2 Samuel 13:18
So Amnon's attendant threw her out and bolted the door behind her. Now Tamar was wearing a robe of many colors, because this is what the king's virgin daughters wore.
So Amnon’s attendant
The term "attendant" here refers to a servant or aide who was under the authority of Amnon, the eldest son of King David. In the Hebrew context, the word used is "na'ar," which can mean a young man or servant. This highlights the hierarchical structure of ancient Israelite society, where servants were expected to obey the commands of their masters without question. The presence of an attendant underscores the power dynamics at play and the isolation of Tamar in this tragic narrative.

threw her out
The phrase "threw her out" is a translation of the Hebrew verb "shalach," which means to send away or dismiss. This action is not just a physical expulsion but also a symbolic rejection and humiliation. In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, such an act would have been seen as a severe disgrace, especially for a woman of royal lineage like Tamar. It reflects the callousness and lack of compassion in Amnon's actions, further emphasizing the gravity of his sin.

and bolted the door
The act of bolting the door signifies a finality and a deliberate severing of any relationship or responsibility. In the Hebrew, the word "na'al" is used, which means to lock or secure. This action not only physically prevents Tamar from re-entering but also metaphorically represents the closing off of any hope for justice or reconciliation at that moment. It is a stark reminder of the barriers that sin erects between individuals and the isolation it can cause.

behind her
The phrase "behind her" indicates that Tamar was left outside, alone and vulnerable. In the narrative, this detail underscores her abandonment and the complete disregard for her dignity and well-being. Historically, women in ancient Israelite society were often dependent on male relatives for protection and status, and being cast out in such a manner would have left Tamar in a precarious position. This phrase serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of seeking justice and restoration.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Amnon
The eldest son of King David, who committed a grievous sin against his half-sister Tamar.

2. Tamar
The daughter of King David, known for her beauty and innocence, who suffered greatly at the hands of her half-brother Amnon.

3. David
The King of Israel, father to both Amnon and Tamar, whose family faced turmoil and tragedy.

4. The Servant
An unnamed servant of Amnon who followed orders to expel Tamar from the house.

5. The Robe of Many Colors
A garment symbolizing Tamar's status as a virgin daughter of the king, highlighting her purity and the gravity of the violation against her.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Sin
Sin, especially within families, can have devastating and far-reaching consequences. Amnon's actions led to a chain of events that brought great sorrow to David's house.

The Importance of Purity
Tamar's robe symbolized her purity, which was tragically violated. This highlights the value God places on purity and the protection of the innocent.

The Role of Authority
David's lack of intervention in his children's lives serves as a cautionary tale about the responsibilities of those in authority to uphold justice and righteousness.

The Need for Repentance
While Amnon did not repent, the broader account of David's life shows the importance of turning back to God after sin.

God's Justice and Mercy
Despite human failure, God's justice prevails, and His mercy is available to those who seek it.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the account of Amnon and Tamar illustrate the consequences of ignoring God's laws regarding relationships?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are protecting the purity and dignity of those around us, especially within our families?

3. How does David's response (or lack thereof) to Amnon's sin challenge us in our roles as leaders or parents?

4. What steps can we take to cultivate a heart that seeks purity and resists lust, as taught by Jesus in the New Testament?

5. How can we find hope and healing in God's justice and mercy when we or others have been wronged?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 37:3
The robe of many colors is reminiscent of Joseph's coat, symbolizing favor and status, which also led to familial conflict.

Leviticus 18:9
The law explicitly forbids the kind of relationship Amnon pursued, underscoring the sinfulness of his actions.

Psalm 51
David's psalm of repentance, which can be seen as a broader reflection on the consequences of sin within his family.

Matthew 5:28
Jesus' teaching on lust, which speaks to the heart condition that led to Amnon's sin.

Galatians 6:7-8
The principle of sowing and reaping, which is evident in the unfolding consequences of Amnon's actions.
Absalom and AmnonW. G. Blaikie, D. D.2 Samuel 13:1-29
Amnon and Absalom: -- Examples of Short-Circuited Lives2 Samuel 13:1-29
Parental FailureW. G. Blaikie, D. D.2 Samuel 13:1-29
Purity At All CostNewton Jones.2 Samuel 13:1-29
The Wickedness of AmnonJ. Parker, D. D.2 Samuel 13:1-29
Vengeance Upon the WrongdoerTytler's History2 Samuel 13:1-29
The Crime of AmnonB. Dale 2 Samuel 13:1-33
People
Absalom, Ammihud, Amnon, David, Jonadab, Shimeah, Talmai, Tamar
Places
Baal-hazor, Geshur, Jerusalem
Topics
Appareled, Apparelled, Attendant, Behind, Bolted, Clad, Coat, Colors, Colours, Daughters, Divers, Door, Dressed, Garment, Kind, King's, Locked, Locking, Long-sleeved, Manner, Ornamented, Past, Richly, Robe, Robes, Servant, Sleeves, Taketh, Themselves, Thus, Upper, Various, Vest, Virgin, Virgins, Wearing, Wore
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Samuel 13:18

     5145   clothing
     5177   robes

2 Samuel 13:1-19

     5707   male and female

2 Samuel 13:1-20

     5737   sisters

2 Samuel 13:1-21

     5087   David, reign of

2 Samuel 13:1-22

     8340   self-respect

2 Samuel 13:1-33

     5661   brothers

2 Samuel 13:17-18

     5299   door

Library
Saurin -- Paul Before Felix and Drusilla
Jacques Saurin, the famous French Protestant preacher of the seventeenth century, was born at Nismes in 1677. He studied at Geneva and was appointed to the Walloon Church in London in 1701. The scene of his great life work was, however, the Hague, where he settled in 1705. He has been compared with Bossuet, tho he never attained the graceful style and subtilty which characterize the "Eagle of Meaux." The story is told of the famous scholar Le Clerc that he long refused to hear Saurin preach, on the
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 3

Blessed are they that Mourn
Blessed are they that mourn. Matthew 5:4 Here are eight steps leading to true blessedness. They may be compared to Jacob's Ladder, the top whereof reached to heaven. We have already gone over one step, and now let us proceed to the second: Blessed are they that mourn'. We must go through the valley of tears to paradise. Mourning were a sad and unpleasant subject to treat on, were it not that it has blessedness going before, and comfort coming after. Mourning is put here for repentance. It implies
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

No Sorrow Like Messiah's Sorrow
Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Behold, and see, if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow! A lthough the Scriptures of the Old Testament, the law of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophecies (Luke 24:44) , bear an harmonious testimony to MESSIAH ; it is not necessary to suppose that every single passage has an immediate and direct relation to Him. A method of exposition has frequently obtained [frequently been in vogue], of a fanciful and allegorical cast [contrivance], under the pretext
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Exhortations to Christians as they are Children of God
1 There is a bill of indictment against those who declare to the world they are not the children of God: all profane persons. These have damnation written upon their forehead. Scoffers at religion. It were blasphemy to call these the children of God. Will a true child jeer at his Father's picture? Drunkards, who drown reason and stupefy conscience. These declare their sin as Sodom. They are children indeed, but cursed children' (2 Peter 2:14). 2 Exhortation, which consists of two branches. (i) Let
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Repentance
Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.' Acts 11: 18. Repentance seems to be a bitter pill to take, but it is to purge out the bad humour of sin. By some Antinomian spirits it is cried down as a legal doctrine; but Christ himself preached it. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent,' &c. Matt 4: 17. In his last farewell, when he was ascending to heaven, he commanded that Repentance should be preached in his name.' Luke 24: 47. Repentance is a pure gospel grace.
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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