2 Samuel 13: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 2 Samuel 13 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Absalom, the son of David, had a beautiful sister named Tamar, whom Amnon loved (vv. 1-2). Amnon became sick over his desire for her, and with Jonadab's clever advice, he pretended to be ill to get her alone (vv.

Key verse

“However he would not listen to her voice; but being stronger than she, he forced her, and lay with her.”
2 Samuel 13:14 (WEB)

Outline

2 Samuel 13:1–6 Amnon's Obsession with Tamar
2 Samuel 13:7–14 Amnon's Assault on Tamar
2 Samuel 13:15–20 Tamar's Despair
2 Samuel 13:21–29 Absalom's Revenge
2 Samuel 13:30–38 David's Mourning
2 Samuel 13:39 Absalom's Exile

Discussion questions

In v3, what does Jonadab mean when he is described as a 'very subtle man'?
What does Tamar do to express her grief in v19 when she puts ashes on her head?
Why does Amnon's hatred for Tamar become greater than his initial love for her in v15?
What might Absalom's response in v20 to Tamar's situation suggest about his character?
When has someone's betrayal left you feeling desolate like Tamar in v20?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Samuel 13: Joshua 1, 2 Samuel 14, 2 Samuel 12.

Before next time: read 2 Samuel 14.