Tamar, a daughter of King David, is a significant yet tragic figure in the biblical narrative, primarily known for the grievous events that led to her desolation. Her account is recounted in 2 Samuel 13, where she is described as a beautiful and virtuous young woman, the sister of Absalom and half-sister to Amnon, David's eldest son.

The account begins with Amnon's illicit desire for Tamar. Despite being his half-sister, Amnon becomes infatuated with her to the point of obsession. The text in 2 Samuel 13:2 states, "Amnon was frustrated to the point of illness on account of his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed impossible for him to do anything to her." This verse highlights the intensity of Amnon's lust and the societal constraints that initially prevented him from acting on his desires.

Amnon's friend and cousin, Jonadab, devises a deceitful plan to facilitate Amnon's access to Tamar. Pretending to be ill, Amnon requests that Tamar come to his quarters to prepare food for him. Unaware of his intentions, Tamar complies, demonstrating her innocence and obedience. However, once alone, Amnon's true intentions are revealed. Despite Tamar's protests and reasoning, as recorded in 2 Samuel 13:12-13 , "No, my brother!" she cried. "Do not humiliate me, for such a thing should never be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing! Where could I ever take my shame? And you would be like one of the fools in Israel. Please speak to the king, for he will not withhold me from you." Amnon ignores her pleas and forcibly violates her.

The aftermath of this violation is devastating for Tamar. Amnon's immediate shift from lust to loathing is starkly described in 2 Samuel 13:15 : "Then Amnon hated Tamar with such intensity that his hatred was greater than the love he had previously felt. 'Get up!' he said to her. 'Be gone!'" This rejection compounds Tamar's suffering, leaving her desolate and disgraced.

Tamar's response to her violation is one of profound grief and mourning. She tears her robe, a symbol of her virginity, and places ashes on her head, as noted in 2 Samuel 13:19 : "Tamar put ashes on her head and tore the robe of many colors she was wearing. She put her hand on her head and went away, crying aloud as she went." This public display of mourning signifies her deep sorrow and the irreversible change in her status.

Absalom, Tamar's brother, takes her into his home, offering her protection and a semblance of familial support. However, the text implies that Tamar remains in a state of desolation, as she is described as living "a desolate woman in the house of her brother Absalom" (2 Samuel 13:20). This phrase captures the enduring impact of her trauma and the societal implications of her assault.

King David's reaction to the incident is one of anger, yet he fails to take decisive action against Amnon, his firstborn. This lack of justice contributes to the tension within David's family and sets the stage for Absalom's eventual rebellion. Absalom's murder of Amnon, two years later, is a direct consequence of the unresolved injustice done to Tamar.

Tamar's account is a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of women in ancient Israelite society and the severe consequences of sexual violence. Her desolation is emblematic of the broader themes of sin, justice, and familial discord that permeate the narrative of David's reign.