2 Samuel 13:28

Now Absalom had ordered his young men, "Watch Amnon until his heart is merry with wine, and when I order you to strike Amnon down, you are to kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant!"

Study Bible

Now Absalom had ordered his young men
Absalom, the third son of King David, is taking decisive action against his half-brother Amnon. This reflects the deep-seated animosity following Amnon's violation of their sister Tamar. The use of "young men" indicates Absalom's authority and influence, as he commands his servants to carry out his will, a common practice for those of noble status in ancient Israel.

Watch Amnon until his heart is merry with wine
The setting is a feast, a common occasion for celebration and drinking in ancient Near Eastern culture. Wine was often used to induce a state of relaxation or vulnerability. This phrase suggests a premeditated plan to catch Amnon off guard, reminiscent of other biblical narratives where wine leads to significant events, such as Noah's drunkenness (Genesis 9:21) or Lot's daughters (Genesis 19:32-35).

and when I order you to strike Amnon down, you are to kill him
Absalom's command is clear and ruthless, reflecting the law of retribution, "an eye for an eye" (Exodus 21:23-25). This act of vengeance is personal and calculated, highlighting the cycle of violence within David's family, a consequence of David's own sins (2 Samuel 12:10-12).

Do not be afraid
Absalom reassures his men, acknowledging the gravity of the task. This echoes God's frequent encouragement to His people to not fear when undertaking daunting tasks (Joshua 1:9). However, here it is used in a morally complex situation, contrasting divine missions with human vendettas.

Have I not commanded you?
Absalom asserts his authority, reminiscent of military leaders in Israel who commanded obedience. This phrase underscores the hierarchical nature of ancient societies, where loyalty to one's superior was paramount, even above moral considerations.

Be courageous and valiant!
These words are often associated with battle and heroism in the Old Testament (e.g., Joshua 1:6). Absalom's use of them in this context is ironic, as he calls for bravery in committing murder, twisting the noble call to courage for a sinister purpose. This reflects the tragic misuse of God-given virtues for personal revenge, contrasting with the righteous courage exemplified by figures like David in his youth (1 Samuel 17:45-47).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Absalom
The third son of King David, known for his handsome appearance and later rebellion against his father. In this passage, he orchestrates the murder of his half-brother Amnon.

2. Amnon
The firstborn son of King David, who previously committed a grievous sin against his half-sister Tamar, which led to Absalom's desire for revenge.

3. Young Men
Servants of Absalom, tasked with carrying out the murder of Amnon at Absalom's command.

4. King David
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the father of both Absalom and Amnon, and his family dynamics play a crucial role in the unfolding events.

5. The Feast
The setting of the event, where Absalom uses the occasion of a feast to execute his plan against Amnon.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
Absalom's actions are a direct result of Amnon's sin against Tamar. Sin often leads to further sin, creating a cycle of destruction.

Misuse of Authority
Absalom uses his position to manipulate others into committing murder, showing how authority can be abused for personal vendettas.

The Danger of Unchecked Emotions
Absalom's anger and desire for revenge lead to murder. It's crucial to address emotions like anger and bitterness before they lead to sin.

The Importance of Justice
Absalom's actions highlight the need for justice and proper channels to address wrongs, rather than taking matters into one's own hands.

Courage in the Wrong Context
Absalom's call to "be strong and courageous" is a perversion of a biblical principle, reminding us to discern the context and purpose of our actions.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Absalom's command to his servants reflect a misuse of leadership and authority? Can you think of other biblical examples where authority was misused?

2. In what ways does the cycle of sin and revenge in this account mirror situations in our own lives or society today?

3. How can we apply the biblical principle of "be strong and courageous" in a way that aligns with God's will, rather than personal desires?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that our emotions, such as anger or bitterness, do not lead us to sin?

5. How does the account of Absalom and Amnon challenge us to seek justice through godly means rather than personal vengeance? Can you find other scriptures that support this approach?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 4:8
The account of Cain and Abel, where Cain's jealousy leads to murder, parallels Absalom's vengeful act against Amnon.

Deuteronomy 31:6
The phrase "Be strong and courageous" echoes God's command to Joshua, highlighting the misuse of divine encouragement for sinful purposes.

Romans 12:19
This verse speaks against taking personal vengeance, contrasting with Absalom's actions.