2 Samuel 13:10

KJV

And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought [them] into the chamber to Amnon her brother.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Amnon {H550} said {H559} unto Tamar {H8559}, Bring {H935} the meat {H1279} into the chamber {H2315}, that I may eat {H1262} of thine hand {H3027}. And Tamar {H8559} took {H3947} the cakes {H3834} which she had made {H6213}, and brought {H935} them into the chamber {H2315} to Amnon {H550} her brother {H251}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Amnon said to Tamar, "Bring the food into the room, so that I can have you serve me. Tamar took the cakes she had made and brought them into the room to Amnon her brother.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Amnon said to Tamar, “Bring the food into the bedroom, so that I may eat it from your hand.” Tamar took the cakes she had made and went to her brother Amnon’s bedroom.

American Standard Version

And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the food into the chamber, that I may eat from thy hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 13:10 marks a chilling turning point in the tragic narrative of Amnon's vile scheme against his half-sister, Tamar. This verse depicts Amnon's manipulative command to Tamar to bring food into his private chamber, ostensibly for his recovery from a feigned illness. Tamar, innocent and unsuspecting, complies dutifully, preparing and delivering the requested cakes. This seemingly innocuous act of familial care tragically sets the stage for Amnon's horrific sexual assault, isolating Tamar and removing any potential for intervention, thereby initiating a devastating chain of events within David's royal household.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the unfolding tragedy of David's family, specifically the immediate prelude to Amnon's rape of Tamar. It follows Amnon's deceptive counsel from his cousin Jonadab, who devises the plan for Amnon to feign illness and request Tamar's personal care. David, unaware of the sinister plot, unwittingly facilitates the scheme by sending Tamar to Amnon's house. The narrative tension escalates rapidly from the planning stages in [2 Samuel 13:1-9](/2_samuel/13-1 "2 Samuel 13:1-9 - Amnon's Deceptive Plot") to the critical moment of isolation in verse 10, directly preceding the assault itself in [2 Samuel 13:11-14](/2_samuel/13-11 "2 Samuel 13:11-14 - Amnon's Assault on Tamar"). This entire episode serves as a grim fulfillment of Nathan's prophecy regarding the sword not departing from David's house due to his own sin with Bathsheba, as foretold in [2 Samuel 12:10-11](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10-11 - Nathan's Prophecy of Judgment").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, hospitality was a sacred duty, and familial bonds, especially among siblings, were generally strong. However, this context also highlights the patriarchal structure where women, even princesses, could be highly vulnerable, particularly when isolated. The "chamber" (Hebrew: `cheder`) signifies a private, inner room, emphasizing the deliberate isolation Amnon sought. Royal households, while offering privilege, were also susceptible to internal power struggles and moral decay, especially when the king's authority or discernment was compromised. David's failure to recognize the danger, despite his sons' known character flaws, underscores the cultural expectation that a king's word was law, and a sick prince's request would be honored, even by a princess.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several critical themes. **Deception and Manipulation** are paramount, as Amnon's feigned illness and specific request for Tamar's personal service are calculated ploys orchestrated by Jonadab, exploiting familial trust and David's paternal concern. **Vulnerability and Naivety** are tragically embodied by Tamar, who, unaware of Amnon's sinister intentions, dutifully prepares and brings the food, demonstrating her innocent compliance and trusting nature. This sets the stage for the **Abuse of Power**, as Amnon, the eldest son and a prince, leverages his status and perceived authority of his "illness" to isolate Tamar in a private setting. Ultimately, this moment is the **Seed of Tragedy**, marking the physical proximity and isolation Amnon sought, directly leading to the horrific event and initiating a chain of devastating consequences within David's family, including Absalom's revenge and subsequent rebellion, showcasing the bitter harvest of sin and injustice as described in [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"meat" (Hebrew, _ʾokel'_):** While the KJV translates this as "meat," the Hebrew word `אֹכֶל` (`ʾokel`) is a general term meaning "food" or "eating." It refers to any kind of nourishment, not necessarily flesh. This broad term highlights Amnon's general request for sustenance, making his specific demand for Tamar to bring it more about control and isolation than about the food itself.
* **"chamber" (Hebrew, _cheder'_):):** The Hebrew word `חֶדֶר` (`cheder`) refers to an inner room or a private chamber, often a bedroom. Its use here is crucial as it signifies the isolation Amnon seeks. By demanding Tamar bring the food into this private space, he effectively removes her from public view and potential intervention, creating the secluded environment necessary for his heinous act.
* **"cakes" (Hebrew, _levivot'_):** The specific mention of `לְבִבוֹת` (`levivot`) indicates a particular kind of pastry or delicacy, likely heart-shaped or kneaded. The fact that Tamar "had made" them suggests a personal effort and a gesture of care on her part, further underscoring her innocence and the depth of Amnon's betrayal of her trusting service. It adds a layer of domesticity and normalcy to the scene, which is then brutally shattered.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand."**: This clause reveals Amnon's direct command, a calculated move in his manipulative plot. His request for Tamar to bring the "meat" (food) into the "chamber" (private room) is the critical step in isolating her. The phrase "that I may eat of thine hand" is a deceptive pretense of vulnerability and a desire for personal, intimate care, designed to draw Tamar closer and disarm her suspicions. It implies a need for special attention, a tactic to exploit her familial duty and compassion.
* **"And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought [them] into the chamber to Amnon her brother."**: This clause highlights Tamar's innocent compliance and dutiful nature. She not only prepares the food (specifically "cakes," indicating personal effort and care) but also delivers it as requested, directly into Amnon's private space. Her actions demonstrate her complete unawareness of his sinister intentions, portraying her as a trusting and obedient sister, tragically walking into a trap set by her own kin. The final phrase "to Amnon her brother" underscores the profound betrayal of the familial bond that is about to occur.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is evident as the increasing isolation of Tamar, moving from the general household to Amnon's private chamber, signals the impending danger. The seemingly innocuous act of bringing food into a private room becomes a chilling premonition of the violence to follow. **Irony** is deeply woven into the narrative: Amnon feigns illness to gain intimacy, but his true sickness is moral depravity. Tamar's act of loving service, intended to bring comfort and healing, ironically leads to her profound suffering and violation. The term "her brother" at the end of the verse serves as a stark reminder of the **betrayal** of kinship and trust, amplifying the horror of the subsequent act. The entire scene functions as a **climax** of the manipulative plot, where the planning gives way to the physical setting of the crime.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though brief, is saturated with profound theological implications regarding the nature of sin, its insidious progression, and its devastating consequences. It reveals how sin corrupts not only individuals but also families and institutions, even those divinely appointed like the royal house of David. Amnon's actions exemplify the abuse of power, the perversion of familial love, and the destructive nature of unchecked lust and deception. The narrative underscores the vulnerability of the innocent in a fallen world and the tragic reality that sin, once conceived, often seeks isolation and darkness to execute its destructive purpose. This episode serves as a stark reminder that the "wages of sin is death" ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")), not only spiritual but often social and physical, leading to widespread suffering and the unraveling of societal and familial order.

* [Proverbs 6:27-28](/proverbs/6-27 "Proverbs 6:27-28 - Playing with Fire")
* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Sin")
* [Deuteronomy 27:19](/deuteronomy/27-19 "Deuteronomy 27:19 - Curse on Those Who Pervert Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic account of 2 Samuel 13:10, leading to Tamar's violation, serves as a sobering warning for all generations. It compels us to cultivate spiritual discernment, recognizing that evil often cloaks itself in seemingly innocent requests or familial obligations. We are called to be vigilant against manipulative tactics, even from those in positions of trust or authority. More profoundly, this narrative underscores our collective responsibility to protect the vulnerable and to speak out against injustice, particularly when it occurs within the sanctity of family or community. The ripple effect of Amnon's sin, facilitated by this moment of isolation, demonstrates that unchecked moral failure, especially among leaders, can lead to widespread destruction and suffering. We are reminded that true justice and safety are found only in adherence to God's righteous standards, which uphold the dignity and sanctity of every individual.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we cultivate discernment to recognize manipulative intentions, even when they are disguised as innocent requests or familial duties?**
* **What are our responsibilities, individually and communally, to protect the vulnerable from abuse of power or position?**
* **In what ways does this narrative challenge our understanding of family dynamics and the potential for sin within even seemingly secure relationships?**
* **How does the principle of "sowing and reaping" manifest in this story, and what lessons does it offer for our own lives?**

### FAQ
**Why did David send Tamar to Amnon's house, seemingly unaware of the danger?**

Answer: David's decision to send Tamar was likely rooted in a combination of factors: his paternal concern for Amnon, who was feigning severe illness; the cultural expectation of a king's command being obeyed; and David's tragic lack of discernment regarding the true character of his sons. Jonadab, Amnon's cunning cousin, had carefully crafted the request to appear as a genuine need for Tamar's specific care, playing on David's emotions and his desire for his firstborn's well-being. David, perhaps preoccupied with the affairs of the kingdom or simply trusting his children, failed to perceive the sinister undercurrents or the true nature of Amnon's heart, leading to his unwitting complicity in the unfolding tragedy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dark narrative of 2 Samuel 13:10, steeped in deception, abuse, and profound brokenness, powerfully underscores humanity's desperate need for a righteous King and a perfect Savior. Amnon's perversion of familial love and his abuse of power highlight the pervasive nature of sin and the devastating consequences it unleashes. In stark contrast to Amnon, who exploited vulnerability for selfish gratification, Jesus Christ is the ultimate protector and the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). Where Amnon brought isolation and violation into a private chamber, Christ invites all into His presence for healing and restoration, offering true intimacy and safety ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The suffering of Tamar, a victim of unrighteousness, foreshadows the innocent suffering of Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). He experienced the full weight of human depravity and injustice on the cross, not as a perpetrator, but as the ultimate victim who conquers sin and death. Through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection, Christ offers the only true hope for justice, healing, and the ultimate restoration of all things, bringing light into the darkest chambers of human experience ([John 1:5](/john/1-5 "John 1:5 - The Light Shines in the Darkness")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.