2 Samuel 13:20
French Jerusalem 1998
Son frère Absalom lui dit: "Serait-ce que ton frère Amnon a été avec toi? Maintenant, ma soeur, tais-toi; c'est ton frère: ne prends pas cette affaire à coeur." Tamar demeura abandonnée, dans la maison de son frère Absalom.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, Absalom, Tamar's brother, is speaking to her after she was violated by her half-brother Amnon. He tells her to remain silent about what happened, assuring her that Amnon is her brother and she should not pay attention to this incident. Tamar then stays in Absalom's house feeling lost and alone.
Explained for Children
Imagine if your brother did something really bad to you, and your other brother told you to keep it a secret and not feel sad about it, even though it's hard. That's what's happening here. Tamar is sad and stays with her brother Absalom.
Historical Background
The Book of 2 Samuel was written by the prophet Nathan and others around the 9th century BCE. It records the history of King David, his family, and his kingdom. This verse reflects the complex family dynamics and social norms of ancient Israel.
Living It Out Today
In today's context, this verse can be applied to situations where someone has been hurt and others are trying to silence them. It's important to acknowledge the pain and not dismiss the impact of the actions of others, especially within families.
Topics
family dynamicsviolencesilencesibling relationshipspainforgiveness
Related Verses
Genesis 34:1-312 Samuel 13:28-32Deuteronomy 22:25-27Matthew 18:15-17Ephesians 4:25-32
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Absalom's advice to Tamar mean?
Absalom tells Tamar to remain silent and not regard the incident with Amnon, suggesting a culture that suppresses the voices of victims. This advice is problematic and reflects the social norms of the time.
How does Tamar feel after the incident?
Tamar remains desolate, indicating she is deeply hurt and probably feels lost, which reflects the psychological impact of the violation on her.
Why is this verse important for studying family dynamics?
This verse highlights the complex and often dysfunctional relationships within families, especially when dealing with trauma and abuse.
What does this verse teach us about the importance of speaking up?
The verse suggests that silence can be harmful. It's important to speak up and seek support when facing abuse or injustice, even within family settings.