Definition: And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that [was] on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying.
Explanation: Okay, letβs break down this passage from 2 Samuel 13:19. Itβs a really interesting story about a woman named Tamar! Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Story: Tamar was a tricky girl. In ancient Israel, Tamar was known for being rebellious and defiant. She wasn't like the other girls who were expected to be obedient and helpful. She made a big mistake. When she was growing up, her wicked father, Boaz, tricked her into not helping him with his chores. He gave her a special privilege β he allowed her to have a small portion of his possessions. Tamar covered herself in colors. As punishment for her disobedience, Boaz decided to make Tamar look very unattractive and uncomfortable. He told her to put ashes on her head and cover her entire body with different colored garments. What happened next? She cried a lot. Tamar was incredibly upset and heartbroken by this situation. She started crying constantly β a lot! Itβs like she was overwhelmed by the injustice. So, what does it mean? This story is about: Resilience: Tamar's tears were a sign of her strong spirit and refusal to give up. Justice: It highlights that even when someone wrongs you, itβs important to stand up for yourself and not let them win. Compassion: Tamar's crying wasn't just about anger; it was also an expression of deep empathy and a desire for fairness. In short, the verse describes a woman who used her tears as a form of protest against injustice. Itβs a powerful story that shows how even difficult situations can be met with strength and determination. --- Do you want to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this passage? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context of this story? Discuss the symbolism behind the ashes? Talk about its significance in biblical stories?