Read 2 Samuel 13:1-20

A woman was on her way to an elegant charity event in New York City. She had gone to great lengths to make herself ready: her hair was perfectly styled, her dress was beautifully draped, and her jewelry sparkled in the streetlights. As she was preparing to enter the building, however, a car drove by and splashed mud from a nearby puddle all over her. Through circumstances beyond her control, her appearance was completely marred and she was no longer fit to attend the party.

Tamar’s shame came upon her in an unforeseen and uninvited manner, through no fault or choice of her own. She savored her status as a royal princess, wearing the beautiful robes that signified her virginity (v. 18). She went to her brother’s house only out of obedience to her father, King David. When it became obvious that Amnon’s intention was dishonorable and repulsive, she did all within her power to stop him.

But despite her best efforts, Tamar was violated. Her purity was stolen from her and replaced with overwhelming shame. She tried to make things right by pleading with Amnon to marry her. But he rejected her altogether, completing her degradation by summoning a servant to shove her out the door.

Locked out, abandoned, and defiled, Tamar felt the full weight of her shame. She was too upright to pretend that nothing had happened. Her only recourse was to show her shame, to act out the disgrace that she felt on the inside. She ruined her beautiful clothes and covered her head with ashes.

The text says that David was furious, but we have no record that he made any attempt to comfort his daughter or punish his wicked son Amnon (v. 21). Though she had no choice in the matter, Tamar was left to bear the disgrace, a desolate woman.

APPLY THE WORD

We offer a great gift by allowing people to acknowledge their shame and grieve what they have lost. Ignoring it will not bring healing. If you have been molested, abused, or trafficked, you may need the help of a trained counselor. Your local church may be able to help direct you to Christian counseling resources.

http://www.todayintheword.org