2 Samuel 13:22
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What's striking here is Absalom's chilling silence. Despite his burning hatred and the deep wound inflicted upon his family, he doesn't confront Amnon directly or seek immediate justice through established means. Instead, he masks his true intentions, biding his time until he can enact a far more violent and devastating revenge.
But Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad, for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had violated his sister Tamar.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Absalom has been simmering with rage since Amnon brutally assaulted their sister, Tamar. For two years, he’s kept this hatred hidden, not revealing his true feelings to Amnon while outwardly appearing normal. This verse sets the stage for Absalom’s meticulously planned revenge, which he will unleash two years later at a sheep-shearing festival.
Absalom's reaction to his sister's violation wasn't immediate anger or outward confrontation. Instead, it was a chilling silence. What does this tell us about his inner turmoil and his plans?
This verse highlights a crucial aspect of Absalom's character and the events that follow. His silence isn't a sign of forgiveness or indifference; it's a calculated suppression of emotion.
A Dangerous Calm
Absalom's hatred simmered for two years. What does this long delay reveal about the nature of his planned response and the Lord's perspective on justice?
The two-year gap between Amnon's sin and Absalom's revenge is significant. It underscores that Absalom's actions were not a spontaneous outburst but a deliberate act of vengeance.
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The Cost of Retribution
Understand the original words
sane' · Hebrew Verb
To hate or hold in detestation. Biblically, it describes a deep-seated hostility that often leads to vengeful intent.
anah · Hebrew Verb
To humble, abase, or violate. In this context, it refers to the forcible sexual violation of a woman, representing a grave sin against the person and the covenantal purity commanded by God.
This verse highlights the simmering tension and hidden malice within David's royal family, stemming from Amnon's heinous crime against Tamar and setting the stage for Absalom's violent revenge.
c. 1010 BC
David becomes King of Israel
David consolidates his power, establishing Jerusalem as the capital and ushering in a golden age for Israel, but also facing numerous family and political challenges.
c. 1005 BC
Birth of Absalom
Absalom, David's third son, is born to Maacah, daughter of King Talmai of Geshur. He grows up to be known for his beauty and popularity.
c. 992 BC
Amnon rapes Tamar
David's eldest son, Amnon, feigns illness, lures his half-sister Tamar to his chambers, and rapes her. He then violently rejects her, leaving her deeply shamed.
c. 991 BC— this verse
Absalom plots revenge
Absalom harbors deep hatred for Amnon after the assault on his sister Tamar, but outwardly shows no emotion, waiting for the right time to act.
c. 990 BC
Absalom murders Amnon
At a sheep-shearing festival, Absalom has Amnon killed by his servants as planned, fulfilling his vow of vengeance for Tamar's violation.
c. 990-986 BC
Absalom flees to Geshur
Following the murder of Amnon, Absalom flees the kingdom and takes refuge with his grandfather, King Talmai of Geshur, for three years, awaiting reconciliation.
This passage shows how the violation of Dinah led to deep anger and a desire for vengeance within her brothers, mirroring the familial outrage and simmering hatred in Absalom's heart after Tamar's violation.
Genesis 27:41Here, we see Esau's bitter hatred for Jacob after Jacob stole his blessing, demonstrating how deep-seated familial grievances can lead to enduring animosity and plotting, much like Absalom's hidden hatred for Amnon.
Proverbs 26:24-26This proverb speaks of the deceptive nature of someone who conceals hatred with their words, warning that their malice will eventually be revealed, which is precisely Absalom's situation as he outwardly appears neutral while inwardly plotting.
Matthew 5:21-22Jesus expands the commandment against murder to include anger and calling someone a fool, showing that even unspoken hatred and the desire for vengeance, like Absalom's, are serious matters before God.
What's striking here is Absalom's chilling silence. Despite his burning hatred and the deep wound inflicted upon his family, he doesn't confront Amnon directly or seek immediate justice through established means. Instead, he masks his true intentions, biding his time until he can enact a far more violent and devastating revenge.
Absalom has been simmering with rage since Amnon brutally assaulted their sister, Tamar. For two years, he’s kept this hatred hidden, not revealing his true feelings to Amnon while outwardly appearing normal. This verse sets the stage for Absalom’s meticulously planned revenge, which he will unleash two years later at a sheep-shearing festival.
Absalom has been simmering with rage since Amnon brutally assaulted their sister, Tamar. For two years, he’s kept this hatred hidden, not revealing his true feelings to Amnon while outwardly appearing normal. This verse sets the stage for Absalom’s meticulously planned revenge, which he will unleash two years later at a sheep-shearing festival.
"But Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad, for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had violated his sister Tamar." — What's striking here is Absalom's chilling silence. Despite his burning hatred and the deep wound inflicted upon his family, he doesn't confront Amnon directly or seek immediate justice through estab…
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Last reviewed October 2026
