2 samuel 13:32 - Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David’s brother, answered, “Don’t let my lord suppose that they have killed all the young men the king’s sons; for Amnon only is dead; for by the appointment of Absalom this has been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar.
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What does "2 samuel 13:32" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 13:32 is a pivotal point in the unfolding drama of the aftermath of Amnon's rape of his half-sister Tamar. It's spoken by Jonadab, who, we learned earlier in the chapter, is a shrewd and cunning counselor, despite being a kinsman of the king. Let's break down what the verse means:
"Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David’s brother, answered...": This identifies the speaker, emphasizing his connection to the royal family and subtly highlighting that his advice might hold weight with King David.
“Don’t let my lord suppose that they have killed all the young men the king’s sons...": This is the core of Jonadab's message. He's addressing King David (referred to as "my lord") and quickly trying to dispel the rumor (or fear) that all of David's sons have been murdered. There's likely panic in the royal court, and news of Amnon's death has led to the assumption that Absalom has launched a full-scale rebellion, killing all his brothers to secure the throne.
"...for Amnon only is dead; for by the appointment of Absalom this has been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar.": This is Jonadab's explanation. He clarifies that only Amnon has been killed and that this act was premeditated by Absalom. He suggests that Absalom's motive for killing Amnon stems from the day Amnon raped Tamar. The phrase "by the appointment of Absalom" suggests predetermination and planning, making it clear this wasn't just a spur-of-the-moment act of revenge, but a calculated act of vengeance.
In essence, the verse means:
Jonadab assures King David that only Amnon is dead and that the assassination was premeditated by Absalom as retribution for the rape of Tamar. He is trying to calm the situation and give the King a more accurate picture of what has occurred so that he does not overreact based on wrong assumptions.
Significance:
Strategic Information: Jonadab's information is crucial. It prevents David from reacting with a potentially catastrophic overreaction (e.g., launching a war against his own sons).
Insight into Absalom's Motives: Jonadab reveals (or confirms) that Absalom's actions are rooted in his desire to avenge Tamar's shame. This adds a layer of complexity to Absalom's character and motives. It shows that while he's committing murder, he's also driven by a sense of justice (albeit a twisted form).
Foreshadowing: The verse foreshadows the larger conflict to come. Absalom's actions set the stage for a rebellion against David, fueled by a combination of personal vengeance and political ambition.
Jonadab is a key character in this chapter, acting as a kind of manipulator of events. He knows information and strategically uses it to influence others. His statement here is designed to control the narrative and influence David's response to Amnon's death.
2 samuel 13:32 - Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David’s brother, answered, “Don’t let my lord suppose that they have killed all the young men the king’s sons; for Amnon only is dead; for by the appointment of Absalom this has been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar.
What does "2 samuel 13:32" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 13:32 is a pivotal point in the unfolding drama of the aftermath of Amnon's rape of his half-sister Tamar. It's spoken by Jonadab, who, we learned earlier in the chapter, is a shrewd and cunning counselor, despite being a kinsman of the king. Let's break down what the verse means:
"Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David’s brother, answered...": This identifies the speaker, emphasizing his connection to the royal family and subtly highlighting that his advice might hold weight with King David.
“Don’t let my lord suppose that they have killed all the young men the king’s sons...": This is the core of Jonadab's message. He's addressing King David (referred to as "my lord") and quickly trying to dispel the rumor (or fear) that all of David's sons have been murdered. There's likely panic in the royal court, and news of Amnon's death has led to the assumption that Absalom has launched a full-scale rebellion, killing all his brothers to secure the throne.
"...for Amnon only is dead; for by the appointment of Absalom this has been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar.": This is Jonadab's explanation. He clarifies that only Amnon has been killed and that this act was premeditated by Absalom. He suggests that Absalom's motive for killing Amnon stems from the day Amnon raped Tamar. The phrase "by the appointment of Absalom" suggests predetermination and planning, making it clear this wasn't just a spur-of-the-moment act of revenge, but a calculated act of vengeance.
In essence, the verse means:
Jonadab assures King David that only Amnon is dead and that the assassination was premeditated by Absalom as retribution for the rape of Tamar. He is trying to calm the situation and give the King a more accurate picture of what has occurred so that he does not overreact based on wrong assumptions.
Significance:
Strategic Information: Jonadab's information is crucial. It prevents David from reacting with a potentially catastrophic overreaction (e.g., launching a war against his own sons).
Insight into Absalom's Motives: Jonadab reveals (or confirms) that Absalom's actions are rooted in his desire to avenge Tamar's shame. This adds a layer of complexity to Absalom's character and motives. It shows that while he's committing murder, he's also driven by a sense of justice (albeit a twisted form).
Foreshadowing: The verse foreshadows the larger conflict to come. Absalom's actions set the stage for a rebellion against David, fueled by a combination of personal vengeance and political ambition.
Jonadab is a key character in this chapter, acting as a kind of manipulator of events. He knows information and strategically uses it to influence others. His statement here is designed to control the narrative and influence David's response to Amnon's death.