The injustice of silencing women

At The Resistance Prays, Rev. Posey Krakowsky illustrates well how Scripture continues to speak to us today. Sadly enough, the Scripture speaks into the brokenness of the world then and now: it is disturbing how real the story of Tamar is today. Not only is she sexually assaulted, but many, including those who ought to love her, do not listen to her voice, do not come to her aid, and do not act for justice on her behalf. 

Krakowsky notes how the story

"shows us the layers upon layers of enabling behavior by other men that result in the systemic violation of girls and women. Jonadab helps Amnon plan the rape. David sends Tamar to her brother without asking any questions about why Amnon wanted so badly to eat food “from her hand.” The story tells us that there were many servants nearby — Amnon sends them out so that he may be alone with Tamar. None of them question these actions. Tamar speaks boldly to defend herself from his attack: none of the servants, who surely were still within earshot, come to her defense. Later, after the rape, Amnon’s male servant throws Tamar out, barring the door to her. Her father, King David, never speaks of the rape, nor does he defend his daughter. His concern is only for his two sons. Even Absalom, her full brother who avenges her by murdering Amnon, silences Tamar. He does so that he may seek justice behind the scenes, proving that he is well aware of the systemic injustice enacted on women which makes it impossible for Tamar to seek justice out in the open."

 Krakowsky highlights that such injustice continues to happen too often today, citing especially the #metoo movement.

How can the story of Tamar, and so many other texts in the Bible, especially God's words about hating injustice and the wicked, challenge us to act when such injustices occur?