Bible Commentaries

And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name [was] ^a Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.

(a) Tamar was Absalom's sister both by father and mother, and Amnon's only by father.

And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she [was] a ^b virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her.

(b) And therefore kept her father's house, as virgins were accustomed.

And Jonadab said unto him, ^c Lay thee down on thy bed, and make thyself sick: and when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto him, I pray thee, let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat, and dress the meat in my sight, that I may see [it], and eat [it] at her hand.

(c) Here we see that there is no enterprise so wicked that it cannot be encouraged to further wickedness.

So Amnon lay down, and made himself sick: and when the king was come to see him, Amnon said unto the king, I pray thee, let Tamar my sister come, and make me a couple of ^d cakes in my sight, that I may eat at her hand.

(d) Meaning, some delicate and dainty meat.

And she took a pan, and ^e poured [them] out before him; but he refused to eat. And Amnon said, Have out all men from ^f me. And they went out every man from him.

(e) That is, she served them on a dish.

(f) For the wicked are ashamed to do that before men, which they are not afraid to commit in the sight of God.

And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of ^g the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee.

(g) As a lewd and wicked person.

And [she had] a garment of ^h divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king's daughters [that were] virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her.

(h) For that which was of various colours or pieces, in those days was greatly esteemed, (Genesis 37:3) ; (Judges 5:30).

And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? but ⁱ hold now thy peace, my sister: he [is] thy brother; regard not this thing. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house.

(i) For though he conceived sudden vengeance in his heart, yet he concealed it till an opportunity arose, and comforted his sister.

And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baalhazor, which [is] beside Ephraim: and ^k Absalom invited all the king's sons.

(k) That is, to a banquet, thinking by it to fulfil his wicked purpose.

Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother ^l Amnon go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go with thee?

(l) Pretending to the king that Amnon was most dear to him.

Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not ^m I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.

(m) Such is the pride of the wicked masters, that in all their wicked commandments they think to be obeyed.

Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the ⁿ earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent.

(n) Lamenting, as he that felt the wrath of God on his house, (2 Samuel 12:10).

And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come: as thy servant said, ^o so it is.

(o) That only Amnon is dead.

But Absalom fled, and went to ^p Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And [David] mourned for his son every day.

(p) For Maachah his mother was the daughter of this Talmai, (2 Samuel 3:3).