2 Samuel 13:19

“And Tamar put ashes on her head, etc.] In token of sorrow and distress; (see <060706>Joshua 7:6); and rent her garment of divers colours that [was] on her; signifying that her virginity was rent from her in a forcible manner, or that she was ravished: and laid her hand on her head; through grief and shame; (see <240237>Jeremiah 2:37); and went on crying; from Amnon’s house to her brother Absalom’s, as one abused and injured.”

“Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours . . . laid her hand on her head, and went on crying--that is, sobbing. Oriental manners would probably see nothing beyond a strong sense of the injury she had sustained, if Tamar actually rent her garments. But, as her veil is not mentioned, it is probable that Amnon had turned her out of doors without it, and she raised her hand with the design to conceal her face. By these signs, especially the rending of her distinguishing robe, Absalom at once conjectured what had taken place. Recommending her to be silent about it and not publish her own and her family's dishonor, he gave no inkling of his angry feelings to Amnon. But…”

“Laid her hand on her head - To hold on the ashes (see the marginal references). Went on crying - i. e. “went away, crying out as she went.” return to 'Top of Page'”

“Put ashes - To signify her grief for some calamity which had befallen her, and what that was, concurring circumstances easily discovered. Head - In token of grief and shame, as if she were unable and ashamed to shew her face. Crying - To manifest her abhorrency of the fact, and that it was not done by her consent. 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 13:20”

“13:19 Tamar tore her robe to symbolize the violation of her virginity and honor and to mourn the death of her future (13:16). • Ashes represented death; sitting amid ashes or putting ashes on one’s head were signs of mourning (Esth 4:1-3; Job 42:6; Dan 9:3; Jon 3:6).”

“put ashes: Sa2 1:2; Jos 7:6; Job 2:12, Job 42:6 laid her: Jer 2:37 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 13:20”