Definition: And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? but hold now thy peace, my sister: he [is] thy brother; regard not this thing. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom’s house.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really important and somewhat complex passage about betrayal and forgiveness. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse comes from the Book of 2 Samuel, which tells about a time when Absalom, the son of King David, was deeply unhappy with his brother Tamar. Tamar was forbidden to marry anyone except for her brother, and she secretly began to have relationships with other men. Let's unpack it: “And Absalom her brother said unto her…” – This sets up the problem. It’s Absalom who is expressing her concern. “…Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee?” – This is the core of the question. “Amnon” was a male friend of Absalom's. The verse asks if Amnon, his brother, has been with him. It’s a serious accusation! “but hold now thy peace, my sister: he [is] thy brother; regard not this thing.” – This is the crucial part. The woman (likely Tamar) tells Absalom to not react strongly to Amnon's presence. She says, “He is your brother; look past this.” This is a warning and a plea for her to remain calm. “So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom’s house.” – This is the consequence of the verse. Tamar chooses to stay alone and heartbroken, feeling abandoned and unloved. She remains sad and isolated because she's not receiving the affection and connection she craved. What does this mean? It’s about forgiveness and reconciliation: This passage highlights a difficult situation where betrayal leads to pain. It speaks of: Betrayal: Amnon's actions are seen as a betrayal of trust and love. Forgiveness: The woman urges Tamar to not be consumed by anger or bitterness. It’s about releasing her sadness and moving on. Redemption: The verse suggests that Tamar's choice to remain desolate is a result of the pain caused by the betrayal, and perhaps a sign of her own need for healing and forgiveness. In essence, this verse is about acknowledging wrongdoing, choosing peace over anger, and recognizing the possibility of reconciliation even after a painful situation. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part in more detail? Connect this passage to other Bible stories or themes? Give you a different perspective on the meaning?