan is now being wielded by David's own children against each other.
Foil Characters: Joseph (Genesis 39) and Tamar are powerful foils. When faced with sexual temptation, Joseph fled, honoring God. When faced with sexual violence, Tamar resisted with reason and appeals to God's law. Both stand in stark contrast to Amnon. Similarly, David's passivity stands in contrast to the righteous fury of Simeon and Levi in Genesis 34.
Perversion of "Wisdom": The Hebrew word chakam (wise, crafty), used to describe Jonadab, is deliberately employed to critique worldly counsel. True biblical wisdom is about moral and spiritual righteousness (Job 28:28, Ps 111:10), while Jonadab's "wisdom" is self-serving, destructive, and godless.
Justice and Vengeance: The chapter highlights the catastrophic vacuum created when legitimate authority fails to execute justice. David, the king, was God’s appointed agent of justice (Rom 13:4). By failing to punish Amnon, he opened the door for Absalom to become an agent of personal vengeance, a role forbidden by God (Rom 12:19).
Typology of Christ: The darkness of David’s house underscores Israel’s need for a perfect King. David, the "man after God's own heart," is shown to be a deeply flawed father and monarch. These failures create a longing for a future Son of David, Jesus Christ, who would rule with perfect justice, embody perfect love (not lust), and ultimately absorb the violence of sin on the cross to bring true reconciliation, unlike the false peace sought by David.

2 Samuel 13 summary

Amnon, David's firstborn, feigns illness to orchestrate the rape of his half-sister, Tamar. His initial lust turns to hatred, and he publicly humiliates her. King David is angry but takes no action, failing in his duty as father and king. This inaction allows Tamar’s full brother, Absalom, to nurse a cold hatred for two years, culminating in his premeditated murder of Amnon at a feast. Absalom then flees, leaving David's family and the succession of his kingdom fractured by sin, violence, and grief—a direct fulfillment of God’s judgment.

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2 Samuel chapter 13 kjv

¹ 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.
² And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do anything to her.
³ But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man.
⁴ And he said unto him, Why art thou, being the king's son, lean from day to day? wilt thou not tell me? And Amnon said unto him, I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister.
⁵ And Jonadab said unto him, Lay thee down on thy bed, and make thyself sick: and when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto him, I pray thee, let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat, and dress the meat in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it at her hand.
⁶ So Amnon lay down, and made himself sick: and when the king was come to see him, Amnon said unto the king, I pray thee, let Tamar my sister come, and make me a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat at her hand.
⁷ Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to thy brother Amnon's house, and dress him meat.
⁸ So Tamar went to her brother Amnon's house; and he was laid down. And she took flour, and kneaded it, and made cakes in his sight, and did bake the cakes.
⁹ And she took a pan, and poured them out before him; but he refused to eat. And Amnon said, Have out all men from me. And they went out every man from him.
¹⁰ And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.
¹¹ And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister.
¹² And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly.
¹³ And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee.
¹⁴ Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her.
¹⁵ Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone.
¹⁶ And she said unto him, There is no cause: this evil in sending me away is greater than the other that thou didst unto me. But he would not hearken unto her.
¹⁷ Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her.
¹⁸ And she had a garment of divers colors upon her: for with such robes were the king's daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her.
¹⁹ And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colors that was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying.
²⁰ And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? but hold now thy peace, my sister: he is thy brother; regard not this thing. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house.
²¹ But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth.
²² And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.
²³ And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baalhazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons.
²⁴ And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheepshearers; let the king, I beseech thee, and his servants go with thy servant.
²⁵ And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us not all now go, lest we be chargeable unto thee. And he pressed him: howbeit he would not go, but blessed him.
²⁶ Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go with thee?
²⁷ But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him.
²⁸ Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.
²⁹ And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled.
³⁰ And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that tidings came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king's sons, and there is not one of them left.
³¹ Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent.
³² And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother, answered and said, Let not my lord suppose that they have slain all the young men the king's sons; for Amnon only is dead: for by the appointment of Absalom this hath been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar.
³³ Now therefore let not my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king's sons are dead: for Amnon only is dead.
³⁴ But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him.
³⁵ And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come: as thy servant said, so it is.
³⁶ And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of speaking, that, behold, the king's sons came, and lifted up their voice and wept: and the king also and all his servants wept very sore.
³⁷ But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.
³⁸ So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years.
³⁹ And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.

2 Samuel chapter 13 nkjv

¹ After this Absalom the son of David had a lovely sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.
² Amnon was so distressed over his sister Tamar that he became sick; for she was a virgin. And it was improper for Amnon to do anything to her.
³ But Amnon had a friend whose name was Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David's brother. Now Jonadab was a very crafty man.
⁴ And he said to him, "Why are you, the king's son, becoming thinner day after day? Will you not tell me?" Amnon said to him, "I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister."
⁵ So Jonadab said to him, "Lie down on your bed and pretend to be ill. And when your father comes to see you, say to him, 'Please let my sister Tamar come and give me food, and prepare the food in my sight, that I may see it and eat it from her hand.' "
⁶ Then Amnon lay down and pretended to be ill; and when the king came to see him, Amnon said to the king, "Please let Tamar my sister come and make a couple of cakes for me in my sight, that I may eat from her hand."
⁷ And David sent home to Tamar, saying, "Now go to your brother Amnon's house, and prepare food for him."
⁸ So Tamar went to her brother Amnon's house; and he was lying down. Then she took flour and kneaded it, made cakes in his sight, and baked the cakes.
⁹ And she took the pan and placed them out before him, but he refused to eat. Then Amnon said, "Have everyone go out from me." And they all went out from him.
¹⁰ Then Amnon said to Tamar, "Bring the food into the bedroom, that I may eat from your hand." And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them to Amnon her brother in the bedroom.
¹¹ Now when she had brought them to him to eat, he took hold of her and said to her, "Come, lie with me, my sister."
¹² But she answered him, "No, my brother, do not force me, for no such thing should be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing!
¹³ And I, where could I take my shame? And as for you, you would be like one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, please speak to the king; for he will not withhold me from you."
¹⁴ However, he would not heed her voice; and being stronger than she, he forced her and lay with her.
¹⁵ Then Amnon hated her exceedingly, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, "Arise, be gone!"
¹⁶ So she said to him, "No, indeed! This evil of sending me away is worse than the other that you did to me." But he would not listen to her.
¹⁷ Then he called his servant who attended him, and said, "Here! Put this woman out, away from me, and bolt the door behind her."
¹⁸ Now she had on a robe of many colors, for the king's virgin daughters wore such apparel. And his servant put her out and bolted the door behind her.
¹⁹ Then Tamar put ashes on her head, and tore her robe of many colors that was on her, and laid her hand on her head and went away crying bitterly.
²⁰ And Absalom her brother said to her, "Has Amnon your brother been with you? But now hold your peace, my sister. He is your brother; do not take this thing to heart." So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house.
²¹ But when King David heard of all these things, he was very angry.
²² And Absalom spoke to his brother Amnon neither good nor bad. For Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.
²³ And it came to pass, after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal Hazor, which is near Ephraim; so Absalom invited all the king's sons.
²⁴ Then Absalom came to the king and said, "Kindly note, your servant has sheepshearers; please, let the king and his servants go with your servant."
²⁵ But the king said to Absalom, "No, my son, let us not all go now, lest we be a burden to you." Then he urged him, but he would not go; and he blessed him.
²⁶ Then Absalom said, "If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us." And the king said to him, "Why should he go with you?"
²⁷ But Absalom urged him; so he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him.
²⁸ Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, "Watch now, when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, 'Strike Amnon!' then kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant."
²⁹ So the servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and each one got on his mule and fled.
³⁰ And it came to pass, while they were on the way, that news came to David, saying, "Absalom has killed all the king's sons, and not one of them is left!"
³¹ So the king arose and tore his garments and lay on the ground, and all his servants stood by with their clothes torn.
³² Then Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David's brother, answered and said, "Let not my lord suppose they have killed all the young men, the king's sons, for only Amnon is dead. For by the command of Absalom this has been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar.
³³ Now therefore, let not my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king's sons are dead. For only Amnon is dead."
³⁴ Then Absalom fled. And the young man who was keeping watch lifted his eyes and looked, and there, many people were coming from the road on the hillside behind him.
³⁵ And Jonadab said to the king, "Look, the king's sons are coming; as your servant said, so it is."
³⁶ So it was, as soon as he had finished speaking, that the king's sons indeed came, and they lifted up their voice and wept. Also the king and all his servants wept very bitterly.
³⁷ But Absalom fled and went to Talmai the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.
³⁸ So Absalom fled and went to Geshur, and was there three years.
³⁹ And King David longed to go to Absalom. For he had been comforted concerning Amnon, because he was dead.

2 Samuel chapter 13 niv

¹ In the course of time, Amnon son of David fell in love with Tamar, the beautiful sister of Absalom son of David.
² Amnon became so obsessed with his sister Tamar that he made himself ill. She was a virgin, and it seemed impossible for him to do anything to her.
³ Now Amnon had an adviser named Jonadab son of Shimeah, David's brother. Jonadab was a very shrewd man.
⁴ He asked Amnon, "Why do you, the king's son, look so haggard morning after morning? Won't you tell me?" Amnon said to him, "I'm in love with Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister."
⁵ "Go to bed and pretend to be ill," Jonadab said. "When your father comes to see you, say to him, 'I would like my sister Tamar to come and give me something to eat. Let her prepare the food in my sight so I may watch her and then eat it from her hand.'?"
⁶ So Amnon lay down and pretended to be ill. When the king came to see him, Amnon said to him, "I would like my sister Tamar to come and make some special bread in my sight, so I may eat from her hand."
⁷ David sent word to Tamar at the palace: "Go to the house of your brother Amnon and prepare some food for him."
⁸ So Tamar went to the house of her brother Amnon, who was lying down. She took some dough, kneaded it, made the bread in his sight and baked it.
⁹ Then she took the pan and served him the bread, but he refused to eat. "Send everyone out of here," Amnon said. So everyone left him.
¹⁰ Then Amnon said to Tamar, "Bring the food here into my bedroom so I may eat from your hand." And Tamar took the bread she had prepared and brought it to her brother Amnon in his bedroom.
¹¹ But when she took it to him to eat, he grabbed her and said, "Come to bed with me, my sister."
¹² "No, my brother!" she said to him. "Don't force me! Such a thing should not be done in Israel! Don't do this wicked thing.
¹³ What about me? Where could I get rid of my disgrace? And what about you? You would be like one of the wicked fools in Israel. Please speak to the king; he will not keep me from being married to you."
¹⁴ But he refused to listen to her, and since he was stronger than she, he raped her.
¹⁵ Then Amnon hated her with intense hatred. In fact, he hated her more than he had loved her. Amnon said to her, "Get up and get out!"
¹⁶ "No!" she said to him. "Sending me away would be a greater wrong than what you have already done to me." But he refused to listen to her.
¹⁷ He called his personal servant and said, "Get this woman out of my sight and bolt the door after her."
¹⁸ So his servant put her out and bolted the door after her. She was wearing an ornate robe, for this was the kind of garment the virgin daughters of the king wore.
¹⁹ Tamar put ashes on her head and tore the ornate robe she was wearing. She put her hands on her head and went away, weeping aloud as she went.
²⁰ Her brother Absalom said to her, "Has that Amnon, your brother, been with you? Be quiet for now, my sister; he is your brother. Don't take this thing to heart." And Tamar lived in her brother Absalom's house, a desolate woman.
²¹ When King David heard all this, he was furious.
²² And Absalom never said a word to Amnon, either good or bad; he hated Amnon because he had disgraced his sister Tamar.
²³ Two years later, when Absalom's sheepshearers were at Baal Hazor near the border of Ephraim, he invited all the king's sons to come there.
²⁴ Absalom went to the king and said, "Your servant has had shearers come. Will the king and his attendants please join me?"
²⁵ "No, my son," the king replied. "All of us should not go; we would only be a burden to you." Although Absalom urged him, he still refused to go but gave him his blessing.
²⁶ Then Absalom said, "If not, please let my brother Amnon come with us." The king asked him, "Why should he go with you?"
²⁷ But Absalom urged him, so he sent with him Amnon and the rest of the king's sons.
²⁸ Absalom ordered his men, "Listen! When Amnon is in high spirits from drinking wine and I say to you, 'Strike Amnon down,' then kill him. Don't be afraid. Haven't I given you this order? Be strong and brave."
²⁹ So Absalom's men did to Amnon what Absalom had ordered. Then all the king's sons got up, mounted their mules and fled.
³⁰ While they were on their way, the report came to David: "Absalom has struck down all the king's sons; not one of them is left."
³¹ The king stood up, tore his clothes and lay down on the ground; and all his attendants stood by with their clothes torn.
³² But Jonadab son of Shimeah, David's brother, said, "My lord should not think that they killed all the princes; only Amnon is dead. This has been Absalom's express intention ever since the day Amnon raped his sister Tamar.
³³ My lord the king should not be concerned about the report that all the king's sons are dead. Only Amnon is dead."
³⁴ Meanwhile, Absalom had fled. Now the man standing watch looked up and saw many people on the road west of him, coming down the side of the hill. The watchman went and told the king, "I see men in the direction of Horonaim, on the side of the hill."
³⁵ Jonadab said to the king, "See, the king's sons have come; it has happened just as your servant said."
³⁶ As he finished speaking, the king's sons came in, wailing loudly. The king, too, and all his attendants wept very bitterly.
³⁷ Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. But King David mourned many days for his son.
³⁸ After Absalom fled and went to Geshur, he stayed there three years.
³⁹ And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he was consoled concerning Amnon's death.

2 Samuel chapter 13 esv

¹ Now Absalom, David's son, had a beautiful sister, whose name was Tamar. And after a time Amnon, David's son, loved her.
² And Amnon was so tormented that he made himself ill because of his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed impossible to Amnon to do anything to her.
³ But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David's brother. And Jonadab was a very crafty man.
⁴ And he said to him, "O son of the king, why are you so haggard morning after morning? Will you not tell me?" Amnon said to him, "I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister."
⁵ Jonadab said to him, "Lie down on your bed and pretend to be ill. And when your father comes to see you, say to him, 'Let my sister Tamar come and give me bread to eat, and prepare the food in my sight, that I may see it and eat it from her hand.'"
⁶ So Amnon lay down and pretended to be ill. And when the king came to see him, Amnon said to the king, "Please let my sister Tamar come and make a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat from her hand."
⁷ Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, "Go to your brother Amnon's house and prepare food for him."
⁸ So Tamar went to her brother Amnon's house, where he was lying down. And she took dough and kneaded it and made cakes in his sight and baked the cakes.
⁹ And she took the pan and emptied it out before him, but he refused to eat. And Amnon said, "Send out everyone from me." So everyone went out from him.
¹⁰ Then Amnon said to Tamar, "Bring the food into the chamber, that I may eat from your hand." And Tamar took the cakes she had made and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.
¹¹ But when she brought them near him to eat, he took hold of her and said to her, "Come, lie with me, my sister."
¹² She answered him, "No, my brother, do not violate me, for such a thing is not done in Israel; do not do this outrageous thing.
¹³ As for me, where could I carry my shame? And as for you, you would be as one of the outrageous fools in Israel. Now therefore, please speak to the king, for he will not withhold me from you."
¹⁴ But he would not listen to her, and being stronger than she, he violated her and lay with her.
¹⁵ Then Amnon hated her with very great hatred, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, "Get up! Go!"
¹⁶ But she said to him, "No, my brother, for this wrong in sending me away is greater than the other that you did to me." But he would not listen to her.
¹⁷ He called the young man who served him and said, "Put this woman out of my presence and bolt the door after her."
¹⁸ Now she was wearing a long robe with sleeves, for thus were the virgin daughters of the king dressed. So his servant put her out and bolted the door after her.
¹⁹ And Tamar put ashes on her head and tore the long robe that she wore. And she laid her hand on her head and went away, crying aloud as she went.
²⁰ And her brother Absalom said to her, "Has Amnon your brother been with you? Now hold your peace, my sister. He is your brother; do not take this to heart." So Tamar lived, a desolate woman, in her brother Absalom's house.
²¹ When King David heard of all these things, he was very angry.
²² But Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad, for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had violated his sister Tamar.
²³ After two full years Absalom had sheepshearers at Baal-hazor, which is near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king's sons.
²⁴ And Absalom came to the king and said, "Behold, your servant has sheepshearers. Please let the king and his servants go with your servant."
²⁵ But the king said to Absalom, "No, my son, let us not all go, lest we be burdensome to you." He pressed him, but he would not go but gave him his blessing.
²⁶ Then Absalom said, "If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us." And the king said to him, "Why should he go with you?"
²⁷ But Absalom pressed him until he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him.
²⁸ Then Absalom commanded his servants, "Mark when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, 'Strike Amnon,' then kill him. Do not fear; have I not commanded you? Be courageous and be valiant."
²⁹ So the servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and each mounted his mule and fled.
³⁰ While they were on the way, news came to David, "Absalom has struck down all the king's sons, and not one of them is left."
³¹ Then the king arose and tore his garments and lay on the earth. And all his servants who were standing by tore their garments.
³² But Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David's brother, said, "Let not my lord suppose that they have killed all the young men, the king's sons, for Amnon alone is dead. For by the command of Absalom this has been determined from the day he violated his sister Tamar.
³³ Now therefore let not my lord the king so take it to heart as to suppose that all the king's sons are dead, for Amnon alone is dead."
³⁴ But Absalom fled. And the young man who kept the watch lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, many people were coming from the road behind him by the side of the mountain.
³⁵ And Jonadab said to the king, "Behold, the king's sons have come; as your servant said, so it has come about."
³⁶ And as soon as he had finished speaking, behold, the king's sons came and lifted up their voice and wept. And the king also and all his servants wept very bitterly.
³⁷ But Absalom fled and went to Talmai the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son day after day.
³⁸ So Absalom fled and went to Geshur, and was there three years.
³⁹ And the spirit of the king longed to go out to Absalom, because he was comforted about Amnon, since he was dead.

2 Samuel chapter 13 nlt

¹ Now David's son Absalom had a beautiful sister named Tamar. And Amnon, her half brother, fell desperately in love with her.
² Amnon became so obsessed with Tamar that he became ill. She was a virgin, and Amnon thought he could never have her.
³ But Amnon had a very crafty friend ? his cousin Jonadab. He was the son of David's brother Shimea.
⁴ One day Jonadab said to Amnon, "What's the trouble? Why should the son of a king look so dejected morning after morning?" So Amnon told him, "I am in love with Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister."
⁵ "Well," Jonadab said, "I'll tell you what to do. Go back to bed and pretend you are ill. When your father comes to see you, ask him to let Tamar come and prepare some food for you. Tell him you'll feel better if she prepares it as you watch and feeds you with her own hands."
⁶ So Amnon lay down and pretended to be sick. And when the king came to see him, Amnon asked him, "Please let my sister Tamar come and cook my favorite dish as I watch. Then I can eat it from her own hands."
⁷ So David agreed and sent Tamar to Amnon's house to prepare some food for him.
⁸ When Tamar arrived at Amnon's house, she went to the place where he was lying down so he could watch her mix some dough. Then she baked his favorite dish for him.
⁹ But when she set the serving tray before him, he refused to eat. "Everyone get out of here," Amnon told his servants. So they all left.
¹⁰ Then he said to Tamar, "Now bring the food into my bedroom and feed it to me here." So Tamar took his favorite dish to him.
¹¹ But as she was feeding him, he grabbed her and demanded, "Come to bed with me, my darling sister."
¹² "No, my brother!" she cried. "Don't be foolish! Don't do this to me! Such wicked things aren't done in Israel.
¹³ Where could I go in my shame? And you would be called one of the greatest fools in Israel. Please, just speak to the king about it, and he will let you marry me."
¹⁴ But Amnon wouldn't listen to her, and since he was stronger than she was, he raped her.
¹⁵ Then suddenly Amnon's love turned to hate, and he hated her even more than he had loved her. "Get out of here!" he snarled at her.
¹⁶ "No, no!" Tamar cried. "Sending me away now is worse than what you've already done to me." But Amnon wouldn't listen to her.
¹⁷ He shouted for his servant and demanded, "Throw this woman out, and lock the door behind her!"
¹⁸ So the servant put her out and locked the door behind her. She was wearing a long, beautiful robe, as was the custom in those days for the king's virgin daughters.
¹⁹ But now Tamar tore her robe and put ashes on her head. And then, with her face in her hands, she went away crying.
²⁰ Her brother Absalom saw her and asked, "Is it true that Amnon has been with you? Well, my sister, keep quiet for now, since he's your brother. Don't you worry about it." So Tamar lived as a desolate woman in her brother Absalom's house.
²¹ When King David heard what had happened, he was very angry.
²² And though Absalom never spoke to Amnon about this, he hated Amnon deeply because of what he had done to his sister.
²³ Two years later, when Absalom's sheep were being sheared at Baal-hazor near Ephraim, Absalom invited all the king's sons to come to a feast.
²⁴ He went to the king and said, "My sheep-shearers are now at work. Would the king and his servants please come to celebrate the occasion with me?"
²⁵ The king replied, "No, my son. If we all came, we would be too much of a burden on you." Absalom pressed him, but the king would not come, though he gave Absalom his blessing.
²⁶ "Well, then," Absalom said, "if you can't come, how about sending my brother Amnon with us?" "Why Amnon?" the king asked.
²⁷ But Absalom kept on pressing the king until he finally agreed to let all his sons attend, including Amnon. So Absalom prepared a feast fit for a king.
²⁸ Absalom told his men, "Wait until Amnon gets drunk; then at my signal, kill him! Don't be afraid. I'm the one who has given the command. Take courage and do it!"
²⁹ So at Absalom's signal they murdered Amnon. Then the other sons of the king jumped on their mules and fled.
³⁰ As they were on the way back to Jerusalem, this report reached David: "Absalom has killed all the king's sons; not one is left alive!"
³¹ The king got up, tore his robe, and threw himself on the ground. His advisers also tore their clothes in horror and sorrow.
³² But just then Jonadab, the son of David's brother Shimea, arrived and said, "No, don't believe that all the king's sons have been killed! It was only Amnon! Absalom has been plotting this ever since Amnon raped his sister Tamar.
³³ No, my lord the king, your sons aren't all dead! It was only Amnon."
³⁴ Meanwhile Absalom escaped. Then the watchman on the Jerusalem wall saw a great crowd coming down the hill on the road from the west. He ran to tell the king, "I see a crowd of people coming from the Horonaim road along the side of the hill."
³⁵ "Look!" Jonadab told the king. "There they are now! The king's sons are coming, just as I said."
³⁶ They soon arrived, weeping and sobbing, and the king and all his servants wept bitterly with them.
³⁷ And David mourned many days for his son Amnon. Absalom fled to his grandfather, Talmai son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur.
³⁸ He stayed there in Geshur for three years.
³⁹ And King David, now reconciled to Amnon's death, longed to be reunited with his son Absalom.