◄ 2 Samuel 13:20 ►
Her brother Absalom said to her, "Has your brother Amnon been with you? Be quiet for now, my sister. He is your brother. Do not take this thing to heart." So Tamar lived as a desolate woman in the house of her brother Absalom. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 13:20? 2. How does Absalom's response in 2 Samuel 13:20 reflect family dynamics today? 3. What can we learn about handling trauma from Absalom's advice to Tamar? 4. How does 2 Samuel 13:20 connect with biblical teachings on justice and forgiveness? 5. In what ways can we support victims of injustice, as seen in this passage? 6. How should Christians respond to family conflicts, based on Absalom's actions? 7. Why did Absalom tell Tamar to keep silent about her assault in 2 Samuel 13:20? 8. How does 2 Samuel 13:20 reflect on the treatment of women in biblical times? 9. What does Absalom's reaction in 2 Samuel 13:20 reveal about family dynamics in ancient Israel? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 13? 11. Are there any archaeological discoveries or historical records supporting the events in 2 Samuel 13? 12. How do we reconcile the events of 2 Samuel 13:1–22 with biblical laws condemning incest and rape? 13. What lessons does Amnon's story in the Bible teach? 14. What was King Abijah's mother's name: Michaiah (2 Chronicles 13:2) or Maachah (2 Chronicles 11:20), given Absalom's only daughter was Tamar (2 Samuel 14:27)? Discussion Questions 1. How does the account of Tamar and Amnon reflect the broader theme of sin and its consequences in the Bible? 2. In what ways can we seek justice for those who have been wronged, as seen in the account of Tamar? 3. How can we balance the need for silence and speaking out in situations of injustice, as illustrated by Absalom's advice to Tamar? 4. What are some practical ways we can offer comfort to those who feel desolate, drawing from biblical principles? 5. How can the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation be applied in our own family dynamics, in light of the events in 2 Samuel 13? 2 Samuel 13 Bible Study Questions 1. Reflect on Amnon's destructive "love" for Tamar. How does his behavior deviate from the biblical definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7? 2. How did Jonadab's counsel to Amnon exacerbate the situation? What does this teach about the significance of the advice we give and receive? 3. Why do you think King David did not take any action against Amnon? How might David's own past sin with Bathsheba affect his ability to administer justice in this case? 4. Absalom's revenge resulted in murder. Discuss alternative approaches Absalom could have taken for justice. 5. How did Tamar's violation impact her life and her family's dynamic? 6. How does the treatment of Tamar reflect the culture and attitudes of her time? How does this compare to current day issues of violence against women? 7. How might Tamar's story inspire advocacy for victims of sexual violence today? 8. What does this chapter teach about the long-term impacts of sin on individuals and their families? 9. Reflect on David's reaction when he hears about Amnon's death. How might he be dealing with the consequences of his family's disarray? 10. In what ways does this story reflect societal issues today? 11. In the light of this chapter, how can the Church better support victims of sexual abuse? 12. How can families today learn from the negative examples of communication and relationships in David's family? 13. How could intervention have changed the outcome of this story? 14. What does this chapter teach us about the danger of unchecked desires? 15. If you were a friend of Tamar, how would you comfort and help her during her ordeal? 16. How does the story demonstrate the consequences of passive leadership? 17. What steps could David have taken to prevent this tragedy within his family? 18. How can we use Tamar's story to educate and prevent similar instances of harm today? 19. In what ways can our own passions mislead us, as Amnon's did him? 20. How can this tragic event encourage believers to engage more actively in advocating for justice? Links 2 Samuel 13:20 NIV 2 Samuel 13:20 NLT 2 Samuel 13:20 ESV 2 Samuel 13:20 NASB 2 Samuel 13:20 KJV 2 Samuel 13:20 Commentaries Bible Hub