Reading for May 17th

Read 2 Samuel 13.12-22
In verse 12: Such a thing may refer to incest or rape or both.
In verse 13: Tamar suggests that David would allow their marriage despite its incestuous nature
In part, at least, she is trying to buy time.
In verse 16: Exodus 22.16 and Deut 22.28-29 require marriage in similar cases.
Tamar may have such laws in mind when she says that in sending her away Amnon is committing a greater wrong than the rape itself.
In verse 17: Having robbed Tamar of her virginity, Amnon takes her identity as well, contemptuously calling her this woman.
In verse 18:The exact nature of the long robe with sleeves is unknown.
The same expression is used for Joseph's garment in Gen 37.3.
In verse 19: Putting ashes on the head and tearing the clothes were signs of grief,
 though Tamar may also have torn the long robe worn by the king's virgin daughters because it was no longer appropriate.
In verse 20: By desolate is meant unmarried.
In verse 22: Neither good nor bad means not at all.
It indicates Absalom's silence and his self-restraint.
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