2 samuel 13:3 - But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David’s brother; and Jonadab was a very subtle man.
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What does "2 samuel 13:3" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 13:3 sets the stage for the tragic story of Amnon and Tamar. It introduces a key character, Jonadab, and provides crucial context for his role in the events to come. Let's break down the meaning:
"But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David’s brother..." This establishes a social connection between Amnon and Jonadab. The fact that Jonadab is David's nephew through Shimeah makes him part of the royal family, albeit a more distant branch. This connection gives Jonadab a degree of access and influence within the court.
"...and Jonadab was a very subtle man." This is the most important part of the verse and the key to understanding Jonadab's significance. "Subtle" in this context doesn't necessarily mean "wise" or "good." Instead, it implies craftiness, cunning, and a talent for manipulation. Jonadab is portrayed as someone who is skilled at figuring things out, devising schemes, and perhaps lacking in moral scruples. He is shrewd and perceptive, but his intelligence is not used for virtuous purposes.
In essence, the verse tells us that Amnon, who already has a weakness for lust and a lack of self-control, has a friend who is highly intelligent but also manipulative and likely amoral. This is a dangerous combination. Jonadab will prove to be a catalyst for Amnon's dark desires, providing him with the cunning and strategy to act on them. The verse foreshadows that Jonadab's "subtlety" will have negative consequences in the story. He isn't just a neutral observer; he's actively involved in influencing Amnon's actions.
2 samuel 13:3 - But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David’s brother; and Jonadab was a very subtle man.
What does "2 samuel 13:3" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 13:3 sets the stage for the tragic story of Amnon and Tamar. It introduces a key character, Jonadab, and provides crucial context for his role in the events to come. Let's break down the meaning:
"But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David’s brother..." This establishes a social connection between Amnon and Jonadab. The fact that Jonadab is David's nephew through Shimeah makes him part of the royal family, albeit a more distant branch. This connection gives Jonadab a degree of access and influence within the court.
"...and Jonadab was a very subtle man." This is the most important part of the verse and the key to understanding Jonadab's significance. "Subtle" in this context doesn't necessarily mean "wise" or "good." Instead, it implies craftiness, cunning, and a talent for manipulation. Jonadab is portrayed as someone who is skilled at figuring things out, devising schemes, and perhaps lacking in moral scruples. He is shrewd and perceptive, but his intelligence is not used for virtuous purposes.
In essence, the verse tells us that Amnon, who already has a weakness for lust and a lack of self-control, has a friend who is highly intelligent but also manipulative and likely amoral. This is a dangerous combination. Jonadab will prove to be a catalyst for Amnon's dark desires, providing him with the cunning and strategy to act on them. The verse foreshadows that Jonadab's "subtlety" will have negative consequences in the story. He isn't just a neutral observer; he's actively involved in influencing Amnon's actions.