2 Samuel 13:7

Tamar.

A princess; the daughter of David and Maacah (of Geshur), and sister of Absalom; distinguished for her beauty, modesty, domesticity, obedience ( 2 Samuel 13:8 ), tender heartedness, piety, and misfortunes. In her we see an illustration of (what has often occurred):

1 . Purity pursued by licentious desire ( 2 Samuel 13:2 ).

2 . Simplicity beset by wily designs ( 2 Samuel 13:5 ).

3 . Kindness requited by selfish ingratitude ( 2 Samuel 13:9 , 2 Samuel 13:10 ).

4 . Confidence exposed to enticing persuasions and perilous temptation ( 2 Samuel 13:11 ).

5 . Virtue overpowered by brutal violence ( 2 Samuel 13:14 ).

6 . Innocence vilified by guilty aversion ( 2 Samuel 13:17 ). "So fair had she gone forth on what seemed her errand of mercy, so foully had she been driven back" (Edersheim). "Let no one ever expect better treatment from those who are capable of attempting their seduction; but it is better to suffer the greatest wrong than to commit the least sin" (Matthew Henry).

7 . Sorrow assuaged by brotherly sympathy ( 2 Samuel 13:20 ).

8 . Injury avenged with terrible severity ( 2 Samuel 13:28 ).—D.