Tamar
Theme:
Abuse and trauma
Business Application:
Abusive leaders create a culture of trauma. Dismissing their actions, and the pain they cause, only makes it worse.
Who she was:
King David’s daughter and sister of Absalom. Her half brother Amnon lured her into his chambers under false pretenses and raped her. Amnon did not act alone in the dark. He had help from others whose actions or inaction made it possible.
Tamar pleaded in vain with Amnon to ask David for permission to marry her rather than assaulting her. Afterwards, she begged him not to send her away in disgrace. But he had a servant throw her out and bolt the door behind her. She put ashes on her head and tore her ornate robe in grief.
Absalom took her into his home and encouraged her not to take it to heart, since Amnon was her brother. The king took no action. Meanwhile, Absalom’s hatred toward Amnon grew until it culminated in murder. Years later, Absalom named his daughter Tamar, after her aunt.
Why her story matters:
Tamar illustrates the struggle of abuse survivors and how often their pain is dismissed.
What we can learn from her:
Tamar’s story illustrates the importance of protecting those who are vulnerable. It also shows the danger of failing to address abuse when it occurs.
Where we see her archetype today:
We see the story of Tamar played out among both men and women who are abused by people in positions of power. Like Amnon, they often have enablers that make it possible to perpetuate the abuse.
How we can learn more about her:
Tamar’s story is found in 2 Samuel 13. The niece who shares her name is in 2 Samuel 14:27.