2 Samuel 13:19

19 But Tamar put ashes on her head, and tore the long robe that she was wearing; she put her hand on her head, and went away, crying aloud as she went.

2 Samuel 13:19 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 13:19

And Tamar put ashes on her head
In token of sorrow and distress; see ( Joshua 7:6 ) ;

and rent her garment of divers colours that [was] on her;
signifying that her virginity was rent from her in a forcible manner, or that she was ravished:

and laid her hand on her head;
through grief and shame; see ( Jeremiah 2:37 ) ;

and went on crying;
from Amnon's house to her brother Absalom's, as one abused and injured.

2 Samuel 13:19 In-Context

17 He called the young man who served him and said, "Put this woman out of my presence, and bolt the door after her."

18 (Now she was wearing a long robe with sleeves; for this is how the virgin daughters of the king were clothed in earlier times. ) So his servant put her out, and bolted the door after her.

19 But Tamar put ashes on her head, and tore the long robe that she was wearing; she put her hand on her head, and went away, crying aloud as she went.

20 Her brother Absalom said to her, "Has Amnon your brother been with you? Be quiet for now, my sister; he is your brother; do not take this to heart." So Tamar remained, a desolate woman, in her brother Absalom's house.

21 When King David heard of all these things, he became very angry, but he would not punish his son Amnon, because he loved him, for he was his firstborn.