This verse from 2 Samuel 13:22 is deceptively simple, but it speaks volumes about Absalom's simmering anger and calculated plan for revenge. Here's a breakdown:
"Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad": This highlights Absalom's calculated silence. He doesn't engage with Amnon in friendly conversation ("good") nor does he confront him directly ("bad"). He is maintaining a facade of normalcy. This suggests a deliberate choice not to reveal his true feelings.
"for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar": This is the reason for Absalom's silence. Amnon raped Tamar, Absalom's sister. This act was a profound betrayal and a violation of family honor. Absalom's hatred is justified and understandable within the context of the time and culture.
Therefore, the verse means:
Absalom harbored deep-seated hatred for Amnon because Amnon had raped their sister Tamar.
Instead of confronting Amnon directly or behaving normally toward him, Absalom deliberately maintained a neutral, silent demeanor.
This silence was a calculated act. It allowed Absalom to conceal his true feelings and likely plan his revenge without alerting Amnon to the danger he was in.
In essence, the verse is a foreshadowing of Absalom's violent revenge on Amnon. He is biding his time, masking his anger, and plotting to make Amnon pay for his actions. Absalom is not forgiving or moving on; he is stewing in his hatred and planning retribution.
This verse from 2 Samuel 13:22 is deceptively simple, but it speaks volumes about Absalom's simmering anger and calculated plan for revenge. Here's a breakdown:
"Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad": This highlights Absalom's calculated silence. He doesn't engage with Amnon in friendly conversation ("good") nor does he confront him directly ("bad"). He is maintaining a facade of normalcy. This suggests a deliberate choice not to reveal his true feelings.
"for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar": This is the reason for Absalom's silence. Amnon raped Tamar, Absalom's sister. This act was a profound betrayal and a violation of family honor. Absalom's hatred is justified and understandable within the context of the time and culture.
Therefore, the verse means:
Absalom harbored deep-seated hatred for Amnon because Amnon had raped their sister Tamar.
Instead of confronting Amnon directly or behaving normally toward him, Absalom deliberately maintained a neutral, silent demeanor.
This silence was a calculated act. It allowed Absalom to conceal his true feelings and likely plan his revenge without alerting Amnon to the danger he was in.
In essence, the verse is a foreshadowing of Absalom's violent revenge on Amnon. He is biding his time, masking his anger, and plotting to make Amnon pay for his actions. Absalom is not forgiving or moving on; he is stewing in his hatred and planning retribution.