2 Samuel 13:18

So Amnon's attendant threw her out and bolted the door behind her. Now Tamar was wearing a robe of many colors, because this is what the king's virgin daughters wore.

Study Bible

So Amnon’s attendant threw her out and bolted the door behind her.
This phrase highlights the aftermath of Amnon's grievous sin against his half-sister Tamar. The act of throwing her out signifies the complete rejection and disgrace Tamar faced after being violated. In ancient Near Eastern culture, such an act would have been seen as a severe dishonor, not only to Tamar but also to her family. The bolting of the door symbolizes the finality and harshness of Amnon's rejection, leaving Tamar with no recourse or protection. This action reflects the broader theme of sin leading to further sin and the breakdown of familial relationships, a recurring theme in the narrative of David's family. The attendant's role in this act also underscores the complicity and normalization of wrongdoing within the royal household.

Now Tamar was wearing a robe of many colors,
The robe of many colors is significant as it denotes Tamar's status as a virgin daughter of the king. This type of garment was a symbol of purity and royal privilege, setting her apart in society. The mention of the robe draws a parallel to Joseph's coat of many colors in Genesis 37:3, which also signified favor and distinction but led to jealousy and betrayal. The robe's description emphasizes the tragedy of Tamar's situation, as her outward appearance of honor and purity starkly contrasts with the violation she suffered. This garment, once a symbol of her dignity, becomes a poignant reminder of her lost innocence and the injustice she endured.

because this is what the king’s virgin daughters wore.
This phrase provides cultural and historical context, indicating that the king's virgin daughters had a specific dress code that signified their status and role within the royal family. It underscores the societal expectations and protections afforded to them, which were tragically violated in Tamar's case. The mention of the king's daughters wearing such robes also highlights the broader implications of Amnon's sin, as it was not just a personal transgression but an affront to the royal family and the societal order. This detail serves to heighten the sense of injustice and the failure of the king, David, to protect his children, foreshadowing the further turmoil and consequences that would arise within his household.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Amnon
The eldest son of King David, who committed a grievous sin against his half-sister Tamar.

2. Tamar
The daughter of King David, known for her beauty and innocence, who suffered greatly at the hands of her half-brother Amnon.

3. David
The King of Israel, father to both Amnon and Tamar, whose family faced turmoil and tragedy.

4. The Servant
An unnamed servant of Amnon who followed orders to expel Tamar from the house.

5. The Robe of Many Colors
A garment symbolizing Tamar's status as a virgin daughter of the king, highlighting her purity and the gravity of the violation against her.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
Sin, especially within families, can have devastating and far-reaching consequences. Amnon's actions led to a chain of events that brought great sorrow to David's house.

The Importance of Purity
Tamar's robe symbolized her purity, which was tragically violated. This highlights the value God places on purity and the protection of the innocent.

The Role of Authority
David's lack of intervention in his children's lives serves as a cautionary tale about the responsibilities of those in authority to uphold justice and righteousness.

The Need for Repentance
While Amnon did not repent, the broader account of David's life shows the importance of turning back to God after sin.

God's Justice and Mercy
Despite human failure, God's justice prevails, and His mercy is available to those who seek it.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Amnon and Tamar illustrate the consequences of ignoring God's laws regarding relationships?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are protecting the purity and dignity of those around us, especially within our families?

3. How does David's response (or lack thereof) to Amnon's sin challenge us in our roles as leaders or parents?

4. What steps can we take to cultivate a heart that seeks purity and resists lust, as taught by Jesus in the New Testament?

5. How can we find hope and healing in God's justice and mercy when we or others have been wronged?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 37:3
The robe of many colors is reminiscent of Joseph's coat, symbolizing favor and status, which also led to familial conflict.

Leviticus 18:9
The law explicitly forbids the kind of relationship Amnon pursued, underscoring the sinfulness of his actions.

Psalm 51
David's psalm of repentance, which can be seen as a broader reflection on the consequences of sin within his family.

Matthew 5:28
Jesus' teaching on lust, which speaks to the heart condition that led to Amnon's sin.

Galatians 6:7-8
The principle of sowing and reaping, which is evident in the unfolding consequences of Amnon's actions.