Amnon and Tamar

Absalom, David’s son, had a sister named Tamar. She was beautiful, and Amnon, another of David’s sons, said he loved her. He became so troubled that he seemed sick. His friend Jonadab noticed and asked what was wrong. When Amnon told him about Tamar, Jonadab suggested a plan to bring her to him.

Amnon pretended to be sick. When King David came to see him, Amnon asked for Tamar to come and make food for him there in front of him. David sent word to Tamar, and she went to Amnon’s house. She took dough, made cakes in his sight, and baked them.

Then Amnon sent everyone else out. He told Tamar to bring the food into the inner room. When she came near, he grabbed her and told her to lie with him. Tamar pleaded with him not to force her. She spoke of the shame and wrong of it, but he would not listen. Because he was stronger, he forced her.

After that, Amnon hated Tamar with a hatred even greater than what he had called love. He told her to get up and leave. She said that sending her away was another great wrong, but he refused to listen. He ordered his servant to put her out and bolt the door. Tamar tore her robe, put ashes on her head, and went away crying aloud.

Absalom asked Tamar whether Amnon had been with her. He told her to keep silent, and Tamar stayed, desolate, in Absalom’s house. When King David heard what had happened, he was very angry. Absalom said nothing to Amnon, but he hated him because he had forced Tamar. What does this passage show about the deep harm caused by deceit and violence within a family?