2 Samuel 13:12

12 She answered him, "No, my brother, do not force me; for such a thing is not done in Israel; do not do anything so vile!

2 Samuel 13:12 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 13:12

And she answered him, nay, my brother
Which carried in it a reason sufficient for her denial, that he was her brother, and she his sister, and therefore should not offer such an indignity to her:

do not force me;
which was another forbidding expression, signifying she would never freely yield to his will; and to force her, to defile her against her will, to commit a rape upon her, would be very criminal indeed:

for no such thing ought to be done in Israel;
among God's professing people, who were better taught and instructed; and to give into such impure practices would bring a dishonour upon them, and upon the religion they professed; she urges the honour of religion, and the reputation of Israel, and the glory of the God of Israel:

do not thou this folly:
as all sin is, especially such an impure and indecent action as this.

2 Samuel 13:12 In-Context

10 Then Amnon said to Tamar, "Bring the food into the chamber, so that I may eat from your hand." So Tamar took the cakes she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.
11 But when she brought them near him to eat, he took hold of her, and said to her, "Come, lie with me, my sister."
12 She answered him, "No, my brother, do not force me; for such a thing is not done in Israel; do not do anything so vile!
13 As for me, where could I carry my shame? And as for you, you would be as one of the scoundrels in Israel. Now therefore, I beg you, 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 forced her and lay with her.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.