The story of Tamar being raped is found in 2 Samuel 13 of the Hebrew Bible. She was a daughter of King David and the sister of Absalom.
Here are the key details of the account:
The Perpetrator: Tamar was raped by her half-brother, Amnon (David's firstborn son), who became obsessed with her.
The Plot: Amnon, encouraged by his friend/cousin Jonadab, feigned illness to get King David to send Tamar to his house to prepare food for him.
The Assault: Once alone, Amnon forced himself upon her despite her pleas. Tamar explicitly asked him not to commit this "outrage" (nevelah) and suggested he ask the king for her hand in marriage instead.
The Aftermath: Immediately after the rape, Amnon’s desire turned to intense hatred, and he forced her out of his house. Tamar, wearing a special garment identifying her as a virgin princess, tore her robe and put ashes on her head as a sign of grief and shame.
Reaction: King David was angry but did not punish Amnon. Her full brother, Absalom, took her in and eventually killed Amnon two years later to avenge her.
Legacy: Tamar is described as living the rest of her life desolate in her brother's house.
Seattle Pacific University
Tamar's story is often highlighted as a narrative of injustice, where her voice of resistance is recorded, yet she is ignored by her father and ultimately silenced by the actions of her brother, Absalom.
