2 Samuel 13
Bob Utley · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Samuel 13
Utley - "she was a virgin" This term is used to show (1) she was of marriageable age (2) she was strictly guarded by palace servants and was not allowed any private contact with a man, even her half-brother (read the account in chapter 8 in Josephus, Antiquities 7.8.1) (3) this heightens David's poor decision to order her to go to Amnon's house (v. 7; apparently all the kings sons had their own residences) David
2 Samuel 13
Utley - Tamar had no cultural options after being raped but to stay unmarried. Amnon was thinking only of himself! He saw her as an object, not a person, a sister! The UBS Handbook, p. 875, mentions the emphatic PRONOUNS "me" and "you." "What about me?" What about you?" This impetuous act would affect both of them and their family for life! Now therefore - Therefore introduces Tamar's conclusion based on her aforementioned logical (and godly) reasons for restraint! Please speak to the king - This is in the form of a command, but Amnon is in no mental or spiritual condition to hear righteous words or commands. For (term of explanation) he will not withhold me from you - This could be interpreted either that Tamar is saying that she thinks David might be willing to go against the Law of Moses and give Tamar to Amnon as a wife or that this is a ploy to try and talk Amnon out of raping her. The NIV says "he will not keep me from being married to you." (2Sa 13:13NIV) GWN has "He won't refuse your request to marry me." Reproach (02781) cherpah means scorn, disgrace, contempt (referring to a state of dishonor and low status), shame. It refers to the casting of blame or scorn on someone. The Lxx translates cherpah with the noun oneidos (used in NT only in Lk 1:25+) which refers to the loss of standing connected with disparaging speech = disgrace, reproach, insult, censure. Reproach in English describes censure mingled with contempt or derision. It expresses rebuke or disapproval. As an aside on the cross Christ bore the shame of our sin. Followers of Jesus are called to bear the reproach of Christ and to suffer for His name (2 Cor. 12:10; 1 Pet. 4:14). Scorn in English describes open dislike and disrespect or derision often mixed with indignation Disgrace in English refers to the state or condition of suffering loss of esteem and of enduring reproach, and often implies humiliation and sometimes ostracism 2 Samuel 13:14 However, he would not listen to her; since he was stronger than she, he violated her and lay with her. he violated (and forced) her and lay with her 2Sa 12:11 De 22:25-27 Jdg 20:5 Es 7:8 2 Samuel 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Deuteronomy 22:25-27+ “But if in the field the man finds the girl who is engaged, and the man forces her and lies with her, then only the man who lies with her shall die. 26 “But you shall do nothing to the girl; there is no sin in the girl worthy of death, for just as a man rises against his neighbor and murders him, so is this case. 27 “When he found her in the field, the engaged girl cried out, but there was no one to save her. Leviticus 18:11+ ‘The nakedness of your father’s wife’s daughter, born to your father, she is your sister, you shall not uncover her nakedness. Amnon Rapes Tamar LUST INFLAMED AMNON HAS NO EARS FOR TRUTH However - Term of contrast. Truth was spoken but not received. he would not listen to her - Are we surprised? His lust is in full control, on full throttle so to speak! He was blinded by his lust. Don't say that sin does not have power over our rational logical mind!!! This is why Paul warns gives us a warning command in Romans 6:12+ "do not let sin reign (present imperative with a negative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts." since he was stronger than she, he violated (and forced) her and lay with her - In a word he raped her! He overpowered her and proceeded to afflict and humiliate her by raping her. This evil act by Amnon was only the beginning of the fulfillment of God's prophecy "Behold, I will raise up evil against you from your own household!" (2Sa 12:11+). QUESTION: Why did Amnon rape Tamar? ANSWER: The sordid story of Amnon and Tamar is part of the disintegration of David’s family after his sin with Bathsheba. Amnon was the half-brother of Tamar, as they shared the same father, David. Tamar is described as a virgin and “beautiful,” and Amnon was highly attracted to her (2 Samuel 13:1–2). Amnon did not know what to do about his infatuation, and he soon confided in a friend named Jonadab. Jonadab was “very shrewd” and gave Amnon a plan, saying, “Go to bed and pretend to be ill. . . . When your father comes to see you, say to him, ‘I would like my sister Tamar to come and give me something to eat. Let her prepare the food in my sight so I may watch her and then eat it from her hand’” (2 Samuel 13:5). The idea was to get Amnon and Tamar alone together, and then Amnon could do as he pleased. Amnon followed this evil plan. He asked for his half-sister to bring him some food, and Tamar, out of obedience to her father and the kindness of her heart, did so. Amnon sent everyone else out of the room and asked Tamar to come closer. Rather than take the food she offered, Amnon grabbed Tamar and tried to wrestle her into the bed. Tamar firmly refused the incestuous relationship, crying out, “No, my brother! . . . Don’t do this wicked thing” (2 Samuel 13:12). Amnon then forced himself upon Tamar and raped her (2 Samuel 13:14). Afterwards, Amnon was said to hate Tamar more than he had “loved” her before the rape occurred—it was never really “love” at all, but brazen lust. Absalom, Tamar’s full-brother, found out about the deed, and so did David. David’s response was to become “furious” (2 Samuel 13:21), but he took no real action. Absalom cared for Tamar in his own home and would not speak to Amnon. Two years later Absalom commanded his servants to murder Amnon in revenge (2 Samuel 13:28–29). Absalom fled the country for a time and later returned to David. Why didn’t David punish Amnon for his sin against Tamar? Many reasons have been suggested. One likely reason is that Amnon was David’s son and that David had been guilty of sexual sin himself (in the case of Bathsheba)—therefore, in the case of Amnon and Tamar, he felt inadequate to judge. Another possible reason is that there was no witness to the crime. Amnon’s friend Jonadab had carefully orchestrated the crime to avoid the possibility of witnesses; therefore, there was no way to prove the crime according to Jewish law. Regardless of the reason, Absalom took matters into his own hands. He avenged Tamar by killing their half-brother Amnon, though it resulted in many problems for himself. Absalom lived away from his family for three years after the murder and then lived for an additional period in Jerusalem before seeing his father’s face. Absalom would also later seek to usurp his father’s throne, resulting in his own death. The wretched, tragic story of Amnon and Tamar highlights some of the problems associated with sexual sin and its aftermath. No one should experience the treatment Tamar endured, and it is important to respond to such situations with integrity and justice. David neglected justice, and Absalom implemented his own standards, creating additional problems in the process. Got Questions QUESTION - What does the Bible say about rape? Watch the associated video. ANSWER - The Bible does address the issue of rape. As expected, when the Bible mentions the crime of rape, it is depicted as a gross violation of God’s design for the treatment of the human body (Genesis 34). The Bible condemns rape whenever it is mentioned. For example, there is a particular passage in the laws given to the nation of Israel before entering the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership. This passage (Deuteronomy 22:23–29) spoke directly against forcing a woman into a sexual encounter against her will, or what we know today as rape. This command was meant to protect women and to protect the nation of Israel from committing sinful actions. Deuteronomy 22:23–27 gives guidelines on what constituted rape and specifies the punishment for a man who raped a betrothed woman. In a sexual assault, the betrothed woman was responsible to actively resist the rapist, if possible—she was to “scream for help” (Deuteronomy 22:24). If she failed to resist when she could have done so, the law viewed the situation as consensual sex, not rape, and both parties were guilty. If the assault took place in an isolated area, the law gave the woman the benefit of the doubt, assuming she had resisted her attacker, and she was not held culpable (Deuteronomy 22:27). The law stipulated that a rapist was to be killed by stoning (Deuteronomy 22:25). Though the Mosaic Law was for the nation of Israel during the time of Moses, the principle is clear that rape is sinful in the eyes of God and, under the law, led to the most extreme punishment possible—death for the rapist. There are some difficult passages in the Old Testament in relation to this issue. One is Deuteronomy 22:28–29, “If a man happens to meet a virgin who is not pledged to be married and rapes her and they are discovered, he shall pay her father fifty shekels of silver. He must marry the young woman, for he has violated her. He can never divorce her as long as he lives.” If the rape victim was not betrothed, then the rapist faced different consequences. We must see Deuteronomy 22:28–29 through the lens of ancient culture. In those days, social convention treated women poorly. They couldn’t own property. They couldn’t get a job to support themselves. If a woman had no father, husband, or son, she had no legal protection. Her options were slavery or prostitution. If an unmarried woman wasn’t a virgin, it was extremely difficult for her to get married. If she wasn’t marriageable, her father didn’t have much use for her. God’s punishment on the rapist of a virgin—a monetary fine and lifelong responsibility—was designed to deter rape by holding the rapist responsible for his actions. He ruined her life; it was his responsibility to support her for the rest of her life. This may not sound fair to modern ears, but we don’t live in the same culture they did. In 2 Samuel 13, Prince Amnon raped his half-sister, Tamar. The horror and shame of being violated yet unmarried made Tamar beg him to marry her (her half-brother!), even after he had rejected her. And her full-brother, Absalom, was so disgusted with the situation that he murdered Amnon. That’s how highly virginity in women was prized back then. Critics of the Bible also point to Numbers 31 (and similar passages) in which the Israelites were allowed to take female captives from nations they conquered. Critics say this is an example of the Bible’s condoning or even promoting rape. However, the passage says nothing about raping the captive women. It is wrong to assume that the captive women were to be raped. The soldiers were commanded to purify themselves and their captives (verse 19). Rape would have violated this command (see Leviticus 15:16–18). The women who were taken captive are never referred to as sexual objects. Did the captive women likely eventually marry amongst the Israelites? Yes. Is there any indication that rape or sex slavery was forced upon the women? Absolutely not. In the New Testament, rape is not mentioned directly, but within the Jewish culture of the day, rape would have been considered sexual immorality. Jesus and the apostles spoke against sexual immorality, even offering it as justifiable grounds for divorce (Matthew 5:32). Further, the New Testament is clear that Christians are to obey the laws of their governing authorities (Romans 13). Not only is rape morally wrong; it is also wrong according to the laws of the land. As such, anyone who would commit this crime should expect to pay the consequences, including arrest and imprisonment. To the victims of rape, we must offer much care and compassion. God’s Word often speaks about helping those in need and in vulnerable situations. Christians should model the love and compassion of Christ by assisting victims of rape in any way possible. People are responsible for the sins they commit, including rape. However, no one is beyond the grace of God. Even to those who have committed the vilest of sins, God can extend forgiveness if they repent and turn from their evil ways (1 John 1:9). This does not remove the need for punishment according to the law, but it can offer hope and the way to a new life.GotQuestions.org Related Resource: Why did God allow incest in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org 2 Samuel 13:15 Then Amnon hated her with a very great hatred; for the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, "Get up, go away!" hated her: Eze 23:17 2 Samuel 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Exodus 20:5+ “You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers (THINK OF DAVID'S LUST) on the children, on the third and the fourth generations (FIRST AMNON, THEN SOLOMON) of those who hate Me, AMNON DESPISES "THIS WOMAN!" Then - When? After he had gratified his flesh. This proves his love was really lust, like father like son! David Guzik makes a good point "In this single-minded lust, Amnon only built upon the example of his father David. David was never this dominated by lust, but he was pointed in the same direction. David’s multiple marriages (2Sa 3:2-5) and his adultery with Bathsheba (2Sa 11:2-4) displayed this same tendency.. This is often how the iniquity of the fathers is carried on by the children to the third and fourth generations (Ex 20:5). A child will often model a parent’s sinful behavior and may go further in the of sin the parent. Amnon hated her with a very great hatred; for the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her - Why did his "love" turn to hate? First, he did not truly love her in a godly, righteous way. His love was more akin to lust. Second, his conscience kicked back in, now that his lust was temporarily satisfied. And it is almost as if he is blaming her for being so beautiful and so enticing. Hebrews 11:25+ says Moses did not desire to "to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin." Amnon enjoyed the passing pleasures for a moment, but the pleasure now was past and he immediately felt the bitterness of stolen water which seemed sweet (Pr 9:17), for it left a bitter taste in his mouth! He wanted every reminder of his sin to be put far away and Tamar was a clear reminder! Perhaps he began to get a sense of what he had done, centuries later Paul writing that "it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret." (Eph 5:12). Amnon's lust when gratified turned to hatred, for he hated the sin he had just committed and by default hated the one with whom he had committed it. It is good to hate sin, but it is best to hate it become committing it, not after! And Amnon said to her, "Get up, go away - Notice she appears to be still lying down, possibly not even yet fully dressed! He is a sexual abuser and he could care less, as evidenced by issuing two strong commands, likely words that were not whispered but shouted! J D Greear - The scene that follows conforms to a familiar pattern in sexual abuse. “Amnon hated Tamar,” the text tells us, “with such intensity that the hatred he hated her with was greater than the love he had loved her with” (2Sa13:15). The man (or woman) driven by lust is not consumed with desire for a person but for a selfish pleasure. Once the pleasure is grasped, the person is discarded. As C. S. Lewis put it, “How much he [the lustful man] cares about the woman as such may be gauged by his attitude to her five minutes after fruition (one does not keep the carton after one has smoked the cigarettes)” (Borrow The Four Loves, page 108). (Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Samuel) Smith writes - “Let me give a friendly, fatherly tip unto all of you young girls, who may be in the position of Tamar, in that you have some fellow who is really pressing hard to have sex with you. He is the soul of kindness. He is very attentive. He calls all the time. He opens the door for you. He brings you flowers, but he’s pushing hard for a sexual relationship. Don’t give in. If you really love him, make him wait until you’re married. If he really loves you, he will. Over and over, time and again, the fellow will press and press until he has taken you to bed, and that’s the last you see or hear from him. You’re no longer a challenge. He’s conquered, and he’s off for new conquests. If you really love him and want him, make him wait. If you really love God, and love yourself, make him wait.” 2 Samuel 13:16 But she said to him, "No, because this wrong in sending me away is greater than the other that you have done to me!" Yet he would not listen to her. 2 Samuel 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries TAMAR PROTESTS BANISHMENT But she said to him, "No, because this wrong in sending me away is greater than the other that you have done to me!" - Why was it a greater wrong. If she was aware of and was in some way alluding to the Mosaic Law, the Law declared "the man who lay with her shall give to the girl's father fifty shekels of silver, and she shall become his wife because he has violated her; he cannot divorce her all his days." (Dt 22:29) David