Reading for May 12th

 Read 2 Samuel 13.1-22. In 13.1-22: The rape of Tamar. In verse 1: Tamar was Absalom's full sister but Amnon's half-sister. David was the father of all three, but Tamar's and Absalom's mother was different from Amnon's. In verse 2;  As a virgin daughter of the king, Tamar was probably guarded  and therefore it seems impossible to Amnon to do anything to her. In verse 6; The word for cakes is similar to the Hebrew word for "heart." This may describe their shape.it also suggests Amnon's love. In verse 11: The term my sister reflects the kinship of Amnon and Tamar. It is also common in the ancient love poetry and expresses his sexual desire (compare Son 4.9-10; 5.1). 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 required 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 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 not bad means not at all. It indicates Absalom's silence and his self-restraint. Comments or Questions..