2Sa 13:1-6 | Clarke | STEP | Amnon falls in love with his half-sister Tamar, and feigns himself sick, and requests her to attend him, . David sends her to him, and he violates her, . He then hates her, and expels her from his house, , She rends her garments, puts ashes on her head, and goes forth weeping, , . She is met by Absalom her brother, who, understanding her case, determines the death of Amnon, . Two years after, he invites all his brothers to a sheep-shearing, when he orders his servants to murder Amnon, . Tidings come to David that Absalom has slain all the king's sons, which fill him with the bitterest distress, , . The rest soon arrive, and he finds that Amnon only is killed, . Absalom flees to Talmai, king of Geshur, where he remains three years, , . David longs after Absalom, having become reconciled to the death of Amnon, . Verse 1 Whose name was Tamar - Tamar was the daughter of David and Maacah, daughter of the king of Geshur, and the uterine sister of Absalom. Amnon was David's eldest son by Ahinoam. She was therefore sister to Amnon only by the father's side, i.e., half-sister; but whole sister to Absalom.

‏ 2 Samuel 13:1-6

Introduction

Amnon falls in love with his half-sister Tamar, and feigns himself sick, and requests her to attend him, 2Sam 13:1-6. David sends her to him, and he violates her, 2Sam 13:7-14. He then hates her, and expels her from his house, 2Sam 13:15-17, She rends her garments, puts ashes on her head, and goes forth weeping, 2Sam 13:18, 2Sam 13:19. She is met by Absalom her brother, who, understanding her case, determines the death of Amnon, 2Sam 13:20-22. Two years after, he invites all his brothers to a sheep-shearing, when he orders his servants to murder Amnon, 2Sam 13:23-29. Tidings come to David that Absalom has slain all the king's sons, which fill him with the bitterest distress, 2Sam 13:30, 2Sam 13:31. The rest soon arrive, and he finds that Amnon only is killed, 2Sam 13:32-36. Absalom flees to Talmai, king of Geshur, where he remains three years, 2Sam 13:37, 2Sam 13:38. David longs after Absalom, having become reconciled to the death of Amnon, 2Sam 13:39.

Verse 1

Whose name was Tamar - Tamar was the daughter of David and Maacah, daughter of the king of Geshur, and the uterine sister of Absalom. Amnon was David's eldest son by Ahinoam. She was therefore sister to Amnon only by the father's side, i.e., half-sister; but whole sister to Absalom. Verse 2

Amnon was so vexed - for she was a virgin - It has been well remarked that "the passion of love is nowhere so wasting and vexatious, as where it is unlawful. A quick sense of guilt, especially where it is enormous, as in the present instance, strikes the soul with horror; and the impossibility of an innocent gratification loads that horror with desperation: a conflict too cruel and too dreadful for human bearing." - Delaney. Verse 3

Jonadab was a very subtle man - And most diabolic advice did he give to his cousin. We talk of the simplicity and excellence of primitive times! "Say not thou what is the cause that the former days were better than these." Take them altogether, we may thank God that they are past, and pray him that they may never return.