1 And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.

2 And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do anything to her.

3 But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man.

4 And he said unto him, Why art thou, being the king's son, lean from day to day? wilt thou not tell me? And Amnon said unto him, I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister.

5 And Jonadab said unto him, Lay thee down on thy bed, and make thyself sick: and when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto him, I pray thee, let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat, and dress the meat in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it at her hand.

6 So Amnon lay down, and made himself sick: and when the king was come to see him, Amnon said unto the king, I pray thee, let Tamar my sister come, and make me a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat at her hand.

7 Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to thy brother Amnon's house, and dress him meat.

8 So Tamar went to her brother Amnon's house; and he was laid down. And she took flour, and kneaded it, and made cakes in his sight, and did bake the cakes.

9 And she took a pan, and poured them out before him; but he refused to eat. And Amnon said, Have out all men from me. And they went out every man from him.

10 And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.

11 And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister.

12 And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly.

13 And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee.

14 Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her.

15 Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone.

16 And she said unto him, There is no cause: this evil in sending me away is greater than the other that thou didst unto me. But he would not hearken unto her.

17 Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her.

18 And she had a garment of divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king's daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her.

19 And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying.

20 And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? but hold now thy peace, my sister: he is thy brother; regard not this thing. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house.

21 But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth.

22 And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.

23 And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baalhazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons.

24 And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheepshearers; let the king, I beseech thee, and his servants go with thy servant.

25 And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us not all now go, lest we be chargeable unto thee. And he pressed him: howbeit he would not go, but blessed him.

26 Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go with thee?

27 But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him.

28 Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.

29 And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled.

30 And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that tidings came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king's sons, and there is not one of them left.

31 Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent.

32 And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother, answered and said, Let not my lord suppose that they have slain all the young men the king's sons; for Amnon only is dead: for by the appointment of Absalom this hath been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar.

33 Now therefore let not my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king's sons are dead: for Amnon only is dead.

34 But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him.

35 And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come: as thy servant said, so it is.

36 And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of speaking, that, behold, the king's sons came, and lifted up their voice and wept: and the king also and all his servants wept very sore.

37 But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.

38 So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years.

39 And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ammon's violence to his sister.
From henceforward David was followed with one trouble after another. Adultery and murder were David's sins, the like sins among his children were the beginnings of his punishment: he was too indulgent to his children. Thus David might trace the sins of his children to his own misconduct, which must have made the anguish of the chastisement worse. Let no one ever expect good treatment from those who are capable of attempting their seduction; but it is better to suffer the greatest wrong than to commit the least sin.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
A sister - His sister by father and mother.
McArther Bible Commentary
The rape of Tamar.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 3:2 2 Samuel 3:3 2 Samuel 13:2 2 Samuel 14:27 1 Chronicles 3:2 1 Chronicles 3:9

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ammon's violence to his sister.
From henceforward David was followed with one trouble after another. Adultery and murder were David's sins, the like sins among his children were the beginnings of his punishment: he was too indulgent to his children. Thus David might trace the sins of his children to his own misconduct, which must have made the anguish of the chastisement worse. Let no one ever expect good treatment from those who are capable of attempting their seduction; but it is better to suffer the greatest wrong than to commit the least sin.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
A virgin - And therefore diligently kept, so he could not get private converse with her.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 13:1 2 Samuel 13:3

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ammon's violence to his sister.
From henceforward David was followed with one trouble after another. Adultery and murder were David's sins, the like sins among his children were the beginnings of his punishment: he was too indulgent to his children. Thus David might trace the sins of his children to his own misconduct, which must have made the anguish of the chastisement worse. Let no one ever expect good treatment from those who are capable of attempting their seduction; but it is better to suffer the greatest wrong than to commit the least sin.
McArther Bible Commentary
Jonadab. The son of David's brother, called Shammah in 1Sa 16:9; 1Sa 17:3 and Shimea in 1Ch 2:13. Jonadab was Amnon's cousin and counselor who gave Amnon the plan by which he was able to rape Tamar.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 16:9 1 Samuel 16:11 2 Samuel 13:2 2 Samuel 13:4 2 Samuel 13:32

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ammon's violence to his sister.
From henceforward David was followed with one trouble after another. Adultery and murder were David's sins, the like sins among his children were the beginnings of his punishment: he was too indulgent to his children. Thus David might trace the sins of his children to his own misconduct, which must have made the anguish of the chastisement worse. Let no one ever expect good treatment from those who are capable of attempting their seduction; but it is better to suffer the greatest wrong than to commit the least sin.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 13:3 2 Samuel 13:5

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ammon's violence to his sister.
From henceforward David was followed with one trouble after another. Adultery and murder were David's sins, the like sins among his children were the beginnings of his punishment: he was too indulgent to his children. Thus David might trace the sins of his children to his own misconduct, which must have made the anguish of the chastisement worse. Let no one ever expect good treatment from those who are capable of attempting their seduction; but it is better to suffer the greatest wrong than to commit the least sin.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
My sister - So he calls her, to prevent the suspicion of any dishonest design upon so near a relation. At her hand - Pretending, his stomach was so nice, that he could eat nothing but what he saw dressed, and that by a person whom he much esteemed.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 13:4 2 Samuel 13:6

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ammon's violence to his sister.
From henceforward David was followed with one trouble after another. Adultery and murder were David's sins, the like sins among his children were the beginnings of his punishment: he was too indulgent to his children. Thus David might trace the sins of his children to his own misconduct, which must have made the anguish of the chastisement worse. Let no one ever expect good treatment from those who are capable of attempting their seduction; but it is better to suffer the greatest wrong than to commit the least sin.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 18:6 2 Samuel 13:5 2 Samuel 13:7

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ammon's violence to his sister.
From henceforward David was followed with one trouble after another. Adultery and murder were David's sins, the like sins among his children were the beginnings of his punishment: he was too indulgent to his children. Thus David might trace the sins of his children to his own misconduct, which must have made the anguish of the chastisement worse. Let no one ever expect good treatment from those who are capable of attempting their seduction; but it is better to suffer the greatest wrong than to commit the least sin.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 13:6 2 Samuel 13:8

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ammon's violence to his sister.
From henceforward David was followed with one trouble after another. Adultery and murder were David's sins, the like sins among his children were the beginnings of his punishment: he was too indulgent to his children. Thus David might trace the sins of his children to his own misconduct, which must have made the anguish of the chastisement worse. Let no one ever expect good treatment from those who are capable of attempting their seduction; but it is better to suffer the greatest wrong than to commit the least sin.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 28:24 2 Samuel 13:7 2 Samuel 13:9

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ammon's violence to his sister.
From henceforward David was followed with one trouble after another. Adultery and murder were David's sins, the like sins among his children were the beginnings of his punishment: he was too indulgent to his children. Thus David might trace the sins of his children to his own misconduct, which must have made the anguish of the chastisement worse. Let no one ever expect good treatment from those who are capable of attempting their seduction; but it is better to suffer the greatest wrong than to commit the least sin.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Out - Out of the frying - pan into the dish.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 45:1 2 Samuel 13:8 2 Samuel 13:10

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ammon's violence to his sister.
From henceforward David was followed with one trouble after another. Adultery and murder were David's sins, the like sins among his children were the beginnings of his punishment: he was too indulgent to his children. Thus David might trace the sins of his children to his own misconduct, which must have made the anguish of the chastisement worse. Let no one ever expect good treatment from those who are capable of attempting their seduction; but it is better to suffer the greatest wrong than to commit the least sin.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Chamber - Amnon lying upon his couch in one chamber where the company were with him, where also she made the cakes before him, first sends all out of that room, and then rises from his couch, and, upon some pretence, goes into another secret chamber.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 13:9 2 Samuel 13:11

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ammon's violence to his sister.
From henceforward David was followed with one trouble after another. Adultery and murder were David's sins, the like sins among his children were the beginnings of his punishment: he was too indulgent to his children. Thus David might trace the sins of his children to his own misconduct, which must have made the anguish of the chastisement worse. Let no one ever expect good treatment from those who are capable of attempting their seduction; but it is better to suffer the greatest wrong than to commit the least sin.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 39:7 Genesis 39:12 2 Samuel 13:10 Ezekiel 22:11

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ammon's violence to his sister.
From henceforward David was followed with one trouble after another. Adultery and murder were David's sins, the like sins among his children were the beginnings of his punishment: he was too indulgent to his children. Thus David might trace the sins of his children to his own misconduct, which must have made the anguish of the chastisement worse. Let no one ever expect good treatment from those who are capable of attempting their seduction; but it is better to suffer the greatest wrong than to commit the least sin.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Brother - Whom nature both teaches to abhor such thoughts and obliges to defend me from such a mischief with thy utmost hazard, if another should attempt it. Force - Thou shouldst abhor it, if I were willing; but to add violence, is abominable. Israel - Among God's people who are taught better things; who also will be infinitely reproached for such a base action.
McArther Bible Commentary
this disgraceful thing! Lit. "a wicked thing." Tamar appealed to Amnon with four reasons that he should not rape her. First, it was an utterly deplored act in Israel because it violated the law of God (see Lev 18:11), and Tamar knew that such action could bring disharmony and bloodshed to the king's family, as it did. my shame? Second, as a fornicator, Tamar would be scorned as an object of reproach. Even though resistant to the evil crime perpetuated against her, Tamar would bear the stigma of one defiled. like one of the fools in Israel. Third, Amnon would be regarded by the people as a wicked fool, a God-rejecting man without principles who offended ordinary standards of morality, thereby jeopardizing Amnon's right to the throne. the king … will not withhold me from you. Fourth, Tamar appealed to Amnon to fulfill his physical desire for her through marriage. She surely knew that such a marriage between half siblings was not allowed by the Mosaic Law (Lev 18:9, Lev 18:11; Lev 20:17; Deu 27:22), but in the desperation of the moment, Tamar was seeking to escape the immediate situation.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 34:7 Leviticus 20:17 Deuteronomy 22:21 Judges 19:23 Judges 20:6 Jeremiah 29:23

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ammon's violence to his sister.
From henceforward David was followed with one trouble after another. Adultery and murder were David's sins, the like sins among his children were the beginnings of his punishment: he was too indulgent to his children. Thus David might trace the sins of his children to his own misconduct, which must have made the anguish of the chastisement worse. Let no one ever expect good treatment from those who are capable of attempting their seduction; but it is better to suffer the greatest wrong than to commit the least sin.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Shame - How can I either endure or avoid the shame? Fools - That is, contemptible to all the people, whereas now thou art heir apparent of the crown. Withhold - This she spoke, because she thought her royal father would dispense with it, upon this extraordinary occasion, to save his first - born son's life:
Bible Cross References
Genesis 20:12 Deuteronomy 22:21

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ammon's violence to his sister.
From henceforward David was followed with one trouble after another. Adultery and murder were David's sins, the like sins among his children were the beginnings of his punishment: he was too indulgent to his children. Thus David might trace the sins of his children to his own misconduct, which must have made the anguish of the chastisement worse. Let no one ever expect good treatment from those who are capable of attempting their seduction; but it is better to suffer the greatest wrong than to commit the least sin.
McArther Bible Commentary
forced. A euphemism for "raped."
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 18:9 Deuteronomy 22:25 Deuteronomy 27:22 2 Samuel 12:11 2 Samuel 13:15

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ammon's violence to his sister.
From henceforward David was followed with one trouble after another. Adultery and murder were David's sins, the like sins among his children were the beginnings of his punishment: he was too indulgent to his children. Thus David might trace the sins of his children to his own misconduct, which must have made the anguish of the chastisement worse. Let no one ever expect good treatment from those who are capable of attempting their seduction; but it is better to suffer the greatest wrong than to commit the least sin.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Hated her - By the just judgment of God both upon Amnon and David, that so the sin might be made publick, and way for the succeeding tragedies.
McArther Bible Commentary
hated her. Amnon's "love" (2Sa 13:1) was nothing but sensual desire that, once gratified, turned to hatred. His sudden revulsion was the result of her unwilling resistance, the atrocity of what he had done, feelings of remorse, and dread of exposure and punishment. All of these rendered her undesirable to him.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 13:14 2 Samuel 13:16

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ammon's violence to his sister.
From henceforward David was followed with one trouble after another. Adultery and murder were David's sins, the like sins among his children were the beginnings of his punishment: he was too indulgent to his children. Thus David might trace the sins of his children to his own misconduct, which must have made the anguish of the chastisement worse. Let no one ever expect good treatment from those who are capable of attempting their seduction; but it is better to suffer the greatest wrong than to commit the least sin.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
No cause - For me to go. Greater thou the other - This she might truly say, because though the other was in itself a greater sin, yet this was an act of greater cruelty, and a greater calamity to her because it exposed her to publick infamy and contempt, and besides, it turned a private offence into a publick scandal, to the great dishonour of God and of his people, and especially of all the royal family.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 13:15 2 Samuel 13:17

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ammon's violence to his sister.
From henceforward David was followed with one trouble after another. Adultery and murder were David's sins, the like sins among his children were the beginnings of his punishment: he was too indulgent to his children. Thus David might trace the sins of his children to his own misconduct, which must have made the anguish of the chastisement worse. Let no one ever expect good treatment from those who are capable of attempting their seduction; but it is better to suffer the greatest wrong than to commit the least sin.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 13:16 2 Samuel 13:18

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ammon's violence to his sister.
From henceforward David was followed with one trouble after another. Adultery and murder were David's sins, the like sins among his children were the beginnings of his punishment: he was too indulgent to his children. Thus David might trace the sins of his children to his own misconduct, which must have made the anguish of the chastisement worse. Let no one ever expect good treatment from those who are capable of attempting their seduction; but it is better to suffer the greatest wrong than to commit the least sin.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Garment - Of embroidered work.
McArther Bible Commentary
robe of many colors. See Gen 37:33. A garment that identified the wearer's special position. For Tamar, the robe identified her as a virgin daughter of the king. The tearing of this robe symbolized her loss of this special position (2Sa 13:19).
Bible Cross References
Genesis 37:3 Genesis 37:23 Judges 3:23 2 Samuel 13:17

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ammon's violence to his sister.
From henceforward David was followed with one trouble after another. Adultery and murder were David's sins, the like sins among his children were the beginnings of his punishment: he was too indulgent to his children. Thus David might trace the sins of his children to his own misconduct, which must have made the anguish of the chastisement worse. Let no one ever expect good treatment from those who are capable of attempting their seduction; but it is better to suffer the greatest wrong than to commit the least sin.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Put ashes - To signify her grief for some calamity which had befallen her, and what that was, concurring circumstances easily discovered. Head - In token of grief and shame, as if she were unable and ashamed to shew her face. Crying - To manifest her abhorrency of the fact, and that it was not done by her consent.
McArther Bible Commentary
put ashes … tore her robe … laid her hand … went away crying bitterly. The ashes were a sign of mourning. The torn robe symbolized the ruin of her life. The hand on the head was emblematic of exile and banishment. The crying showed that she viewed herself as good as dead.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 37:29 1 Samuel 4:12 2 Samuel 1:11 2 Samuel 13:20 Esther 4:1 Jeremiah 2:37

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ammon's violence to his sister.
From henceforward David was followed with one trouble after another. Adultery and murder were David's sins, the like sins among his children were the beginnings of his punishment: he was too indulgent to his children. Thus David might trace the sins of his children to his own misconduct, which must have made the anguish of the chastisement worse. Let no one ever expect good treatment from those who are capable of attempting their seduction; but it is better to suffer the greatest wrong than to commit the least sin.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Been with thee - Behold, and imitate the modesty of scripture expressions. Brother - Wherefore thou must forgive and forgot the injury; therefore thy disgracing of him will be a blot to us all; therefore thou wilt not get right from David against him, because he is as near and dear to him as thou; therefore thy dishonour is the less, because thou wast not abused by any mean person, but by a king's son; therefore this evil must be borne, because it cannot be revenged: and thus he covers his design of taking vengeance upon him at the first opportunity. Regard not - So as to torment thyself. Desolate - Through shame and dejection of mind, giving her self up to solitude and retirement.
McArther Bible Commentary
do not take this thing to heart. Absalom told his sister not to pay undue attention or worry about the consequences of the rape. Absalom minimized the significance of what had taken place only for the moment, while already beginning to plot his revenge in using this crime as reason to do what he wanted to do anyway-remove Amnon from the line of succession to the throne (note also 2Sa 13:32, where Jonadab knew of Absalom's plans). desolate. She remained unmarried and childless. Her full brother was her natural protector, and the children of polygamists lived by themselves in different family units.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 13:19 2 Samuel 13:21 2 Samuel 14:24

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.
Observe the aggravations of Absalom's sin: he would have Ammon slain, when least fit to go out of the world. He engaged his servants in the guilt. Those servants are ill-taught who obey wicked masters, against God's commands. Indulged children always prove crosses to godly parents, whose foolish love leads them to neglect their duty to God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Wroth - With Amnon: whom yet he did not punish, at least so severely as he should either from the consciousness of his own guilt in the like kind; or, from that foolish indulgence which he often shewed to his children.
McArther Bible Commentary
David … was very angry. Fury and indignation were David's reactions to the report of the rape (Gen 34:7). Because he did not punish Amnon for his crime, he abdicated his responsibility both as king and as father. The lack of justice in the land would come back to haunt David in a future day (2Sa 15:4).
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 13:20 2 Samuel 13:22

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.
Observe the aggravations of Absalom's sin: he would have Ammon slain, when least fit to go out of the world. He engaged his servants in the guilt. Those servants are ill-taught who obey wicked masters, against God's commands. Indulged children always prove crosses to godly parents, whose foolish love leads them to neglect their duty to God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Spake - That is, he said nothing at all to him, about that business. He neither debated it with him, nor threatened him for it; but seemed willing to pass it by with brotherly kindness. If he had wholly forborne all discourse with him, it would have raised jealousies in Amnon and David.
McArther Bible Commentary
Absalom hated Amnon. As Amnon hated Tamar (2Sa 13:15), Absalom loathed his half-brother, Amnon.
Bible Cross References
1 John 2:9 1 John 2:11 1 John 3:10 1 John 3:12 Genesis 31:24 Leviticus 19:17 2 Samuel 13:21

Verse 23

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.
Observe the aggravations of Absalom's sin: he would have Ammon slain, when least fit to go out of the world. He engaged his servants in the guilt. Those servants are ill-taught who obey wicked masters, against God's commands. Indulged children always prove crosses to godly parents, whose foolish love leads them to neglect their duty to God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Two years - This circumstance of time is noted, as an aggravation of Absalom's malice, which was so implacable: and as an act of policy, that both Amnon and David might more securely comply with his desires.
McArther Bible Commentary
The murder of Amnon.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 38:12 1 Samuel 25:2 1 Samuel 25:7 2 Samuel 13:24

Verse 24

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.
Observe the aggravations of Absalom's sin: he would have Ammon slain, when least fit to go out of the world. He engaged his servants in the guilt. Those servants are ill-taught who obey wicked masters, against God's commands. Indulged children always prove crosses to godly parents, whose foolish love leads them to neglect their duty to God.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 38:12 1 Samuel 25:7 2 Samuel 13:23 2 Samuel 13:25

Verse 25

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.
Observe the aggravations of Absalom's sin: he would have Ammon slain, when least fit to go out of the world. He engaged his servants in the guilt. Those servants are ill-taught who obey wicked masters, against God's commands. Indulged children always prove crosses to godly parents, whose foolish love leads them to neglect their duty to God.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 13:24 2 Samuel 13:26

Verse 26

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.
Observe the aggravations of Absalom's sin: he would have Ammon slain, when least fit to go out of the world. He engaged his servants in the guilt. Those servants are ill-taught who obey wicked masters, against God's commands. Indulged children always prove crosses to godly parents, whose foolish love leads them to neglect their duty to God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Let Amnon - For the king designed (as the following words shew) to keep him at home with him, as being his eldest son, and heir of his kingdom: otherwise Absalom would never have made particular mention of him; which now he was forced to do. Nor did this desire of Amnon's presence want specious pretences, as that seeing the king would not, he who was next to him might, honour him with his company; and that this might be a publick token of friendship between him and his brother, notwithstanding the former occasion of difference.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 3:27 2 Samuel 11:13 2 Samuel 13:25 2 Samuel 13:27

Verse 27

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.
Observe the aggravations of Absalom's sin: he would have Ammon slain, when least fit to go out of the world. He engaged his servants in the guilt. Those servants are ill-taught who obey wicked masters, against God's commands. Indulged children always prove crosses to godly parents, whose foolish love leads them to neglect their duty to God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Pressed him - It is strange that his urgent desire of Amnon's company raised no suspicion in so wise a king; but God suffered him to be blinded that he might execute his judgments upon David, and bring upon Amnon the just punishment of his lewdness.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 13:26 2 Samuel 13:28

Verse 28

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.
Observe the aggravations of Absalom's sin: he would have Ammon slain, when least fit to go out of the world. He engaged his servants in the guilt. Those servants are ill-taught who obey wicked masters, against God's commands. Indulged children always prove crosses to godly parents, whose foolish love leads them to neglect their duty to God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Merry - When he least suspects, and will be most unable to prevent the evil. I - I who am the king's son, and, when Amnon is gone, his heir: who therefore shall easily obtain pardon for you, and will liberally reward you.
McArther Bible Commentary
kill him. Absalom murdered Amnon through his servants (cf. 2Sa 11:15-17), just as David had killed Uriah through others (2Sa 11:14-17). Though rape was punishable by death, personal vengeance such as this was unacceptable to God. The due course of law was to be carried out.
Bible Cross References
Judges 19:6 Judges 19:9 Ruth 3:7 1 Samuel 25:36 2 Samuel 12:10 2 Samuel 13:27

Verse 29

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.
Observe the aggravations of Absalom's sin: he would have Ammon slain, when least fit to go out of the world. He engaged his servants in the guilt. Those servants are ill-taught who obey wicked masters, against God's commands. Indulged children always prove crosses to godly parents, whose foolish love leads them to neglect their duty to God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Commanded - Now the threatened sword is drawn in David's house, which will not depart from it. His eldest son falls by it, thro' his own wickedness, and his father by his connivance is accessory to it.
McArther Bible Commentary
his mule. Mules were ridden by the royal family in David's kingdom (2Sa 18:9; 1Ki 1:33, 1Ki 1:38, 1Ki 1:44).
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 13:30 2 Samuel 18:9 1 Kings 1:33 1 Kings 1:38

Verse 30

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.
Jonadab was as guilty of Ammon's death, as of his sin; such false friends do they prove, who counsel us to do wickedly. Instead of loathing Absalom as a murderer, David, after a time, longed to go forth to him. This was David's infirmity: God saw something in his heart that made a difference, else we should have thought that he, as much as Eli, honoured his sons more than God.
McArther Bible Commentary
all the king's sons. This exaggeration plunged everyone into grief (2Sa 13:31), until it was corrected (2Sa 13:32).
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 13:29 2 Samuel 13:31

Verse 31

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.
Jonadab was as guilty of Ammon's death, as of his sin; such false friends do they prove, who counsel us to do wickedly. Instead of loathing Absalom as a murderer, David, after a time, longed to go forth to him. This was David's infirmity: God saw something in his heart that made a difference, else we should have thought that he, as much as Eli, honoured his sons more than God.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 1:11 2 Samuel 12:16 2 Samuel 13:30

Verse 32

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.
Jonadab was as guilty of Ammon's death, as of his sin; such false friends do they prove, who counsel us to do wickedly. Instead of loathing Absalom as a murderer, David, after a time, longed to go forth to him. This was David's infirmity: God saw something in his heart that made a difference, else we should have thought that he, as much as Eli, honoured his sons more than God.
McArther Bible Commentary
Jonadab … answered. Jonadab knew of Absalom's plot to kill Amnon (see 2Sa 13:20) for the rape of Tamar. Death was prescribed in Lev 18:11, 2Sa 13:29 ("cut off" means to execute). See note on verses 2Sa 13:28-29.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 13:3 2 Samuel 13:33

Verse 33

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.
Jonadab was as guilty of Ammon's death, as of his sin; such false friends do they prove, who counsel us to do wickedly. Instead of loathing Absalom as a murderer, David, after a time, longed to go forth to him. This was David's infirmity: God saw something in his heart that made a difference, else we should have thought that he, as much as Eli, honoured his sons more than God.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 19:19 2 Samuel 13:34

Verse 34

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.
Jonadab was as guilty of Ammon's death, as of his sin; such false friends do they prove, who counsel us to do wickedly. Instead of loathing Absalom as a murderer, David, after a time, longed to go forth to him. This was David's infirmity: God saw something in his heart that made a difference, else we should have thought that he, as much as Eli, honoured his sons more than God.
McArther Bible Commentary
Absalom fled. The law regarding premeditated murder, as most would view Absalom's act, gave him no hope of returning (see Num 35:21). The cities of refuge would afford him no sanctuary, so he left his father's kingdom to live in Geshur, east of the Sea of Galilee, under the protection of the king who was the grandfather of both Tamar and Absalom (see note on 2Sa 13:1-2).
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 13:35 2 Samuel 13:37 2 Samuel 13:38 2 Samuel 18:24

Verse 35

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.
Jonadab was as guilty of Ammon's death, as of his sin; such false friends do they prove, who counsel us to do wickedly. Instead of loathing Absalom as a murderer, David, after a time, longed to go forth to him. This was David's infirmity: God saw something in his heart that made a difference, else we should have thought that he, as much as Eli, honoured his sons more than God.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 13:34 2 Samuel 13:36

Verse 36

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.
Jonadab was as guilty of Ammon's death, as of his sin; such false friends do they prove, who counsel us to do wickedly. Instead of loathing Absalom as a murderer, David, after a time, longed to go forth to him. This was David's infirmity: God saw something in his heart that made a difference, else we should have thought that he, as much as Eli, honoured his sons more than God.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 13:35 2 Samuel 13:37

Verse 37

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.
Jonadab was as guilty of Ammon's death, as of his sin; such false friends do they prove, who counsel us to do wickedly. Instead of loathing Absalom as a murderer, David, after a time, longed to go forth to him. This was David's infirmity: God saw something in his heart that made a difference, else we should have thought that he, as much as Eli, honoured his sons more than God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Talmai - His mother's father, that he might have present protection and sustenance from him; and that by his mediation he might obtain his father's pardon.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 3:3 2 Samuel 13:34 2 Samuel 13:36 2 Samuel 14:13 2 Samuel 14:23 2 Samuel 14:32 2 Samuel 15:8

Verse 38

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.
Jonadab was as guilty of Ammon's death, as of his sin; such false friends do they prove, who counsel us to do wickedly. Instead of loathing Absalom as a murderer, David, after a time, longed to go forth to him. This was David's infirmity: God saw something in his heart that made a difference, else we should have thought that he, as much as Eli, honoured his sons more than God.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 13:34 2 Samuel 14:13 2 Samuel 14:23 2 Samuel 15:8

Verse 39

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.
Jonadab was as guilty of Ammon's death, as of his sin; such false friends do they prove, who counsel us to do wickedly. Instead of loathing Absalom as a murderer, David, after a time, longed to go forth to him. This was David's infirmity: God saw something in his heart that made a difference, else we should have thought that he, as much as Eli, honoured his sons more than God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Go forth - And could not he recalled, to visit him, or to send for him. What amazing weakness was this! At first he could not find in his heart, to do justice to the ravisher of his sister! And now he can almost find in his heart to receive into favour the murderer of his brother? How can we excuse David from the sin of Eli; who honoured his sons more than God?
McArther Bible Commentary
longed to go. David gradually accepted the fact of Amnon's death and desired to see Absalom again, but he took no action to bring him back.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 12:19 2 Samuel 14:1