2 samuel 13:17 - Then he called his servant who ministered to him, and said, “Now put this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her.”
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What does "2 samuel 13:17" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 13:17 is a particularly brutal and disturbing moment in the story of Amnon and Tamar. It describes Amnon, after raping his half-sister Tamar, immediately rejecting her and ordering his servant to throw her out and lock the door behind her.
Here's a breakdown of what the verse means and its implications:
"Then he called his servant who ministered to him..." This sets the scene. Amnon is in a position of power, commanding his servant to do his bidding. This emphasizes the power imbalance and his callous disregard for Tamar.
"...and said, “Now put this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her.” This is the core of the verse. It reveals Amnon's complete lack of remorse or responsibility for his actions.
"Put this woman out from me..." The phrasing is deliberately dehumanizing. He refers to Tamar as "this woman" rather than acknowledging her as his sister or even calling her by name. This underscores his objectification of her and his desire to distance himself from the consequences of his actions.
"...and bolt the door after her.” This action is particularly cruel. Bolting the door signifies his complete rejection of Tamar and his desire to cut her off from any hope of support or help. It emphasizes the finality and ruthlessness of his dismissal. He's not just asking her to leave; he's sealing her fate and preventing her from re-entering his life or potentially exposing his crime.
Meaning and Implications:
Complete Rejection and Humiliation: Amnon's actions are a demonstration of his utter contempt and disregard for Tamar's well-being. He treats her as a disposable object, discarding her after using her. This adds to the profound trauma of the rape.
Denial of Responsibility: By throwing Tamar out and locking the door, Amnon attempts to erase any trace of his crime and avoid accountability. He wants to pretend it never happened.
Emphasis on Amnon's Character: This verse reveals the depths of Amnon's depravity and selfishness. It shows that he is not just a perpetrator of rape but a cruel and cowardly individual.
Social and Legal Context: In the ancient Near East, the position of women was precarious. Tamar would have been utterly disgraced and likely ostracized from society. Amnon's actions effectively ruined her life.
Thematic Significance: This verse sets the stage for the tragic consequences that follow. It is a crucial turning point in the narrative, leading to Absalom's revenge and ultimately, to the downfall of David's family.
In conclusion, this verse is a powerful and disturbing depiction of the aftermath of a brutal act of violence. It highlights the devastating consequences of rape, the dehumanization of the victim, and the perpetrator's attempt to evade responsibility. It also serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of women in the social and legal context of the time.
2 samuel 13:17 - Then he called his servant who ministered to him, and said, “Now put this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her.”
What does "2 samuel 13:17" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 13:17 is a particularly brutal and disturbing moment in the story of Amnon and Tamar. It describes Amnon, after raping his half-sister Tamar, immediately rejecting her and ordering his servant to throw her out and lock the door behind her.
Here's a breakdown of what the verse means and its implications:
"Then he called his servant who ministered to him..." This sets the scene. Amnon is in a position of power, commanding his servant to do his bidding. This emphasizes the power imbalance and his callous disregard for Tamar.
"...and said, “Now put this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her.” This is the core of the verse. It reveals Amnon's complete lack of remorse or responsibility for his actions.
"Put this woman out from me..." The phrasing is deliberately dehumanizing. He refers to Tamar as "this woman" rather than acknowledging her as his sister or even calling her by name. This underscores his objectification of her and his desire to distance himself from the consequences of his actions.
"...and bolt the door after her.” This action is particularly cruel. Bolting the door signifies his complete rejection of Tamar and his desire to cut her off from any hope of support or help. It emphasizes the finality and ruthlessness of his dismissal. He's not just asking her to leave; he's sealing her fate and preventing her from re-entering his life or potentially exposing his crime.
Meaning and Implications:
Complete Rejection and Humiliation: Amnon's actions are a demonstration of his utter contempt and disregard for Tamar's well-being. He treats her as a disposable object, discarding her after using her. This adds to the profound trauma of the rape.
Denial of Responsibility: By throwing Tamar out and locking the door, Amnon attempts to erase any trace of his crime and avoid accountability. He wants to pretend it never happened.
Emphasis on Amnon's Character: This verse reveals the depths of Amnon's depravity and selfishness. It shows that he is not just a perpetrator of rape but a cruel and cowardly individual.
Social and Legal Context: In the ancient Near East, the position of women was precarious. Tamar would have been utterly disgraced and likely ostracized from society. Amnon's actions effectively ruined her life.
Thematic Significance: This verse sets the stage for the tragic consequences that follow. It is a crucial turning point in the narrative, leading to Absalom's revenge and ultimately, to the downfall of David's family.
In conclusion, this verse is a powerful and disturbing depiction of the aftermath of a brutal act of violence. It highlights the devastating consequences of rape, the dehumanization of the victim, and the perpetrator's attempt to evade responsibility. It also serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of women in the social and legal context of the time.