2 Samuel 13:17

Instead, he called to his attendant and said, "Throw this woman out and bolt the door behind her!"

Study Bible

He called his attendant
The Hebrew word for "attendant" is "na'ar," which can mean a young man or servant. In the context of ancient Israel, attendants were often trusted servants who carried out the personal orders of their masters. This phrase highlights the authority and power dynamics at play, as Amnon, the son of King David, uses his position to command others to do his bidding, reflecting a misuse of power and a lack of moral integrity.

and said
The act of speaking in biblical narratives often carries significant weight, as words are seen as powerful and binding. In this context, Amnon's words are not just instructions but a reflection of his callousness and disregard for Tamar's dignity. The Hebrew verb "amar" is used here, emphasizing the direct and authoritative nature of his command.

'Throw this woman out
The phrase "throw this woman out" is harsh and dehumanizing. The Hebrew verb "shalach" means to send away or dismiss, but in this context, it conveys a sense of forceful expulsion. Amnon's use of "this woman" instead of Tamar's name further objectifies her, reducing her to a mere problem to be disposed of rather than a person deserving of respect and compassion.

and bolt the door behind her
Bolting the door signifies a finality and a desire to prevent any return or reconciliation. The Hebrew word "na'al" means to lock or secure, indicating Amnon's intent to completely sever any connection with Tamar after his grievous act. This action symbolizes the closing off of any opportunity for justice or redemption at that moment, highlighting the severity of Tamar's plight and the societal failure to protect and honor her.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Amnon
The eldest son of King David, who is the central figure in this passage. He commits a grievous sin against his half-sister Tamar.

2. Tamar
The daughter of King David and sister of Absalom, who is wronged by Amnon. Her account is one of innocence and victimization.

3. David's Household
The royal family of Israel, which is the setting for this tragic event. The dynamics within this family are complex and fraught with tension.

4. The Servant
An unnamed servant of Amnon, who is instructed to remove Tamar from the room, highlighting the callousness of Amnon's actions.

5. The Event
The aftermath of Amnon's sin against Tamar, where he cruelly dismisses her, compounding his wrongdoing.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
Amnon's actions serve as a stark reminder of how sin can lead to devastating consequences, not only for the sinner but also for those around them.

The Importance of Justice
This passage highlights the need for justice and protection for the vulnerable, emphasizing the role of leaders and communities in upholding righteousness.

The Role of Repentance
While Amnon does not repent, the broader account of David's family underscores the necessity of repentance and seeking God's forgiveness.

The Impact of Family Dynamics
The dysfunction within David's family serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of healthy family relationships and the dangers of favoritism and neglect.

God's Sovereignty Amidst Human Failure
Despite the failures of individuals, God's sovereign plan continues to unfold, offering hope and redemption even in the darkest situations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Amnon's treatment of Tamar reflect the broader issues of justice and righteousness in society today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are protecting and advocating for the vulnerable in our communities, as seen in the failure of David's household to protect Tamar?

3. How does the principle of sowing and reaping, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8, apply to the events in 2 Samuel 13 and our own lives?

4. What steps can we take to foster healthy family dynamics and prevent the kind of dysfunction seen in David's family?

5. How can we find hope and assurance in God's sovereignty when faced with the consequences of human sin and failure?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 34
The account of Dinah, another account of sexual violence in the Bible, which parallels Tamar's experience and highlights the recurring theme of injustice against women.

Leviticus 18:9
This verse outlines the prohibitions against incestuous relationships, which Amnon violates, showing his disregard for God's law.

Psalm 51
David's psalm of repentance, which, while not directly related to this event, reflects the broader theme of sin and the need for repentance within David's family.

Galatians 6:7-8
The principle of sowing and reaping, which can be seen in the consequences that follow Amnon's actions and the eventual turmoil in David's household.