Topical Encyclopedia Tamar, a figure of notable beauty in the Bible, is a character whose account is woven into the narrative of King David's family. Her tale is found primarily in 2 Samuel 13, where her beauty and tragic circumstances are detailed.Tamar was the daughter of King David and Maacah, making her a princess of Israel. She is described as "beautiful" in the Scriptures, a detail that sets the stage for the events that unfold in her life. Her beauty, while a gift, becomes a focal point of her account, leading to both admiration and tragedy. The narrative of Tamar is marked by her encounter with her half-brother Amnon, who becomes infatuated with her. The Bible records, "Amnon was so obsessed with his sister Tamar that he made himself ill. She was a virgin, and it seemed impossible for him to do anything to her" (2 Samuel 13:2). Amnon's obsession with Tamar's beauty leads him to devise a deceitful plan to be alone with her, ultimately resulting in her violation. Tamar's response to the assault is one of dignity and sorrow. She pleads with Amnon, saying, "No, my brother! Do not force me, for such a thing should not be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing!" (2 Samuel 13:12). Her words reflect her awareness of the moral and social implications of Amnon's actions, as well as her own sense of worth and dignity. After the incident, Tamar's life is marked by desolation. The Bible recounts, "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" (2 Samuel 13:19). Her beauty, once a symbol of her royal status and potential, becomes overshadowed by her grief and the injustice she suffers. Tamar's brother Absalom takes her into his home, offering her protection and a semblance of familial support. However, the narrative does not provide further details about her life beyond this point, leaving her account as a poignant reminder of the vulnerability and suffering that can accompany physical beauty. In the broader biblical context, Tamar's account serves as a cautionary tale about the misuse of power and the consequences of unchecked desires. Her beauty, while significant, is ultimately secondary to the themes of justice, dignity, and the need for righteous conduct that her account evokes. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 13:1And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her. Nave's Topical Index Library The virgin Mother to Her Child The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money ... How Absalom Murdered Amnon, who had Forced his Own Sister; and How ... How, when Absalom was Beaten, He was Caught in a Tree by his Hair ... Jehoshaphat Demonstration vi. --Of Monks. Index of Subjects. Repentance A Description of Heart-Purity The Nature of Spiritual Hunger Resources When does hygiene cross the line and become vanity? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is biblical womanhood? | GotQuestions.org Why does the Bible speak against braided hair? | GotQuestions.org Beauty: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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