2 Samuel 13:1-20 - Amnon Assaults His Sister Tamar
1 David had a beautiful daughter named Tamar. She was Absalom's sister. She was also the half sister of Amnon. Amnon fell in love with her. 2 Tamar was a virgin. Amnon could not think of a way to be alone with her. He was so upset about it that he made himself sick. 3 Amnon had a friend named Jonadab. He was the son of David's brother Shimeah. Jonadab usually knew how to get what he wanted. 4 Jonadab said to Amnon: You are the king's son. Even so day after day I see you looking sad. What is the problem? Amnon answered: I am in love with Tamar, the sister of my half brother Absalom.
5 Jonadab said: Pretend that you are sick and go to bed. When your father comes to see you, say to him: 'Please ask my sister Tamar to come and feed me. I want her to fix the food here where I can see her. Then she can serve it to me.'
6 So Amnon went to bed and pretended that he was sick. King David went to see him. Amnon said: Please have Tamar come and make a few cakes here where I can see her. Then she can serve them to me.
7 David sent word to Tamar at the palace: Go to Amnon's house and fix him some food.
8 She went there and found him in bed. She prepared dough and made some cakes there where he could see her. Then she baked the cakes. 9 Tamar emptied them out of the pan for him to eat. But he refused to eat. He said: Send everyone away. So they all left. 10 He said to her: Bring the cakes here to my bed and serve them to me. She took the cakes and went over to him. 11 She offered them to him. He grabbed her and said: Come to bed with me!
12 She said: No! Do not force me to do this disgraceful thing. It is evil. 13 How could I ever hold up my head in public again? And you, you would be completely disgraced in Israel. Please speak to the king. I am sure he will give me to you. 14 Amnon wouldn't listen to her. He grabbed his sister and raped her.
15 After that Amnon developed an intense hatred for her. His hatred for her was greater than the lust he felt for her. Get out of here, he told her.
16 She said: No, You do a greater wrong by sending me away than the other thing you did to me! He would not listen to her. 17 He called his servant and said: Throw this woman out and lock the door! 18 The servant forced her to leave. He locked the door behind her. The king's unmarried daughters used to wear long robes with sleeves. 19 Tamar tore the robe she was wearing. She put ashes on her head. Then she covered her face with her hands. She cried loudly as she walked away.
20 Tamar's brother Absalom said to her: How could Amnon have done such a terrible thing to you! But since he is your brother, do not tell anyone what happened. Just try not to think about it. Tamar soon moved into Absalom's house. She was always sad and lonely.