And it came to pass that afterwards, Absalom the son of David had a beautiful sister, whose name was Tamar. And Amnon the son of David loved her. He was troubled with longing and almost sick because of his sister Tamar. She was a virgin and it seemed hard to Amnon to do anything to her.
Jonadab, the son of David’s brother Shimeah was very clever. He said to Amnon, “Why are you growing so thin from day to day? He said, “Because I love Tamar.”
Jonadab said, “Pretend to be sick and lay down on your bed. When your father comes, tell him, ‘Let my sister Tamar come and give me food so I may become well.’ ” And this is what happened. Tamar kneaded dough and baked cakes, she took the pan and poured them out before him. But he refused to eat.
And Amnon said, “Have everyone leave me, bring the food into the room, that I may eat from your hand.” When she brought it, Amnon grabbed her and said, “Lie with me.” “Do not do such a shameful deed.” But Amnon would not listen. He seized her and overpowered her and lay with her. But Amnon soon was bored with her, and his reluctance became greater than his love had been. Amnon told her, “Go! Go! Go!” And when she did not want to go, he ordered the servants to throw her out. When she was put outside, she tore her robe and threw ashes over her head and wept and cried. Her brother Absalom comforted her. The king was angry, but he spared his firstborn. Absalom, however, spoke neither good nor bad to Amnon, because he had violated his sister.