Definition: And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah Davidâs brother, answered and said, Let not my lord suppose [that] they have slain all the young men the kingâs 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 13:32. It’s a really important and tense moment in the story of King David’s son, Amnon. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Amnon is accused of killing young men: The text says that Jonadab, who was the brother of Shimeah David (a man who was killed by Amnon), tells King David that Amnon hasn’t killed all the young men the king’s sons. It’s a crucial detail: This is incredibly important because it reveals something about how the king planned to deal with the situation. What’s Happening – It's a Trick! Absalom forced Tamar to kill him: The text says that Absalom, King David’s son, forced Tamar, Amnon’s sister, to kill him. This was done because Absalom wanted to usurp the throne and rule as king himself. He essentially tricked her into doing it. Putting it Together – The Meaning So, basically, Jonadab is telling King David that Amnon hasn't killed all the young men the king’s sons. However, because Absalom forced Tamar to kill him, the king determined that Amnon was the only one who had been killed. This is a deliberate plan to make it look like Amnon was the culprit and to ensure Absalom becomes king. In short: It's a trick played by Absalom to get rid of Amnon and secure his own position on the throne. Important Note: This verse is a bit unsettling because it highlights a manipulative situation and a betrayal of trust. It’s a significant moment that sets up the conflict in the book of 2 Samuel. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Give you more context about this story?