The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Kingdoms (2 Samuel) 13:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Then David sent home to Thamar, saying: Come to the house of thy brother Ammon, and make him a mess.

Douay-Rheims

וַיִּשְׁלַ֥ח דָּוִ֛ד אֶל־תָּמָ֖ר הַבַּ֣יְתָה לֵאמֹ֑ר לְכִ֣י נָ֗א בֵּ֚ית אַמְנ֣וֹן אָחִ֔יךְ וַעֲשִׂי־ל֖וֹ הַבִּרְיָֽה׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Fructuosus of Braga

7th centuryChurch Father

One should not place trust in past purity, for even David, the most righteous, and Solomon, the wisest, found their hearts darkened through their associations with women. To prevent anyone from thinking that their virtue is secure in the company of a female relative, it is important to recall how Tamar was wronged by Amnon, who feigned illness. Thus, both monks and nuns are called to lead lives of such profound chastity that they can witness honorably not only before God but also in the eyes of humanity, providing a worthy example of sanctity for those who follow them.