II Samuel 13: A Kingdom Torn Apart
And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.
And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her.
But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David’s brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man.
And he said unto him, Why art thou, being the king’s son, lean from day to day? wilt thou not tell me? And Amnon said unto him, I love Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.
And Jonadab said unto him, Lay thee down on thy bed, and make thyself sick: and when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto him, I pray thee, let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat, and dress the meat in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it at her hand.
So Amnon lay down, and made himself sick: and when the king was come to see him, Amnon said unto the king, I pray thee, let Tamar my sister come, and make me a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat at her hand.
Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to thy brother Amnon’s house, and dress him meat.
So Tamar went to her brother Amnon’s house; and he was laid down. And she took flour, and kneaded it, and made cakes in his sight, and did bake the cakes.
And she took a pan, and poured them out before him; but he refused to eat. And Amnon said, Have out all men from me. And they went out every man from him.
And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.
And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister.
And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly.
And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee.
Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her.
Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone.
And she said unto him, There is no cause: this evil in sending me away is greater than the other that thou didst unto me. But he would not hearken unto her.
Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her.
And she had a garment of divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king’s daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her.
And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying.
And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? but hold now thy peace, my sister: he is thy brother; regard not this thing. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom’s house.
But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth.
And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.
And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal–hazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king’s sons.
And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheepshearers; let the king, I beseech thee, and his servants go with thy servant.
And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us not all now go, lest we be chargeable unto thee. And he pressed him: howbeit he would not go, but blessed him.
Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go with thee?
But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king’s sons go with him.
Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.
And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king’s sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled.
And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that tidings came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king’s sons, and there is not one of them left.
Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent.
And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David’s brother, answered and said, Let not my lord suppose that they have slain all the young men the king’s sons; for Amnon only is dead: for by the appointment of Absalom this hath been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar.
Now therefore let not my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king’s sons are dead: for Amnon only is dead.
But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him.
And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king’s sons come: as thy servant said, so it is.
And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of speaking, that, behold, the king’s sons came, and lifted up their voice and wept: and the king also and all his servants wept very sore.
But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.
So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years.
And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.
II Samuel 13 unveils a tragic chapter in David's reign, a stark illustration of the devastating consequences stemming from sin, both his own and that of his children. While the Lord had forgiven David's adultery and murder (II Samuel 12:13), the prophecy of turmoil within his household (II Samuel 12:10) begins to unfold with agonizing clarity. The polygamous nature of David's family, once a symbol of power, becomes a breeding ground for jealousy, lust, and ultimately, violence. This chapter serves as a powerful cautionary tale about the far-reaching and destructive impact of sin, particularly within families and leadership.
Amnon's Lust and Jonadab's Deceit (II Samuel 13:1-5)
The chapter opens with Amnon, David's eldest son, consumed by lust for his half-sister Tamar, Absalom's full sister (II Samuel 13:1). The text highlights the complex relationships within David's large family, where half-siblings shared the same household but not the same maternal bond. This creates a volatile environment where jealousy and desire can easily fester.
Amnon's "problem," as it's delicately phrased, leads him to seek counsel from his cousin Jonadab, a "very shrewd" man (II Samuel 13:3). Jonadab, instead of offering moral guidance, devises a deceitful plan to exploit Amnon's lust. He suggests that Amnon feign illness and request Tamar to attend to him, creating an opportunity for him to be alone with her. This reveals a disturbing lack of integrity within David's inner circle and foreshadows the moral decay that will plague his reign. Jonadab's cunning manipulation highlights how easily others can exploit our weaknesses, especially when we are driven by selfish desires. Tragically, Amnon is all too willing to embrace the scheme.
The Trap is Sprung (II Samuel 13:6-14)
The plan unfolds with devastating ease. David, unknowingly complicit in the deception, sends Tamar to care for Amnon (II Samuel 13:6-7). This underscores David's vulnerability and perhaps a blind spot when it came to his children. Once alone, Amnon's lustful intentions become horrifyingly clear (II Samuel 13:11).
Tamar's desperate pleas are heart-wrenching. She begs Amnon not to disgrace her, reminding him of the shame he would bring upon both of them (II Samuel 13:12). She even suggests the possibility of marriage, a culturally acceptable solution that would avoid scandal (II Samuel 13:13). Her words reveal her understanding of the gravity of the situation and her attempt to salvage some semblance of honor. However, Amnon, blinded by his selfish desires, refuses to listen. Overpowering her, he rapes her (II Samuel 13:14). This act of violence is a profound betrayal of trust and a devastating assault on Tamar's dignity. Like his father David before him (II Samuel 11:2-4), Amnon is consumed by lust and fails to consider the catastrophic consequences of his actions.
From Lust to Loathing (II Samuel 13:15-19)
Amnon's character plumbs new depths after the assault. His lust transforms into an intense hatred for Tamar, a hatred even greater than the "love" he had previously professed (II Samuel 13:15). This chilling verse exposes the true nature of his desire: a selfish, fleeting passion devoid of genuine affection. His actions demonstrate the destructive power of lust, which can quickly turn into contempt and disregard for the object of its desire.
Tamar, now utterly vulnerable and disgraced, pleads with Amnon not to cast her out (II Samuel 13:16). She argues that to abandon her would be a greater wrong than the rape itself, as it would leave her with no hope for marriage or a future. However, Amnon is unmoved. He orders his servant to throw her out (II Samuel 13:17-18), compounding his sin with further cruelty. His actions mirror his father's attempts to cover up his own sins, demonstrating a pattern of moral failure within the royal family.
Tamar's reaction is one of profound grief and humiliation. She tears her robe, puts ashes on her head, and goes away crying aloud (II Samuel 13:19), traditional symbols of mourning and disgrace. Her public display of grief serves as a powerful indictment of Amnon's actions and the injustice she has suffered.
Silence and Seething Resentment (II Samuel 13:20-22)
Absalom, Tamar's full brother, witnesses her distress and consoles her, urging her to keep the incident quiet (II Samuel 13:20). While seemingly protective, his advice may also reflect a desire to protect his own family's reputation and plan his revenge. David, upon hearing of the incident, is furious (II Samuel 13:21), yet he does nothing to punish Amnon. This inaction is perplexing and suggests a moral paralysis, perhaps stemming from his own past sins. David's failure to act creates a vacuum that allows resentment and the seeds of future violence to take root.
Absalom, however, is not silent. He harbors a deep hatred for Amnon because he had violated his sister (II Samuel 13:22). He patiently waits for an opportunity to exact revenge, a chilling foreshadowing of the violence to come. This verse highlights the destructive nature of unresolved anger and the dangers of allowing bitterness to fester.
Absalom's Revenge (II Samuel 13:23-33)
Two years pass, but Absalom's hatred remains undiminished (II Samuel 13:23). He orchestrates a feast during sheep-shearing season, a common practice that brought together family and community, and invites all the king's sons, including Amnon (II Samuel 13:23-27). Absalom's insistence on Amnon's presence reveals his calculated plan for revenge.
During the feast, Absalom's servants, acting on his orders, kill Amnon (II Samuel 13:28-29). The swift and brutal nature of the act underscores the depth of Absalom's rage and his willingness to resort to violence to achieve his goals. The other princes flee in terror, creating chaos and confusion.
False reports reach David that all his sons have been killed (II Samuel 13:30-33), adding to the tragedy and highlighting the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty that now pervades the kingdom.
Flight and Longing (II Samuel 13:34-39)
The truth eventually emerges, but the damage is done. David and his remaining sons weep bitterly (II Samuel 13:35-36), mourning the loss of Amnon and the disintegration of their family.
Absalom flees to Geshur, the home of his maternal grandfather, King Talmai (II Samuel 13:37-38). He remains there for three years, a period of exile and reflection, although it seems his heart remains hardened. David, having grieved for Amnon, begins to long for Absalom's return (II Samuel 13:39). This sets the stage for the next act in this tragic drama, where Absalom's ambition and resentment will further destabilize David's kingdom.
II Samuel 13 is a sobering reminder of the destructive consequences of unchecked lust, deceit, and unresolved anger. It highlights the importance of moral leadership, the fragility of family relationships, and the enduring impact of sin. The chapter also serves as a warning against allowing bitterness to fester and the dangers of seeking revenge. Ultimately, it underscores the need for forgiveness, reconciliation, and a commitment to righteousness in all aspects of life. The tragic events of this chapter are a direct consequence of David's sin. The ripple effect of sin is long and devastating.
And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.
And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her.
But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David’s brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man.
And he said unto him, Why art thou, being the king’s son, lean from day to day? wilt thou not tell me? And Amnon said unto him, I love Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.
And Jonadab said unto him, Lay thee down on thy bed, and make thyself sick: and when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto him, I pray thee, let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat, and dress the meat in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it at her hand.
So Amnon lay down, and made himself sick: and when the king was come to see him, Amnon said unto the king, I pray thee, let Tamar my sister come, and make me a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat at her hand.
Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to thy brother Amnon’s house, and dress him meat.
So Tamar went to her brother Amnon’s house; and he was laid down. And she took flour, and kneaded it, and made cakes in his sight, and did bake the cakes.
And she took a pan, and poured them out before him; but he refused to eat. And Amnon said, Have out all men from me. And they went out every man from him.
And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.
And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister.
And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly.
And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee.
Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her.
Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone.
And she said unto him, There is no cause: this evil in sending me away is greater than the other that thou didst unto me. But he would not hearken unto her.
Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her.
And she had a garment of divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king’s daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her.
And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying.
And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? but hold now thy peace, my sister: he is thy brother; regard not this thing. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom’s house.
But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth.
And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.
And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal–hazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king’s sons.
And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheepshearers; let the king, I beseech thee, and his servants go with thy servant.
And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us not all now go, lest we be chargeable unto thee. And he pressed him: howbeit he would not go, but blessed him.
Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go with thee?
But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king’s sons go with him.
Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.
And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king’s sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled.
And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that tidings came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king’s sons, and there is not one of them left.
Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent.
And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David’s brother, answered and said, Let not my lord suppose that they have slain all the young men the king’s sons; for Amnon only is dead: for by the appointment of Absalom this hath been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar.
Now therefore let not my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king’s sons are dead: for Amnon only is dead.
But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him.
And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king’s sons come: as thy servant said, so it is.
And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of speaking, that, behold, the king’s sons came, and lifted up their voice and wept: and the king also and all his servants wept very sore.
But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.
So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years.
And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.
II Samuel 13 unveils a tragic chapter in David's reign, a stark illustration of the devastating consequences stemming from sin, both his own and that of his children. While the Lord had forgiven David's adultery and murder (II Samuel 12:13), the prophecy of turmoil within his household (II Samuel 12:10) begins to unfold with agonizing clarity. The polygamous nature of David's family, once a symbol of power, becomes a breeding ground for jealousy, lust, and ultimately, violence. This chapter serves as a powerful cautionary tale about the far-reaching and destructive impact of sin, particularly within families and leadership.
Amnon's Lust and Jonadab's Deceit (II Samuel 13:1-5)
The chapter opens with Amnon, David's eldest son, consumed by lust for his half-sister Tamar, Absalom's full sister (II Samuel 13:1). The text highlights the complex relationships within David's large family, where half-siblings shared the same household but not the same maternal bond. This creates a volatile environment where jealousy and desire can easily fester.
Amnon's "problem," as it's delicately phrased, leads him to seek counsel from his cousin Jonadab, a "very shrewd" man (II Samuel 13:3). Jonadab, instead of offering moral guidance, devises a deceitful plan to exploit Amnon's lust. He suggests that Amnon feign illness and request Tamar to attend to him, creating an opportunity for him to be alone with her. This reveals a disturbing lack of integrity within David's inner circle and foreshadows the moral decay that will plague his reign. Jonadab's cunning manipulation highlights how easily others can exploit our weaknesses, especially when we are driven by selfish desires. Tragically, Amnon is all too willing to embrace the scheme.
The Trap is Sprung (II Samuel 13:6-14)
The plan unfolds with devastating ease. David, unknowingly complicit in the deception, sends Tamar to care for Amnon (II Samuel 13:6-7). This underscores David's vulnerability and perhaps a blind spot when it came to his children. Once alone, Amnon's lustful intentions become horrifyingly clear (II Samuel 13:11).
Tamar's desperate pleas are heart-wrenching. She begs Amnon not to disgrace her, reminding him of the shame he would bring upon both of them (II Samuel 13:12). She even suggests the possibility of marriage, a culturally acceptable solution that would avoid scandal (II Samuel 13:13). Her words reveal her understanding of the gravity of the situation and her attempt to salvage some semblance of honor. However, Amnon, blinded by his selfish desires, refuses to listen. Overpowering her, he rapes her (II Samuel 13:14). This act of violence is a profound betrayal of trust and a devastating assault on Tamar's dignity. Like his father David before him (II Samuel 11:2-4), Amnon is consumed by lust and fails to consider the catastrophic consequences of his actions.
From Lust to Loathing (II Samuel 13:15-19)
Amnon's character plumbs new depths after the assault. His lust transforms into an intense hatred for Tamar, a hatred even greater than the "love" he had previously professed (II Samuel 13:15). This chilling verse exposes the true nature of his desire: a selfish, fleeting passion devoid of genuine affection. His actions demonstrate the destructive power of lust, which can quickly turn into contempt and disregard for the object of its desire.
Tamar, now utterly vulnerable and disgraced, pleads with Amnon not to cast her out (II Samuel 13:16). She argues that to abandon her would be a greater wrong than the rape itself, as it would leave her with no hope for marriage or a future. However, Amnon is unmoved. He orders his servant to throw her out (II Samuel 13:17-18), compounding his sin with further cruelty. His actions mirror his father's attempts to cover up his own sins, demonstrating a pattern of moral failure within the royal family.
Tamar's reaction is one of profound grief and humiliation. She tears her robe, puts ashes on her head, and goes away crying aloud (II Samuel 13:19), traditional symbols of mourning and disgrace. Her public display of grief serves as a powerful indictment of Amnon's actions and the injustice she has suffered.
Silence and Seething Resentment (II Samuel 13:20-22)
Absalom, Tamar's full brother, witnesses her distress and consoles her, urging her to keep the incident quiet (II Samuel 13:20). While seemingly protective, his advice may also reflect a desire to protect his own family's reputation and plan his revenge. David, upon hearing of the incident, is furious (II Samuel 13:21), yet he does nothing to punish Amnon. This inaction is perplexing and suggests a moral paralysis, perhaps stemming from his own past sins. David's failure to act creates a vacuum that allows resentment and the seeds of future violence to take root.
Absalom, however, is not silent. He harbors a deep hatred for Amnon because he had violated his sister (II Samuel 13:22). He patiently waits for an opportunity to exact revenge, a chilling foreshadowing of the violence to come. This verse highlights the destructive nature of unresolved anger and the dangers of allowing bitterness to fester.
Absalom's Revenge (II Samuel 13:23-33)
Two years pass, but Absalom's hatred remains undiminished (II Samuel 13:23). He orchestrates a feast during sheep-shearing season, a common practice that brought together family and community, and invites all the king's sons, including Amnon (II Samuel 13:23-27). Absalom's insistence on Amnon's presence reveals his calculated plan for revenge.
During the feast, Absalom's servants, acting on his orders, kill Amnon (II Samuel 13:28-29). The swift and brutal nature of the act underscores the depth of Absalom's rage and his willingness to resort to violence to achieve his goals. The other princes flee in terror, creating chaos and confusion.
False reports reach David that all his sons have been killed (II Samuel 13:30-33), adding to the tragedy and highlighting the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty that now pervades the kingdom.
Flight and Longing (II Samuel 13:34-39)
The truth eventually emerges, but the damage is done. David and his remaining sons weep bitterly (II Samuel 13:35-36), mourning the loss of Amnon and the disintegration of their family.
Absalom flees to Geshur, the home of his maternal grandfather, King Talmai (II Samuel 13:37-38). He remains there for three years, a period of exile and reflection, although it seems his heart remains hardened. David, having grieved for Amnon, begins to long for Absalom's return (II Samuel 13:39). This sets the stage for the next act in this tragic drama, where Absalom's ambition and resentment will further destabilize David's kingdom.
II Samuel 13 is a sobering reminder of the destructive consequences of unchecked lust, deceit, and unresolved anger. It highlights the importance of moral leadership, the fragility of family relationships, and the enduring impact of sin. The chapter also serves as a warning against allowing bitterness to fester and the dangers of seeking revenge. Ultimately, it underscores the need for forgiveness, reconciliation, and a commitment to righteousness in all aspects of life. The tragic events of this chapter are a direct consequence of David's sin. The ripple effect of sin is long and devastating.