2 Samuel 13:18
And she had a garment of divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king’s daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her.
2 Samuel 13:18 (KJV)
Context
This verse appears in the sorrowful account of Tamar, King David’s daughter and Absalom’s sister. Her half-brother Amnon has just violated her. The verse shows the immediate aftermath: Amnon’s servant forces Tamar out and bolts the door. This action moves the private crime into public view, exposing the brokenness within David’s family.
Meaning
The “garment of divers colours” was the special robe worn by unmarried royal princesses. It marked their honour, purity, and set-apart position. Other translations call it a long robe with sleeves, showing it was formal and distinctive. The same robe that signified her dignity was on Tamar when she was cast out, making her shame more visible.
Amnon’s command to remove her and secure the door reveals his cruelty and utter disregard for her well-being. He tries to hide his guilt and leaves Tamar isolated and humiliated. This act compounds the original violation, showing how sin moves from lust to heartless rejection.
Biblical connections
The robe resembles the “coat of many colours” given to Joseph in Genesis 37:3. That connection clarifies that such a garment was a special, distinguishing robe, not an ordinary piece of clothing. The focus remains on Tamar’s attire and the servant’s action in this verse.
Application
This passage calls us to honour and protect vulnerable people, especially within our families and communities. It warns against using power to harm others and then trying to silence or discard them. We must instead treat every person with dignity, as God values them.
Reflection
The Bible does not approve of Amnon’s sin; it records it honestly to reveal human failure and its painful results. We can approach this text with empathy for Tamar and with sorrow over the evil done to her. It reminds us that God sees injustice and cares for those who suffer.
