English Standard Version

2 Samuel 13:12-24 English Standard Version (ESV)

12. She answered him, “No, my brother, do not violate me, for such a thing is not done in Israel; do not do this outrageous thing.

13. As for me, where could I carry my shame? And as for you, you would be as one of the outrageous fools in Israel. Now therefore, please speak to the king, for he will not withhold me from you.”

14. But he would not listen to her, and being stronger than she, he violated her and lay with her.

15. Then Amnon hated her with very great hatred, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, “Get up! Go!”

16. But she said to him, “No, my brother, for this wrong in sending me away is greater than the other that you did to me.” But he would not listen to her.

17. He called the young man who served him and said, “Put this woman out of my presence and bolt the door after her.”

18. Now she was wearing a long robe with sleeves, for thus were the virgin daughters of the king dressed. So his servant put her out and bolted the door after her.

19. And Tamar put ashes on her head and tore the long robe that she wore. And she laid her hand on her head and went away, crying aloud as she went.

20. And her brother Absalom said to her, “Has Amnon your brother been with you? Now hold your peace, my sister. He is your brother; do not take this to heart.” So Tamar lived, a desolate woman, in her brother Absalom’s house.

21. When King David heard of all these things, he was very angry.

22. But Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad, for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had violated his sister Tamar.

23. After two full years Absalom had sheepshearers at Baal-hazor, which is near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king’s sons.

24. And Absalom came to the king and said, “Behold, your servant has sheepshearers. Please let the king and his servants go with your servant.”