What does 2 Samuel 13:17 mean?
"Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her." - 2 Samuel 13:17
The Bible verse 2 Samuel 13:17 states:
"Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her."
This passage is part of the story of Amnon and Tamar, which is a tragic and disturbing account of sexual abuse and revenge within the royal family of King David. In this verse, Amnon, the son of King David, has just raped his half-sister Tamar, and as soon as he has satisfied his lust, he calls for his servant to remove her from his presence and lock the door behind her.
The themes present in this verse include power dynamics, sexual abuse, and the consequences of sin. The context of this passage is important for a deeper understanding of its meaning. Tamar was the beautiful sister of Absalom, the son of King David. Amnon, also a son of King David, lusted after Tamar and through deceit and manipulation, he ultimately forced himself upon her. The aftermath of this assault leads to Tamar's devastation and Absalom's thirst for vengeance, ultimately leading to a tragic cycle of events that plague King David's family.
In this verse, the heartbreaking aspect of Tamar's situation is further portrayed as she is immediately cast out and humiliated by the very man who had just violated her. This illustrates the abuse of power and the lack of concern for Tamar's well-being. Amnon's act not only violated Tamar physically, but also stripped her of her dignity, respect, and protection in a society where a woman's purity and honor were highly valued. This verse serves as a reminder of the pain and devastation caused by such acts of abuse and serves as a call for justice and compassion for victims.
The symbolism in this verse is also significant. The act of locking the door symbolizes the silencing and isolation of the victim, Tamar, as well as the secrecy and shame that often accompany such traumatic experiences. It also symbolizes the callousness and lack of remorse on the part of Amnon, who seeks to further distance himself from the consequences of his actions. The closed door represents a barrier to justice and healing, and the refusal to acknowledge and address the wrong that has been done. It is a powerful symbol of the brokenness and injustice that can result from abuse and sin.
The verse also highlights the far-reaching consequences of sin. The abuse and betrayal within King David's family lead to a series of tragic events, including Absalom's murder of Amnon and later rebellion against King David. The damaging effects of sin and its ability to escalate and spread through families and communities are evident in this passage, serving as a warning about the destructive nature of sin and the importance of seeking reconciliation and forgiveness.
In conclusion, 2 Samuel 13:17 is a powerful and poignant verse that sheds light on the themes of power, abuse, and consequence. It serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of sin and the urgency of seeking justice, compassion, and healing for victims. The symbolism and context of this verse further emphasize the need for empathy and action in addressing the pervasive issue of abuse and the far-reaching consequences of sin. Ultimately, this verse points to the hope and redemption that can be found through acknowledging and confronting sin, seeking forgiveness, and striving for healing and restoration.
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2 Samuel 13:17 - "Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her."
"Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her." - 2 Samuel 13:17
2 Samuel 17:13 - "Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there."
2 Samuel 1. 17-27
2 Samuel 22:17-20
2 Samuel 17:26 - "So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead."
2 Samuel 17:4 - "And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel."
2 Samuel 2:17 - "And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David."
2 Samuel 1:17 - "¶ And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:"
1 Samuel 13:17 - "¶ And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned unto the way that leadeth to Ophrah, unto the land of Shual:"
2 Samuel 13:38 - "So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years."
2 Samuel 17:17 - "Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by En-rogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David."
2 Samuel 8:17 - "And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;"
2 Samuel 17:7 - "And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time."
2 Samuel 22:13 - "Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled."
2 Samuel 15:17 - "And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off."
2 Samuel 15:13 - "¶ And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom."
2 Samuel 13:21 - "¶ But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth."
2 Samuel 17:24 - "Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him."
2 Samuel 16:17 - "And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?"
1 Samuel 2:17 - "Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD."
2 Samuel 7:17 - "According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David."
1 Samuel 17:13 - "And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah."
2 Samuel 22:17 - "He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters;"
1 Samuel 17:2 - "And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines."
"Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there." - 2 Samuel 17:13
2 Samuel 17:19 - "And the woman took and spread a covering over the well's mouth, and spread ground corn thereon; and the thing was not known."
2 Samuel 13:27 - "But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him."
2 Samuel 13:35 - "And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come: as thy servant said, so it is."
2 Samuel 3:17 - "¶ And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you:"