Tamar

Tamar was a princess of Israel, the daughter of King David and sister of Absalom in 2 Samuel in the Hebrew Bible. In the biblical narrative, she is raped by her half-brother Amnon. Early life Tamar was the daughter of King David and Maacah, who was the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur. Absalom was her brother and Amnon her half-brother. The Bible does not speak of Tamar's early life; however, in 2 Samuel 13, she is wearing a "richly ornamental robe", "for this is how the virgin daughters of the king were clothed in earlier times." Rape (2 Samuel 13) During Tamar's teenage years, Amnon became obsessed with her, said to be beautiful like her brother, Absalom. Amnon's friend and cousin Jonadab devised a ruse in which Amnon feigned illness and asked King David to fetch Tamar for him, so that she could make him food. King David was not aware of the plot and did what Amnon asked, as David was fond of him, the firstborn son. Tamar obeyed. When she finished her food, Amnon sent the servants in the room away, and pressed Tamar for sex. She refused, citing the Law, but as "he was stronger than she, he raped her". After intercourse, Amnon became angry with Tamar, and mistreated her, yelling at her to leave the room. Tamar pleaded that he marry her, to preserve her reputation, but instead Amnon forced her out of the room. Tamar ripped her robes and went away crying. The news spread throughout the royal household. Absalom her older brother, comforted Tamar, vowing to avenge her rape. When David heard of her rape, he was angered but did nothing. Two years later, Absalom had Amnon murdered, then fled to Geshur.