2 Samuel 13:7

KJV

Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to thy brother Amnon's house, and dress him meat.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then David {H1732} sent {H7971} home {H1004} to Tamar {H8559}, saying {H559}, Go {H3212} now to thy brother {H251} Amnon's {H550} house {H1004}, and dress {H6213} him meat {H1279}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David sent this instruction home to Tamar: "Go now to your brother Amnon's house, and prepare him some food."

Berean Standard Bible

Then David sent word to Tamar at the palace: “Please go to the house of Amnon your brother and prepare a meal for him.”

American Standard Version

Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to thy brother Amnon’s house, and dress him food.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 13:7 records a pivotal and tragic moment in King David's family, revealing his unwitting role in a heinous plot. Following his son Amnon's feigned illness, cunningly advised by Jonadab, David, with paternal concern but lacking discernment, instructs his daughter Tamar to go to Amnon's house and prepare him food. This seemingly innocent command tragically facilitates Amnon's wicked scheme to isolate and assault his half-sister, setting in motion a devastating chain of events that would ultimately tear David's family and kingdom apart, fulfilling earlier prophecies of judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a dark narrative arc that directly follows David's own sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent pronouncement of divine judgment by Nathan in [2 Samuel 12:10](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10 - Nathan's Prophecy of the Sword Never Departing from David's House"). Chapter 13 opens with Amnon's intense, unholy desire for his half-sister Tamar. Jonadab, Amnon's cunning cousin, then devises a deceptive plan, advising Amnon to feign illness. David's command in this verse is the pivotal moment where the king, unaware of the sinister intentions, inadvertently enables the plot. The immediate verses that follow detail Tamar's arrival, her preparation of the food, and Amnon's subsequent brutal assault on her, leading directly to Absalom's vengeful murder of Amnon in [2 Samuel 13:28](/2_samuel/13-28 "2 Samuel 13:28 - Absalom Murders Amnon") and his eventual rebellion against David, detailed from [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion") onwards.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, royal families were often complex, with multiple wives and concubines leading to numerous half-siblings. While incest was strictly forbidden by Mosaic Law, as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 18:9](/leviticus/18-9 "Leviticus 18:9 - Prohibition of Incest"), the power dynamics within royal households could be exploited. It was customary for family members, especially women, to care for the sick, often by preparing special, comforting meals. This cultural norm is precisely what Amnon exploits to isolate Tamar. David, as king and father, held absolute authority, and his commands were expected to be obeyed without question. The narrative highlights the profound vulnerability of women in a patriarchal society, particularly when isolated and subject to the unchecked desires of powerful men.
* **Key Themes:** 2 Samuel 13:7 contributes significantly to several major themes within the book of 2 Samuel and the broader Deuteronomistic History. The central theme is the **consequences of sin**, particularly as Nathan's prophecy of "the sword never departing from your house" ([2 Samuel 12:10](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10 - Nathan's Prophecy")) begins to unfold through familial strife and violence within David's own household. This verse also underscores the **insidious nature of deception and manipulation**, as Amnon's calculated scheme exploits familial trust and David's paternal affection to achieve his wicked ends. Another prominent theme is the **abuse of power and unchecked desire**, revealing how lust, when unbridled, can lead to horrific acts and widespread devastation, impacting not only individuals but also the stability of the kingdom. Finally, it highlights **David's flawed leadership and parental failings**, as his lack of discernment and inability to control the moral climate within his household contribute to the unfolding tragedy, contrasting sharply with the ideal of a righteous and discerning king.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sent (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** From H7971, this primitive root means "to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications); [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out)." Here, it denotes David's active command and dispatch of Tamar. It emphasizes his authority as king and father, making his unwitting participation in Amnon's plot all the more tragic. David's sending of Tamar is not a passive suggestion but an authoritative directive that Tamar, as a dutiful daughter, would be expected to obey.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** From H1004, this word refers to "a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.); court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out)." In this context, "Amnon's house" refers to his private residence or chambers. This detail is crucial, as it signifies the isolation of Tamar from the protective oversight of the larger royal household, placing her directly into the dangerous, private environment Amnon has orchestrated for his nefarious purpose.
* **dress (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** From H6213, this primitive root means "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application; accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use." Here, it specifically means "prepare" or "make" the food. This verb highlights the active, domestic task assigned to Tamar, which Amnon cunningly uses as a pretext to draw her into his private space, creating the opportunity for his assault under the guise of needing personal care.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then David sent home to Tamar,"**: This opening clause establishes David's direct involvement and exercise of his paternal authority. The phrase "sent home to Tamar" implies a specific, personal directive to his daughter, setting the stage for her obedience and subsequent vulnerability. David's action, while seemingly benevolent and born of concern for his son, becomes the critical enabler of Amnon's meticulously planned deception.
* **"saying, Go now to thy brother Amnon's house,"**: This is David's explicit command, directing Tamar to a specific, private location—Amnon's residence. The instruction to "go now" conveys a sense of urgency and immediacy, leaving Tamar no room for delay or questioning. This command effectively isolates Tamar from the protective oversight of the larger royal household and places her directly into the dangerous, controlled environment Amnon has orchestrated for his wicked purpose.
* **"and dress him meat."**: This final clause specifies the task David assigns to Tamar: to prepare food for Amnon. As discussed in the key word analysis, this was a culturally appropriate act of care for a sick family member. It is the innocuous cover for Amnon's sinister intentions, making David's command appear perfectly normal and caring, while in reality, it is the final piece of the puzzle for Amnon's wicked scheme, providing the pretext for Tamar to be alone with him.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices that amplify its tragic significance and underscore the unfolding drama. **Dramatic Irony** is paramount; the audience is fully aware of Amnon's depraved intentions, having been privy to his scheme from [2 Samuel 13:1-6](/2_samuel/13-1-6 "2 Samuel 13:1-6 - Amnon's Deceptive Scheme"), while David and Tamar remain tragically oblivious to the true danger. David's command, intended as an act of paternal care and concern, becomes an unwitting facilitation of profound evil, creating a profound sense of foreboding and tension for the reader. This also contributes to **Foreshadowing**, as the seemingly benign instruction to "dress him meat" thinly veils the impending horror. The domestic, caring nature of the request stands in stark contrast to the violence it enables, heightening the narrative's tension and the reader's dread. Furthermore, the narrative uses **Juxtaposition** by placing David's innocent, well-intentioned action directly alongside the reader's knowledge of Amnon's malicious intent, emphasizing the profound moral chasm between appearance and reality and highlighting the tragic consequences of David's lack of discernment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 13:7 serves as a chilling illustration of how sin, once conceived and unchecked, can metastasize within a family and society, bringing about devastating consequences. It underscores the theological truth that even seemingly minor actions, when rooted in deception or a lack of discernment, can have monumental and destructive ripple effects. The verse highlights the vulnerability of the innocent in the face of calculated evil and the tragic reality that even well-intentioned authority can be manipulated for wicked ends. This incident is a direct and painful fulfillment of Nathan's prophecy to David in [2 Samuel 12:10](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10 - Nathan's Prophecy of the Sword Never Departing from David's House"), that "the sword shall never depart from your house," demonstrating God's sovereign justice unfolding even through human depravity and the brokenness of the royal family.

* [2 Samuel 12:10](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10 - Nathan's Prophecy of the Sword Never Departing from David's House")
* [Proverbs 6:27-29](/proverbs/6-27-29 "Proverbs 6:27-29 - Consequences of Adultery and Lust")
* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14-15 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Sin from Desire to Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 2 Samuel 13:7 is a somber reminder of the critical importance of spiritual discernment and vigilance, especially for those in positions of authority, whether in a family, church, or community. David's failure to perceive the true nature of Amnon's "illness" and Jonadab's manipulative advice had catastrophic consequences for his family and kingdom. This story compels us to consider the insidious ways sin can operate, often cloaked in seemingly innocent requests or circumstances. It challenges us to cultivate a keen awareness of potential dangers, to protect the vulnerable in our midst, and to exercise wise, proactive discipline within our spheres of influence. Furthermore, it serves as a stark warning about the destructive power of unchecked desire and the urgent need for individuals to confront and repent of lust and manipulative tendencies before they lead to irreparable harm. We are called to be discerning, to seek wisdom from God's Word and prayer, and to act with integrity, ensuring that our actions, even those born of good intentions, do not inadvertently contribute to evil or compromise the safety of others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, like David, unwittingly enable or overlook dangerous situations due to a lack of discernment or a desire to avoid uncomfortable confrontation?**
* **How can we cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize the subtle forms of deception and manipulation in our relationships and communities?**
* **What are our responsibilities to protect the vulnerable, and how can we actively create environments where safety, trust, and accountability are prioritized?**
* **How does the story of Amnon and Tamar challenge us to address unchecked desires and potential for abuse within ourselves or those we influence, recognizing the devastating ripple effects of unrepentant sin?**

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

Answer: David was tragically deceived by Amnon's elaborate ruse. Amnon feigned a debilitating illness, a common tactic to gain sympathy and attention. In ancient Near Eastern culture, it was customary for family members, particularly close female relatives, to visit and care for the sick, often by preparing special, comforting food. David, acting as a concerned father, simply responded to what appeared to be a legitimate request for care, completely unaware of Amnon's sinister and depraved intentions. His lack of discernment, perhaps clouded by his own past moral failings (as seen in [2 Samuel 11](/2_samuel/11 "2 Samuel 11 - David's Sin with Bathsheba")) or a general naiveté regarding the depths of depravity within his own household, led him to unwittingly facilitate the tragic event. The narrative highlights David's blind spot concerning the moral climate and hidden dangers within his own family, a recurring theme in his later life.

**What is the significance of the phrase "dress him meat" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "dress him meat" (KJV) or "prepare him food" (as rendered in many modern translations) specifically refers to preparing a special dish, "cakes" or "pancakes" (_levivot_ in Hebrew), as detailed in the subsequent verses ([2 Samuel 13:8](/2_samuel/13-8 "2 Samuel 13:8 - Tamar Prepares Food for Amnon")). This was not just any meal; it was a specific, perhaps comforting or favorite, food that Tamar was uniquely tasked with preparing with her own hands. The significance lies in its crucial role as a part of Amnon's manipulative plan. By requesting Tamar to prepare this particular dish in his private chambers, Amnon created a plausible and intimate scenario that would isolate her and allow him to carry out his wicked intentions under the guise of needing personal care. It underscores the calculated and insidious nature of his deception, exploiting a common cultural practice for a nefarious purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic events unfolding in David's household, epitomized by the unwitting command in [2 Samuel 13:7](/2_samuel/13-7 "2 Samuel 13:7 - David Sends Tamar to Amnon"), powerfully underscore the brokenness of humanity and the profound need for a perfect King and Savior. David, despite being a man after God's own heart, was a flawed earthly king whose own sins had ripple effects, leading to the "sword never departing from his house" ([2 Samuel 12:10](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10 - Nathan's Prophecy")). His inability to discern Amnon's evil and protect Tamar highlights the limitations of human leadership and the pervasive nature of sin, which can corrupt even the most intimate family bonds. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ is the perfect Son of David, the King who never fails. Unlike David, who unwittingly exposed the vulnerable, Jesus is the ultimate protector, the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life")). He perfectly discerns the hearts of all ([John 2:25](/john/2-25 "John 2:25 - Jesus Knew What Was in Man")) and actively confronts evil, rather than inadvertently enabling it. The sin of Amnon, born of unchecked lust and deception, points to the universal human condition that necessitates a divine remedy. Jesus, the Lamb of God, came to take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering true healing and restoration that David's broken kingdom could never provide. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ establishes a kingdom of righteousness and peace, where justice prevails and the vulnerable find ultimate refuge, a stark contrast to the tragic chaos witnessed in David's royal court.

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.