MPV Commentary

6-8. Amnon pretended to be ill in order to get Tamar to come and make him some cakes. He referred to her as his sister, a term he used to deceive their father. The request seemed harmless, especially since it was for a sick person's comfort. Their father agreed to send her.

Tamar, flattered by the invitation, quickly prepared the cakes in her brother's house. 12-14. When Tamar arrived, Amnon told her not to force him to do anything, but his lustful passion had already taken control of him. He was determined to carry out his wicked plan despite Tamar's objections.

Tamar tried to reason with him, but he refused to listen. She suggested that he speak to their father, who would not deny her to him. It is likely that she said this in an attempt to escape from Amnon's clutches for the time being.

15. After committing his atrocity, Amnon suddenly felt intense hatred towards Tamar. This sudden change of heart was due to the overwhelming guilt and shame he felt after his actions. The presence of Tamar became unbearable for him.

17. Ammon ordered that the door be bolted behind her as she left. In Eastern households, the street door is typically barred with wooden bolts. However, in large mansions, a porter stands at the entrance, making this precaution unnecessary. Amnon's unusual order indicates his intense emotional turmoil.

18. Tamar was wearing a garment of diverse colors, which was a distinctive mark of royalty and reserved for young women of high rank. These colorful garments were now more common due to advancements in textile manufacturing.

19-20. Tamar put ashes on her head and tore her garment as a sign of mourning. She also covered her face with her hand and wept. In Eastern culture, this behavior would be seen as a strong expression of grief over the injury she had suffered. Absalom immediately understood what had happened when he saw these signs.

Absalom advised Tamar to remain silent about the incident and not reveal their family's shame. However, he secretly nursed his anger and waited for an opportunity to avenge his sister's wrongs and further his own ambitions.

20. As a result of her brother's protection, Tamar remained in Absalom's household, isolated from the rest of the family.

23-27. Absalom was hosting sheep-shearers at Baal-hazor, near Ephraim. He invited their father, King David, and the royal court to attend the festivities. However, the king declined due to the significant expense involved in receiving royalty. Absalom then limited the invitation to his brothers, which David agreed to, hoping that it would promote brotherly harmony and unity.