2 samuel 13:5 - Jonadab said to him, “Lay down on your bed, and pretend to be sick. When your father comes to see you, tell him, ‘Please let my sister Tamar come and give me bread to eat, and prepare the food in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it from her hand.’”

Generated Verse: 2 samuel 13:5

What does "2 samuel 13:5" mean?


This verse is a pivotal moment in the tragic story of Amnon and Tamar in 2 Samuel 13. Let's break down what it means:

Context: Amnon, King David's son, is consumed with lust for his half-sister Tamar. He is so overcome that he's actually physically ill. He doesn't know how to approach her or get her alone.

Jonadab's Role: Jonadab is Amnon's cousin and is described as "a very crafty man" (2 Samuel 13:3). Amnon confides in him, and Jonadab comes up with a deceptive plan.

The Plan: Jonadab advises Amnon to:
Feign illness: Pretend to be sick in bed. This will draw King David's attention and concern.
Request Tamar: Ask David to send Tamar to prepare food for him personally.
Specify the method: He needs to ask for Tamar to prepare food in Amnon's sight and hand-feed him. This is the critical part - it's not just about getting food, it's about creating an intimate, private setting with her.

Meaning/Significance:
Manipulation: Jonadab's plan is manipulative and deceitful from the outset. It's designed to exploit Amnon's position as a prince and King David's paternal care.
Isolation: The goal is to isolate Tamar, away from the protection of the royal court and servants, making her vulnerable to Amnon.
Premeditation: This verse clearly shows that Amnon's subsequent actions were not a spur-of-the-moment thing but rather a carefully planned act of manipulation facilitated by Jonadab.
Abuse of Power: This entire episode highlights the abuse of power and privilege within the royal family.

In essence, this verse reveals the insidious plot being hatched to exploit Tamar's position, trust, and vulnerability, setting the stage for the horrific event that follows: Amnon rapes Tamar. Jonadab's advice is a catalyst for the tragedy and showcases his own moral bankruptcy.

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