2 Kingdoms (2 Samuel) 13:37Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This illustrates the initial instance of divine retribution, though it is not the sole occurrence. A series of significant calamities ensued, bringing a seemingly continuous wave of hardship upon his household. Tamar was wronged through the folly of Amnon, who was subsequently slain by Absalom. One brother committed a grievous sin, but the retribution by the other was even more severe. As a result, David, their father, faced consequences for the transgressions of both sons. While two sons transgressed, three individuals bore the repercussions of those wrongdoings; Tamar suffered the loss of her purity, and the absence of Absalom was lamented in the wake of Amnon's death. Indeed, it is uncertain for whom the father grieved more deeply: for the son who was killed by his brother in this life, or for the one whose fate awaited him in eternity.