2 Samuel 13:19

19 Tamar poured ashes on her head, then she ripped the long-sleeved gown, held her head in her hands, and walked away, sobbing 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 for his valet. "Get rid of this woman. Get her out of my sight! And lock the door after her."
18 The valet threw her out and locked the door behind her.
19 Tamar poured ashes on her head, then she ripped the long-sleeved gown, held her head in her hands, and walked away, sobbing as she went.
20 Her brother Absalom said to her, "Has your brother Amnon had his way with you? Now, my dear sister, let's keep it quiet - a family matter. He is, after all, your brother. Don't take this so hard." Tamar lived in her brother Absalom's home, bitter and desolate.
21 King David heard the whole story and was enraged,
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.