The Tragedy of Tamar

Summary

Summary of "The Tragedy of Tamar" Episode from The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein

The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, hosted by Yael Eckstein and produced by Pray.com, delves deep into the Old Testament's timeless narratives. In the episode titled "The Tragedy of Tamar," released on July 21, 2025, Yael explores the harrowing story of Tamar from 2 Samuel 13, unraveling themes of power, abuse, and the enduring struggle for justice and dignity.

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1. Introduction to the Story

Yael Eckstein sets the stage by highlighting the bleak transformation of King David's household, once resonant with music and victory, now overshadowed by dark and painful events. She poses profound questions to the listeners: "What do we do when power protects the wrong people? When dignity is destroyed behind closed doors?" (03:39). This primes the audience for the unfolding tragedy involving Tamar, a princess caught in a web of familial and political turmoil.

2. Dramatic Retelling of 2 Samuel 13

The episode features a dramatized narrative that brings the biblical characters to life, emphasizing the emotional and psychological dimensions of the story.

• Amnon's Obsession and Scheming

  Amnon, King David's eldest son, harbors an intense and unhealthy obsession with his half-sister Tamar. His desperation is palpable when he confronts King David in a confession of his illicit desires:

  "Thus says the Lord God of Israel and God of justice. I anointed you king over this nation... Blood shall answer blood. Because you have dealt in violence, so too shall violence rise in your own walls." (00:17)

  Driven by his longing, Amnon collaborates with his cunning friend Jonadab to orchestrate Tamar's downfall. Jonadab devises a deceitful plan, urging Amnon to feign illness to lure Tamar into his chambers under false pretenses:

  "Pretend you're ill. Not a common cough, something grave... She'll come. She's kind, she's obedient." (08:17) (08:34)

• The Assault and Aftermath

  Despite Tamar's innocence and steadfastness, Amnon's relentless pursuit culminates in the tragic assault. The dramatization captures the intensity and horror of the event:

  "Lie with me, Tamar. Let me hold you, feel you just once." (16:06)

  Tamar's response is one of anguish and resistance, highlighting her vulnerability and the violation she endures. Post-assault, Tamar's grief is depicted with raw emotion:

  "Tamar sobbed, clutching the torn remains of her robe. She kept her head low, shame dripping off her like sweat." (17:34)

• King David's Reaction and Absalom's Vow for Vengeance

  King David's discovery of the atrocity unleashes his fury, but his reaction is complicated by his relationship with his other son, Absalom. Absalom, witnessing his father's torment, silently vows retribution against Amnon:

  "Amnon had taken Tamar with lust and violence. Now, absolutely, Absalom would take Amnon with silence and patience, vengeance his best served cold." (21:53)

  This sets the stage for future conflicts within David's family, illustrating the far-reaching consequences of unchecked power and abuse.

3. Yael Eckstein’s Analysis and Insights

Following the dramatization, Yael delves into a profound analysis of the story, drawing connections between the ancient narrative and contemporary issues.

• The Impact of Sin and Power Abuse

  Yael emphasizes how Amnon's sin transcends a mere wrongful act, fundamentally altering his perception and relationship with Tamar:

  "Sin isn't just an act of doing something wrong. Sin changes everything in us. Sin can make us go from love to hate, from purity to abomination." (24:10)

  This transformation serves as a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of sin and the importance of preserving love and integrity.

• Tamar’s Grief and Resilience

  Tamar's response to her trauma is portrayed as a powerful statement of resilience. Yael reflects on Tamar's mourning practices, connecting them to Jewish traditions and symbolism:

  "Tradition teaches that Korea, the tearing of garments, is a sacred act and an act of mourning. And in today's story, Tamar performs it for herself because no one else does." (24:10)

  This act symbolizes her brokenness and the public acknowledgment of her suffering, while also highlighting her inner strength.

• Broader Implications for Women and Society

  Yael draws parallels between Tamar's plight and the experiences of many women throughout history who have been vulnerable to the abuses of those in power:

  "We see Tamar in the countless unnamed women in the Bible who are caught in the power games of men. And stories like tomorrow's are still unfolding on streets, in homes, in places of supposed safety." (24:10)

  This underscores the ongoing relevance of Tamar's story in addressing issues of gender-based violence and the imperative to listen, support, and uphold the dignity of victims.

• The Role of Leadership and Responsibility

  The episode also touches upon the responsibilities of leaders to protect the vulnerable and the consequences when they fail to do so. Tamar's isolation and David's complicated response highlight the failures within systems of power to safeguard those who depend on them.

4. Conclusion and Moral Lessons

Yael Eckstein concludes the episode by reinforcing the lessons gleaned from Tamar's tragic story:

• Recognition and Validation of Suffering

  Yael encourages listeners to acknowledge and validate the experiences of those who have been wronged, emphasizing that their stories matter and that healing is a personal and ongoing journey:

  "Your story matters. You are more than what was done to you. And the God of the Chosen People sees you. He counts your tears. He sits with you in the ashes. And he doesn't rush you to heal." (24:10)

• Call to Action for Compassion and Justice

  The episode serves as a call to action to be present, compassionate, and proactive in addressing and preventing abuses of power. It urges listeners to uphold justice, support the afflicted, and strive to prevent the perpetuation of cycles of violence and revenge.

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Notable Quotes:

• Amnon's Confession:

  "Thus says the Lord God of Israel and God of justice... Blood shall answer blood." (00:17)

• Jonadab’s Scheme:

  "Pretend you're ill... She'll come." (08:30)

• Yael on Sin's Transformation:

  "Sin isn't just an act of doing something wrong. Sin changes everything in us." (24:10)

• Yael on Tamar's Resilience:

  "Your story matters. You are more than what was done to you." (24:10)

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Final Thoughts:

"The Tragedy of Tamar" is a poignant exploration of a biblical story that resonates with timeless themes of power, abuse, suffering, and resilience. Through dramatic retelling and insightful analysis, Yael Eckstein invites listeners to reflect deeply on the moral and ethical lessons embedded in Tamar's story, urging a compassionate and just response to similar injustices in the modern world.

Transcript

[David]

Previously on the Chosen People.

[Amnon]

My king. I am with child. Are you certain? Could it be your husband's?

[Tamar]

My husband? You mean Uriah?

[Amnon]

Uriah?

[Tamar]

One of your generals?

[Amnon]

Uriah has been on the battlefield since the snows melted. You know that. You sent him. It's your child. Set Uriah at the forefront of the charge. When he marches in, order the other soldiers to delay before following him. I need Uriah to fall on that battlefield. Thus says the Lord God of Israel and God of justice. I anointed you king over this nation. I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave you this house, this kingdom, this crown. And had that not been enough, I would have given you more. Yet you have despised my word. You have done what is evil in my sight. You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword of your enemies. You took his wife, his only treasure, and made her your own. I have sinned. I have sinned before the Lord. I have no excuse, no cloak, no sacrifice. Only guilt. Blood shall answer blood. Because you have dealt in violence, so too shall violence rise in your own walls.

[Yael Eckstein]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Tamar]

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[Yael Eckstein]

He craved her, then cursed her all in one breath. Shalom, my friends. From here in the holy land of Israel, I'm Yael Eckstein with International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. And welcome to the Chosen People. Today we return once again to the house of David, a house once filled with music and victory songs, now choked with something else. Something colder, something that lingers in the shadows. Today's episode comes from 2 Samuel, chapter 13. And I have to warn you, it's a painful one. A daughter, a prince, a scheme. And then silence. But before we listen, I want to ask you something. What do we do when power protects the wrong people? When dignity is destroyed behind closed doors? This story doesn't flinch. But neither should we.

[David]

This episode of the Chosen People with Yael Eckstein contains explicit content that may be triggering for some listeners and inappropriate for young children. Listener discretion is advised.

[Tamar]

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[David]

The sun stood high and cruel over the City of David, casting down its heat like judgment. Tamar stood at the palace well, dabbing at her neck with a cloth soaked in cool water. She leaned forward to splash her face, savoring a fleeting moment of solitude beneath the shade of a fig tree, where the air stirred and the Stonewell still held the memory of morning's chill. Then came a shadow. She turned swiftly, her breath catching, her hand pressed to her chest. It was only Amnon, her half brother. The prince stepped back, hands raised in jesting apology.

[Amnon]

I didn't mean to startle you. I only came for a drink. I didn't know you'd be here alone.

[David]

Tamar lowered her eyes and forced a smile.

[Amnon]

I was just cooling off. The heat is dreadful. Would you mind filling me a cup as well?

[David]

Tamar dipped a ladle, filled a water skin and passed it to him with bowed head. Though they shared blood, their father the same king, their connection was thin. Tamar was close to Absalom, her full brother, and kept cordial distance from the rest of David's brood. But Amnon. Amnon lingered more than the others. He watched Tamar more closely. His silences lasted too long, his stare too piercing. He drank not thirstily, but to watch her. While he did, his eyes lingered where they shouldn't. Tamar adjusted her headscarf and stood.

[Amnon]

I'll see you at supper. May the Lord bless your day, brother.

[David]

She walked away briskly, not wanting to look back. Amnon stared as she went, lips parted, breath thin. He watched the sway of her hips, the elegant curve of her shoulders, and the hair tucked neatly beneath her head covering. His eyes burned with a hunger that had grown past reason. He did not even notice when Jonadab crept up beside him.

[Amnon]

Hello, Amnon? Are you there?

[David]

Jonadab drawled, draping an arm over his cousin's shoulder. He was lean as a reed and twice as slippery, the son of Shimea, David's brother. The rest of the family loathed him, but Amnon couldn't be picky with his friends, since Mo slowed him as well.

[Amnon]

What troubles you, noble prince? No coin for the brothels. Today there is only one woman I want. Gods, don't tell me it's some married noblewoman again. Who is she? Ah, Tamar. Absalom's sister.

[David]

Jonadab choked on his water and spat into the well.

[Amnon]

Tamar? Your half sister, you dog, you. I can't eat. I can't sleep. Every night I see her, I feel like I'm dying. Then take her. I wish she would never allow it. You don't need permission. You're the son of King David. Take what you please. You know your father does. Listen. Listen to me. Pretend you're ill. Not a common cough, something grave. When your father comes to your bedside, tell him the only thing that will lift your spirit spirits is Tamar. Ask him, descender. She'll come. She's kind, she's obedient. And when she does, you'll have a right where you want her.

[David]

Even the wind seemed to hush at Jonadab's suggestion. It was a wicked plot, brazen and vile. But Amnon, drunk on longing, weak of will, nodded slowly.

[Amnon]

Right where I want her.

[David]

Jonadab took an apple out of his tunic and took a huge crunch, mouth full, elbow leaning on his cousin's shoulder.

[Amnon]

Yeah, she'd be a fool to refuse you. And if she does, who cares? Like I said, you're the prince firstborn and David's rightful heir. And a future king takes what he wants. And what would that be exactly?

[David]

Amnon and Jonadab jumped as Absalom approached from behind. Absalom was an imposing man, most respected among David's children. He was broad shouldered with long flowing dark hair and a wide jaw. He was every bit the warrior as David was, but with keener political savvy. He and Amnon couldn't be more different in ambition and personality. Absalom leaned in closer to Jonadab, snarling.

[Amnon]

Come on Jonadab, tell me. What should Amnon take?

[David]

Jonadab gulped, laughed nervously and shifted his eyes to Amnon.

[Amnon]

I. Well, am not. And I were just. I mean. Oh, not so swift tongued now, are you? Get out of here, Leech.

[David]

Gladly, Jonadab departed, leaving Amnon and Absalom alone. Absalom gave Amnon a knowing glare.

[Amnon]

I saw you speaking with my sister. She was just giving me a drink of water, that's all. That's all, eh? I see the way you look at her. Your eyes linger too long. I can see you salivating every time she passes. Absalom, come on. Has anyone ever told you you're a little too uptight? Looking for trouble where it doesn't exist. Exist? I love all my sisters with brotherly affection. Tamar is no different. Perhaps you should loosen your grip on her a bit. Maybe then she'd finally find a suitor. You keep scaring them all off. Good weeds out the cowards. Our family has had enough of them already.

[David]

There was a long pause between the sons of David. Amnon stared blankly, betraying nothing. Finally, Amnon shrugged.

[Amnon]

All right, Absalom. You win this little staring contest or whatever it is. I'm going to my chambers. I feel a sickness coming on. I just feel dreadful.

[David]

Amnon left with Absalom's eyes staring into his back. Absalom saw Amnon for who he really was, even if the king didn't. The next morning, Prince Amnon lay in his bed, wrapped in silk sheets and lies he tossed back and forth, moaning like a wounded hound, crying out for help in a voice thick with feigned pain.

[Amnon]

Oh gods. Oh, this sickness will be the end of me.

[David]

His cries echoed down the halls of the king's house. At last the king himself came. David entered the chamber with concern carved deep into his brow. Amnon gave a rasping cough. His lips curled in a pitiful smile.

[Amnon]

I don't know, Father. My body fails me. My spirit wanes. I fear death may take me soon.

[David]

David reached out, stroking the hair from his son brow. Amnon hesitated, then whispered, like a child asking for honey.

[Amnon]

There is one thing Perhaps if Tamar, my sister, if she came to me and baked me her cakes, if she fed me with her own hands, then I might have the strength to live.

[David]

As soon as the king departed, the prince cast aside his blankets, rising from his false affliction with a wicked grin. He stood tall, eyes shining like polished steel, and whispered to the empty room.

[Amnon]

Let the game begin.

[David]

Hours passed before the knock came. When the door opened, Tamar stepped inside, covered and modest, her arms cradling a small tray of warm cakes. The scent of honey and almond filled the room. Amnon sat upright in bed, his eyes gleaming like a wolf in heat.

[Amnon]

Oh, dear sister, how sweet. You are to come. Of course. How are you feeling?

[David]

Amnon said nothing. His eyes devoured her. Tamar once again felt her skin crawl with discomfort. She set the cakes on a small table near the bed and turned.

[Amnon]

I added clove to the dough. This time I hope they please you. I will leave you to rest. No, no. Stay. Stay. Please.

[David]

Tamar paused, showing a tinge of unease. Amnon rose from his bed slowly, like a viper uncoiling.

[Amnon]

You've always been kind to me. Not like the others. You understand me?

[David]

Amnon brushed Tamar's arm. Tamar stepped away, smiling awkwardly.

[Amnon]

Eat your cakes and regain your strength. I will bring some more tomorrow, if it pleases you. I don't want the cakes. I want you.

[David]

His words struck her like cold steel. She tried to step back, but his hand seized hers.

[Amnon]

What are you doing? Lie with me, Tamar. Let me hold you, feel you just once.

[David]

Tamar yanked her arm away.

[Amnon]

Please, Adnan, don't do this. If you do, I will never find a husband. You think I want any other man touching what should be mine?

[David]

She stumbled toward the door, but he was on her in a flash.

[Amnon]

Please. This is a disgrace. Before God. You doomed my future. What about the king? I'm going to be king.

[David]

And with that, he grabbed her by the hair and dragged her to the bed. Stop.

[Amnon]

Stop. I'm not. Please.

[David]

Her words were muffled by his hand as he forced her down. And then he took her. When it was over, Tamar lay crumpled like a torn cloth, weeping into the pillows. Amnon rolled away, panting. He felt no satisfaction from it, only emptiness. The love he had claimed for years had vanished. In its place, a cavern of hate opened wide.

[Amnon]

Worthless. A waste of my time.

[David]

Tamar sobbed, clutching the torn remains of her robe. She kept her head low, shame dripping off her like sweat.

[Amnon]

Get out of my sight. I'm not.

[Tamar]

Please.

[David]

Please.

[Amnon]

If you cast me out now, my Future is ruined. I'll live in shame. At least ask Father for my hand. At least do that. You think I care about your honor now? Leave, or I'll take you again.

[David]

Out of spite, Tamar limped from the room, her hair wild, her body trembling. She left behind her cakes, untouched and cold, and in the halls of the king, the curse of David spread like poison through veins. Tamar reached her chambers and locked the door. Her hands trembled as she stared into the bronze mirror above her table. Her fingers found the small blade used for embroidery, and with it she cut the sleeves from her robe. Then, with mechanical precision, she dipped her fingers into a bowl of ashes set beside the hearth. She dragged the soot across her forehead and into her hair. Her breath hitched. Her chest rose and fell. And then the dam broke. The sounds of her wailing poured through the palace like smoke from a fire. But no one came until Absalom arrived. He had returned from his estate beyond the eastern hills. Upon entering the palace, he heard her cries echo down the marble corridors. He ran to her door, threw it open, and found her on the floor, torn, bloodied and clothed in ruin. Ashes crowned her like a funeral veil. Absalom knelt beside her without a word and pulled her into his arms.

[Amnon]

Come here. Sh. Absalom.

[David]

Tamar couldn't speak. Absalom held her tightly.

[Amnon]

It was Amnon, wasn't it?

[David]

It wasn't a question he already knew, although Tamar answered with a slow nod. Absalom kissed her brow and whispered, hold your peace, my sister.

[Amnon]

Be strong. I will take care of you.

[David]

From that day on, Tamar lived in Absalom's house. His wife welcomed her, his sons protected her, and she was treated as a daughter of their household. But she never smiled again. When news reached David, it came like a sword to the chest. David roared, rising from his seat near the fire. His fists clenched and the veins bulged in his neck.

[Amnon]

The heir to my throne has defiled my daughter.

[David]

His own sister, Absalom stood quietly nearby, along with Chileab and Jeremoth, sons of Abigail. They watched their father pace like a caged wolf, fury in every step.

[Amnon]

How can I trust the kingdom? Insolent, feeble minded.

[David]

David cut himself off, dragging his hands down his face, forcing himself to breathe. He turned to Absalom.

[Amnon]

Tell me your thoughts, Absalom.

[David]

It was a test. It was always a test. Of all his sons, David admired Absalom's mind the most. Not as reckless as Amnon, not as green as the others. Absalom was his steel polished sharp and unyielding Absalom met his father's gaze. Reading him, Absalom huffed. He knew David wouldn't do anything. His mercy was his weakness. Absalom also knew if he showed too much of his own feelings, it would hinder his ability to act in a way such secret against Amnon.

[Amnon]

It's your decision, my king. Do what you feel is just.

[David]

But behind Absalom's calm eyes, his fury seethed like molten iron. His tongue was a sword still sheathed, his wrath a tide yet to rise. Amnon had taken Tamar with lust and violence. Now, absolutely, Absalom would take Amnon with silence and patience, vengeance his best served cold. For two years Absalom waited, planning, preparing a lion in the tall grass. And Amnon, poor fool, never saw the shadow drawing near.

[Tamar]

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[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Yael Eckstein]

This one lands like a fist to the chest. There's no music playing when Tamar falls, no angelic resolution, just shattered cloth, scorched dignity and a long walk back through the halls of her father's house, and all along the marble palace floors, there's only silence. It hurts to hear, doesn't it? Well, it's supposed to. Because this story exposes something raw, something many would rather ignore. That sometimes the ones we expect to protect us, sometimes they don't. Sometimes even kings look away. And Tamar, precious Tamar, she bears the consequence of a crime she didn't even commit. Her grief is public, but her healing is private and unfinished. Sometimes the Bible refuses to comfort us too quickly, doesn't it? Sometimes it doesn't tie everything up in a tidy bow. Sometimes, like today's difficult story, it makes us think what happens when purity is torn and the holy place is desecrated. Where does a soul go when her sanctuary becomes her snare? Tamar enters the room to serve, to care, to honor. But there's something deeper in the way that Tamar mourns. The Bible tell us that she tore her ketor samim. Now, that phrase only appears in one other place, a place that we visited earlier. Do you remember Joseph's coat, The multicolored garment, this symbol of favor? It was called that same word, Konet psamim. Tamar's robe was a declaration of her status, of her identity. And when she tears it, she's declaring to the world the girl you knew had been taken. And what remains is grief wrapped in ashes. Tradition teaches that Korea, the tearing of garments, is a sacred act and an act of mourning. And in today's story, Tamar performs it for herself because no one else does. My Abba, my father, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, studied at Yeshiva University in New York. The head of the university's rabbinical school was the great Rabbi Joseph B. Saloveitchik, known as the Rav. Over a career of nearly 50 years, the Rav ordained more than 2,000 rabbis, teaching those who teach the same Bible we're studying each day, leading those who would lead the chosen people. The Rav, Rabbi Saloveitchik, was also one of the great modern Jewish philosophers. And he explained a verse in this very difficult story in a way that has helped me understand it better. And the RAV's explanation has helped me understand a lot about how Judaism looks at sin after the horrible act that Amnon committed against Tamar. The Bible tells us then Amnon hated her with intense hatred. In fact, he hated her more than he had loved her. And everyone should ask themselves, wait, how can that be? Well, Rav Seloveitchik explains that his sin was an abomination to him, Amnon hated himself, and he transferred his hatred to Tamar, humiliated through no fault of her own. The same wondrously beautiful Tamar was transformed in his mind into a symbol of abomination and hate. This perfectly describes what sin does to us. Sin isn't just an act of doing something wrong. Sin changes everything in us. Sin can make us go from love to hate, from purity to abomination. This very difficult story is a warning to all of us today, isn't it? We want to preserve love, not to destroy it. And we want to resist temptation so that it won't transform our perceptions and our very lives and personalities. That's what sin does. It changes who we are. I want to linger here just a little longer. Because what Tamar loses in this story, many women in history have also lost safety, dignity, voice. And the most tragic part, Tamar did nothing to deserve it. Her goodness, her obedience, her willingness to serve, those were the very traits that led her into the snare. We saw echoes of Tamar and Ruth gleaning in the fields, vulnerable to harm. And we'll soon see her and Esther, who will have to hide her identity. We see Tamar in the countless unnamed women in the Bible who are caught in the power games of men. And stories like tomorrow's are still unfolding on streets, in homes, in places of supposed safety. And our calling is to be present, to hear, to hold, to never look away. Maybe you're listening today and carrying a wound that no one else sees. Maybe you, like Tamar, had something taken from you. And the silence that followed hurt even more. I want you to know this. Your story matters. You are more than what was done to you. And the God of the Chosen People sees you. He counts your tears. He sits with you in the ashes. And he doesn't rush you to heal. The God of Israel is there with you right now.

[David]

You can listen to the Chosen People with Yale x Dean ad free by downloading and subscribing to the Pray.com app today. This Prey.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Catena, Max Bard, Zach Shellevaga and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People with Jael Eckstein. Edited by Alberto Avila. Narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher. And the opening prayer is voiced by John Moore. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosalie and Chris Baig. Special thanks to Bishop Paul Lanier, Robin Van Etten, Caleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller and the team at International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. You can hear more Pray.com productions on the Pray.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the Chosen People with Yale Eckstein, please rate and leave a review.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Tamar]

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[Amnon]

This is Jacob Goldstein from what's yous Problem? When you buy business software from lots of vendors, the costs add up and it gets complicated and confusing. Odoo solves this. It's a single company that sells a suite of enterprise apps that handles everything from accounting to inventory to sales. Odoo is all connected on a single platform in a simple and affordable way. You can save money without missing out on the features you need. Check out Odoo at O D O o dot com. That's O D O o dot com hey it's me, Earhart. Mind if I pick the next song? Listen, even though we're eating better.

[Ryan Seacrest]

People who've had one heart attack are at higher risk.

[Amnon]

But Repatha Evolocumab plus a statin lowers LDL C, our bad cholesterol and our heart attack risk. So let's talk to our doctor about Repatha.

[Tamar]

Do not take Repatha if you're allergic to it. Serious allergic reactions can occur. Get medical help right away if you have trouble breathing or swallowing swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat or arms. Common side effects include runny nose, sore throat, common cold symptoms flu or flu like symptoms back pain, high blood sugar and redness pain or bruising at the injection site. View the important safety information in our banner. Listen to your heart Ask your doctor about Repatha.

[Yael Eckstein]

This is an I Heart podcast.