2 Samuel 13:5

Jonadab told him, "Lie down on your bed and pretend you are ill. When your father comes to see you, say to him, 'Please let my sister Tamar come and give me something to eat. Let her prepare it in my sight so I may watch her and eat it from her hand.'"

Study Bible

Jonadab told him
Jonadab, a cousin of Amnon and a son of Shimeah, David's brother, is described as a very shrewd man. His role in this narrative highlights the influence of cunning advisors in royal courts, a common theme in ancient Near Eastern politics. His advice sets in motion a series of tragic events, reflecting the moral complexities and familial dysfunction within David's household.

“Lie down on your bed and pretend you are ill.
Feigning illness was a deceptive tactic used to manipulate circumstances, as seen in other biblical narratives. This act of deceit foreshadows the moral decay and lack of integrity that will lead to further calamity in David's family. It also reflects the broader theme of sin and its consequences, a recurring motif in the biblical narrative.

When your father comes to see you,
King David, as a father, is portrayed as caring and attentive, yet his inability to discern the true intentions of his son highlights his weaknesses as a ruler and a parent. This moment underscores the tension between familial love and the responsibilities of kingship, a struggle evident throughout David's life.

say to him, ‘Please let my sister Tamar come
Tamar, the daughter of David and Maacah, is central to this story. Her name means "palm tree," symbolizing beauty and grace. The request for her presence underlines the cultural norms of hospitality and family duty, which are manipulated for sinister purposes. This also foreshadows the violation of familial trust and the ensuing tragedy.

and give me something to eat.
The request for food is a guise for Amnon's ulterior motives. In biblical times, sharing a meal was an act of fellowship and trust, making the betrayal even more egregious. This act of deception contrasts with the biblical ideal of hospitality and care within the family.

Let her prepare it in my sight
The insistence on Tamar preparing the food in his sight is a calculated move to isolate her, reflecting the premeditated nature of Amnon's intentions. This phrase highlights the misuse of power and authority, a theme that resonates throughout the narrative of David's reign.

so I may watch her and eat it from her hand.’”
This request is laden with sinister intent, as it sets the stage for the violation of Tamar. The act of eating from her hand, meant to be intimate and familial, is twisted into a prelude to assault. This perversion of familial roles and relationships serves as a stark warning against the abuse of power and the consequences of unchecked desires.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jonadab
A cunning and shrewd man, Jonadab is the cousin of Amnon and a nephew of King David. He is known for his manipulative advice, which leads to tragic consequences.

2. Amnon
The eldest son of King David, Amnon is infatuated with his half-sister Tamar. His actions, influenced by Jonadab's advice, lead to sin and family turmoil.

3. Tamar
The daughter of King David and sister of Absalom, Tamar is a victim of Amnon's deceit and lust. Her account is one of innocence and tragedy.

4. King David
The father of Amnon and Tamar, David is the king of Israel. His family is deeply affected by the events that unfold due to Amnon's actions.

5. The Event
The deceitful plan concocted by Jonadab and executed by Amnon, which involves pretending to be ill to lure Tamar into a vulnerable situation.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Ungodly Counsel
Be cautious of advice that contradicts God's Word. Jonadab's counsel led to sin and destruction, reminding us to seek wisdom from Godly sources.

The Consequences of Sin
Sin often has far-reaching and devastating effects, not only on the sinner but also on those around them. Amnon's actions led to family strife and personal ruin.

The Importance of Integrity
Upholding integrity in our actions and relationships is crucial. Amnon's lack of integrity resulted in harm to Tamar and dishonor to his family.

The Role of Accountability
Surround yourself with individuals who hold you accountable to God's standards. Amnon lacked accountability, which contributed to his downfall.

The Need for Repentance and Restoration
When sin occurs, repentance and seeking restoration are vital. The account of Amnon and Tamar underscores the need for turning back to God after wrongdoing.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jonadab's advice to Amnon reflect the nature of ungodly counsel, and what steps can we take to ensure we receive Godly advice in our lives?

2. In what ways do the consequences of Amnon's actions illustrate the principle of sowing and reaping found in Galatians 6:7-8?

3. How can we apply the warnings in Proverbs 1:10-19 to avoid falling into the trap of following sinful advice?

4. What role does accountability play in preventing sin, and how can we cultivate relationships that encourage accountability in our spiritual walk?

5. Reflecting on the account of Amnon and Tamar, what steps can we take to seek repentance and restoration when we have wronged others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 3
The deceitful nature of Jonadab's advice can be compared to the serpent's deception of Eve, highlighting the destructive power of cunning counsel.

Proverbs 1:10-19
This passage warns against following the advice of sinners, which parallels Jonadab's influence over Amnon.

Galatians 6:7-8
The principle of sowing and reaping is evident in the consequences faced by Amnon and David's family, reflecting the outcomes of sinful actions.