King James Version
2 Samuel 13
39 verses with commentary
Amnon and Tamar
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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfunction. David's fail...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **It came to pass after this.**—This formula applies to the narrative which follows as a whole: not, of course, to the fact immediately afterwards mentioned, that Absalom’s sister was Tamar. This may illustrate the use of the same phrase in other places.
Absalom and Tamar were children of Maacah, daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur, and the former, at least, had been born during David’s reign a...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Ammon's violence to his sister.(1-20)
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.(21-29)
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.(30-39)
**Verses 1-20**
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 ...
Read full commentary →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 any thing to her. Amnon thought: Heb. it was marvellous, or, hidden in the eyes of Amnon
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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 any thing to her.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfunction. David's f...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Thought it hard.**—Rather, *it seemed impossible to Amnon. *The modest seclusion of Tamar in the harem of her mother seemed to leave him no opportunity to carry out his desires.
It appears from the narrative that the king’s children lived in different households, and each grown-up son dwelt in his own house.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17-18. David lamented with this lamentation--**It has always been customary for Eastern people, on the death of great kings and warriors, to celebrate their qualities and deeds in funeral songs. This inimitable pathetic elegy is supposed by many writers to have become a national war song, and to have been taught to the young Israelites under the name of "The Bow," in conformity with the practice...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Ammon's violence to his sister.(1-20)
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.(21-29)
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.(30-39)
**Verses 1-20**
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 ...
Read full commentary →But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfunction. David's failure to discipline Amno...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Jonadab, the son of Shimeah.**—In 1Samuel 16:9, Shimeah is called *Shammah, *and appears there as the third son of Jesse. He had another son, Jonathan, mentioned in 2Samuel 21:21, as the conqueror of one of the giants. The word *subtil *is used simply to indicate sagacity and wisdom, whether rightly or wrongly exercised.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17-18. David lamented with this lamentation--**It has always been customary for Eastern people, on the death of great kings and warriors, to celebrate their qualities and deeds in funeral songs. This inimitable pathetic elegy is supposed by many writers to have become a national war song, and to have been taught to the young Israelites under the name of "The Bow," in conformity with the practice...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Ammon's violence to his sister.(1-20)
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.(21-29)
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.(30-39)
**Verses 1-20**
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 ...
Read full commentary →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. lean: Heb. thin from day: Heb. morning by morning
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19. The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places--**literally, "the gazelle" or "antelope of Israel." In Eastern countries, that animal is the chosen type of beauty and symmetrical elegance of form.
**how are the mighty fallen!--**This forms the chorus.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Ammon's violence to his sister.(1-20)
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.(21-29)
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.(30-39)
**Verses 1-20**
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 ...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Make thyself sick.**—Rather, *Feign thyself sick. *It has already been mentioned in 2Samuel 13:2 that Amnon “fell sick.” That was the real pining of ungoverned and ungratified passion; this was a crafty feigning of sickness. Yet the miserable condition to which Amnon was brought by the former would give colour and plausibility to the latter.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Ammon's violence to his sister.(1-20)
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.(21-29)
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.(30-39)
**Verses 1-20**
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 ...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrat...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **That I may eat at her hand.**—This request from an invalid seemed natural, and was readily granted.
**Sent home.**—Literally, *into the house; i.e., *to the private apartments of the women—the harem.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21. let there be no dew, neither let there be rain--**To be deprived of the genial atmospheric influences which, in those anciently cultivated hills, seem to have reared plenty of first-fruits in the corn harvests, was specified as the greatest calamity the lacerated feelings of the poet could imagine. The curse seems still to lie upon them; for the mountains of Gilboa are naked and sterile.
*...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Ammon's violence to his sister.(1-20)
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.(21-29)
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.(30-39)
**Verses 1-20**
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 ...
Read full commentary →Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to thy brother Amnon's house, and dress him meat.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to thy brother Amnon's house, and dress him meat.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfunction. David's failure to discipline Amnon (possibly from guilt ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Ammon's violence to his sister.(1-20)
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.(21-29)
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.(30-39)
**Verses 1-20**
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 ...
Read full commentary →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. flour: or, paste
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfunction...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Ammon's violence to his sister.(1-20)
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.(21-29)
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.(30-39)
**Verses 1-20**
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 ...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfunction...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **He refused to eat.**—This also seemed natural enough in a whimsical invalid, and for the same reason his next requirement, “Have out all men from me,” awakened no suspicion in the mind of Tamar.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-27. Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, &c.--**The fondness for dress, which anciently distinguished Oriental women, is their characteristic still. It appears in their love of bright, gay, and divers colors, in profuse display of ornaments, and in various other forms. The inmost depths of the poet's feeling are stirred, and his amiable ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Ammon's violence to his sister.(1-20)
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.(21-29)
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.(30-39)
**Verses 1-20**
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 ...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metas...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-27. Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, &c.--**The fondness for dress, which anciently distinguished Oriental women, is their characteristic still. It appears in their love of bright, gay, and divers colors, in profuse display of ornaments, and in various other forms. The inmost depths of the poet's feeling are stirred, and his amiable ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Ammon's violence to his sister.(1-20)
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.(21-29)
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.(30-39)
**Verses 1-20**
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 ...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfunction. David's failure to discipline Amnon (...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-27. Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, &c.--**The fondness for dress, which anciently distinguished Oriental women, is their characteristic still. It appears in their love of bright, gay, and divers colors, in profuse display of ornaments, and in various other forms. The inmost depths of the poet's feeling are stirred, and his amiable ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Ammon's violence to his sister.(1-20)
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.(21-29)
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.(30-39)
**Verses 1-20**
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 ...
Read full commentary →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. force: Heb. humble me no such: Heb. it ought not so to be done
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfunction. David's failure to discipli...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **Do not thou this folly.**—Tamar, now left alone in the power of her half-brother, endeavours to escape by reasoning. She first speaks of the sinfulness in Israel of that which was allowed among surrounding heathen, quoting the very words of Genesis 34:7, as if by the traditions of their nation to recall the king’s son to a sense of right. She then sets forth the personal consequences to the...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-27. Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, &c.--**The fondness for dress, which anciently distinguished Oriental women, is their characteristic still. It appears in their love of bright, gay, and divers colors, in profuse display of ornaments, and in various other forms. The inmost depths of the poet's feeling are stirred, and his amiable ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Ammon's violence to his sister.(1-20)
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.(21-29)
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.(30-39)
**Verses 1-20**
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 ...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin m...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Speak unto the king.**—The marriage of half-brothers and sisters was strictly forbidden in the Law (Leviticus 18:9; Leviticus 18:11; Leviticus 20:17), and it is not to be supposed that Tamar really thought David would violate its provisions for Amnon; but she made any and every suggestion to gain time and escape the pressing danger. Amnon, however, knew the Law too well to have any hope of ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Ammon's violence to his sister.(1-20)
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.(21-29)
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.(30-39)
**Verses 1-20**
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 ...
Read full commentary →Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfunction. David's failure to discipline Amnon (possibly fr...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 2
2Sa 2:1-7. David, by God's Direction, Goes Up to Hebron, and Is Made King over Judah.
**1-4. David inquired of the Lord--**By Urim (1Sa 23:6, 9; 30:7, 8). He knew his destination, but he knew also that the providence of God would pave the way. Therefore he would take no step in such a crisis of his own and the nation's history, without asking and obtaining the divine direction. He wa...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Ammon's violence to his sister.(1-20)
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.(21-29)
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.(30-39)
**Verses 1-20**
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 ...
Read full commentary →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. exceedingly: Heb. with great hatred greatly
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Hated her exceedingly.**—“It is characteristic of human nature to hate one whom you have injured” (Tacitus, *quoted by *Kirkpatrick), This result shows that Amnon was governed, not by love, but by mere animal passion.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 2
2Sa 2:1-7. David, by God's Direction, Goes Up to Hebron, and Is Made King over Judah.
**1-4. David inquired of the Lord--**By Urim (1Sa 23:6, 9; 30:7, 8). He knew his destination, but he knew also that the providence of God would pave the way. Therefore he would take no step in such a crisis of his own and the nation's history, without asking and obtaining the divine direction. He wa...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Ammon's violence to his sister.(1-20)
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.(21-29)
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.(30-39)
**Verses 1-20**
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 ...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfuncti...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **There is no cause.**—The Hebrew is elliptical and difficult; various interpretations are suggested, among which that given in the Authorised Version expresses very well the sense, although not an accurate translation. Amnon was now doing her a greater wrong than at first, because he was now bound, in consequence of that, to protect and comfort her.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 2
2Sa 2:1-7. David, by God's Direction, Goes Up to Hebron, and Is Made King over Judah.
**1-4. David inquired of the Lord--**By Urim (1Sa 23:6, 9; 30:7, 8). He knew his destination, but he knew also that the providence of God would pave the way. Therefore he would take no step in such a crisis of his own and the nation's history, without asking and obtaining the divine direction. He wa...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Ammon's violence to his sister.(1-20)
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.(21-29)
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.(30-39)
**Verses 1-20**
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 ...
Read full commentary →Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfunction. David's failure to discipline...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **Put now this woman out.**—Amnon doubtless intended to give the impression that Tamar had behaved shamefully towards him. The baseness of this insinuation is in keeping with his brutality.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 2
2Sa 2:1-7. David, by God's Direction, Goes Up to Hebron, and Is Made King over Judah.
**1-4. David inquired of the Lord--**By Urim (1Sa 23:6, 9; 30:7, 8). He knew his destination, but he knew also that the providence of God would pave the way. Therefore he would take no step in such a crisis of his own and the nation's history, without asking and obtaining the divine direction. He wa...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Ammon's violence to his sister.(1-20)
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.(21-29)
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.(30-39)
**Verses 1-20**
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 ...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metas...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **A garment of divers colours.**—The word is used only here and in connection with Joseph (Genesis 37:3; Genesis 37:23; Genesis 37:32), and is supposed to mean a tunic with long sleeves, in distinction from those with short sleeves commonly worn. The fact is mentioned to show that Tamar must have been recognised as a royal virgin by Amnon’s servant, as well as by everyone else.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5-7. David sent messengers unto the men of Jabesh-gilead--**There can be no doubt that this message of thanks for their bold and dangerous enterprise in rescuing the bodies of Saul and his sons was an expression of David's personal and genuine feeling of satisfaction. At the same time, it was a stroke of sound and timely policy. In this view the announcement of his royal power in Judah, accompan...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Ammon's violence to his sister.(1-20)
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.(21-29)
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.(30-39)
**Verses 1-20**
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 ...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfunction. David's failu...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **Went on crying.**—Literally, *went going and cried; i.e., *as she went away she cried aloud. Tamar put on every external mark of the deep grief within; and this was not only fitting in itself, but was a proper means to obtain justice for her wrongs.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5-7. David sent messengers unto the men of Jabesh-gilead--**There can be no doubt that this message of thanks for their bold and dangerous enterprise in rescuing the bodies of Saul and his sons was an expression of David's personal and genuine feeling of satisfaction. At the same time, it was a stroke of sound and timely policy. In this view the announcement of his royal power in Judah, accompan...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Ammon's violence to his sister.(1-20)
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.(21-29)
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.(30-39)
**Verses 1-20**
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 ...
Read full commentary →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. Amnon: Heb. Aminon regard: Heb. set not thy heart desolate: Heb. and desolate
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate h...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **Hath Amnon.**—The Hebrew, by a clerical error, has here *Aminon. *Absalom at once sees how the case stands, comforts his sister, but counsels silence as necessary to the purpose of revenge he had at once formed, and takes his desolate sister to his own house.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5-7. David sent messengers unto the men of Jabesh-gilead--**There can be no doubt that this message of thanks for their bold and dangerous enterprise in rescuing the bodies of Saul and his sons was an expression of David's personal and genuine feeling of satisfaction. At the same time, it was a stroke of sound and timely policy. In this view the announcement of his royal power in Judah, accompan...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Ammon's violence to his sister.(1-20)
Absalom murders his brother Ammon.(21-29)
David's grief, Absalom flees to Geshur.(30-39)
**Verses 1-20**
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 ...
Read full commentary →But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfunction. David's failure to discipline Amnon (possibly from guilt over his own sexual sin) enabl...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **He was very wroth.**—The LXX. adds, “but he vexed not the spirit of Amnon his son, because he loved him, because he was his firstborn,”—which is doubtless in part the reason of David’s guilty leniency. The remembrance of his own sin also tended to withhold his hand from the administration of justice. David’s criminal weakness towards his children was the source of much trouble from this tim...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8-17. Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host took Ish-bosheth--**Here was the establishment of a rival kingdom, which, however, would probably have had no existence but for Abner.
**Ish-bosheth--**or "Esh-baal" (1Ch 8:33; 9:39). The Hebrews usually changed names ending with Baal into Bosheth ("shame") (compare Jud 9:53 with 2Sa 11:21). This prince was so called from his imbecility.
**A...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-29**
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.
And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfunction. David's failure to discip...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8-17. Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host took Ish-bosheth--**Here was the establishment of a rival kingdom, which, however, would probably have had no existence but for Abner.
**Ish-bosheth--**or "Esh-baal" (1Ch 8:33; 9:39). The Hebrews usually changed names ending with Baal into Bosheth ("shame") (compare Jud 9:53 with 2Sa 11:21). This prince was so called from his imbecility.
**A...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-29**
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.
Absalom Kills Amnon
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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal-hazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfunction....
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **Absalom had sheepshearers.**—Absalom had now silently nourished his revenge for “two full years.” No doubt he chose also to give full opportunity for his father to punish Amnon’s iniquity if he would; and by this long quiet waiting he so far disarmed suspicion that he was able to carry out his purpose. Sheepshearing always was, and still is, a time of feasting. (Comp. 1Samuel 25:2.) The sit...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8-17. Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host took Ish-bosheth--**Here was the establishment of a rival kingdom, which, however, would probably have had no existence but for Abner.
**Ish-bosheth--**or "Esh-baal" (1Ch 8:33; 9:39). The Hebrews usually changed names ending with Baal into Bosheth ("shame") (compare Jud 9:53 with 2Sa 11:21). This prince was so called from his imbecility.
**A...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-29**
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.
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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfunction. D...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **Came to the king.**—Absalom could hardly have expected the king to accept his invitation, but by pressing him to go he effectively disguised his real purpose, and secured David’s blessing.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8-17. Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host took Ish-bosheth--**Here was the establishment of a rival kingdom, which, however, would probably have had no existence but for Abner.
**Ish-bosheth--**or "Esh-baal" (1Ch 8:33; 9:39). The Hebrews usually changed names ending with Baal into Bosheth ("shame") (compare Jud 9:53 with 2Sa 11:21). This prince was so called from his imbecility.
**A...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-29**
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.
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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfu...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8-17. Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host took Ish-bosheth--**Here was the establishment of a rival kingdom, which, however, would probably have had no existence but for Abner.
**Ish-bosheth--**or "Esh-baal" (1Ch 8:33; 9:39). The Hebrews usually changed names ending with Baal into Bosheth ("shame") (compare Jud 9:53 with 2Sa 11:21). This prince was so called from his imbecility.
**A...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-29**
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.
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?
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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?</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfunction. David's failure to disci...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **If not . . . let . . . Amnon.**—Absalom then asks that if the king himself will not come, Amnon, as his eldest son and heir-apparent, may represent him at the feast. David hesitates, but as he could not well refuse without acknowledging a suspicion which he was unwilling to express, he finally consents.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8-17. Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host took Ish-bosheth--**Here was the establishment of a rival kingdom, which, however, would probably have had no existence but for Abner.
**Ish-bosheth--**or "Esh-baal" (1Ch 8:33; 9:39). The Hebrews usually changed names ending with Baal into Bosheth ("shame") (compare Jud 9:53 with 2Sa 11:21). This prince was so called from his imbecility.
**A...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-29**
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.
But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfunction. David's failure to discipline Amnon (possibly from guilt over his own sex...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **He let Amnon go.**—The LXX. adds at the end of this verse an explanatory gloss, “And Absalom made a feast like the feast of a king.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8-17. Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host took Ish-bosheth--**Here was the establishment of a rival kingdom, which, however, would probably have had no existence but for Abner.
**Ish-bosheth--**or "Esh-baal" (1Ch 8:33; 9:39). The Hebrews usually changed names ending with Baal into Bosheth ("shame") (compare Jud 9:53 with 2Sa 11:21). This prince was so called from his imbecility.
**A...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-29**
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.
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 . have: or, will you not, since I have commanded you? valiant: Heb. sons of valour
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustr...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8-17. Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host took Ish-bosheth--**Here was the establishment of a rival kingdom, which, however, would probably have had no existence but for Abner.
**Ish-bosheth--**or "Esh-baal" (1Ch 8:33; 9:39). The Hebrews usually changed names ending with Baal into Bosheth ("shame") (compare Jud 9:53 with 2Sa 11:21). This prince was so called from his imbecility.
**A...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-29**
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.
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. gat: Heb. rode
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfunction. Da...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(29) **As Absalom had commanded.**—It was quite customary for the servants of a prince to obey his orders without question, leaving the entire responsibility to rest with him. In this case, if Chileab (or Daniel) was already dead, as seems probable, Absalom stood next in the succession to Amnon, and, however it may have been with himself, his retainers may have looked upon this as a preparatory st...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8-17. Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host took Ish-bosheth--**Here was the establishment of a rival kingdom, which, however, would probably have had no existence but for Abner.
**Ish-bosheth--**or "Esh-baal" (1Ch 8:33; 9:39). The Hebrews usually changed names ending with Baal into Bosheth ("shame") (compare Jud 9:53 with 2Sa 11:21). This prince was so called from his imbecility.
**A...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-29**
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.
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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfun...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30) **There is not one of them left.**—The story of this exaggerated report, so true to the life, indicates contemporaneous authorship.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8-17. Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host took Ish-bosheth--**Here was the establishment of a rival kingdom, which, however, would probably have had no existence but for Abner.
**Ish-bosheth--**or "Esh-baal" (1Ch 8:33; 9:39). The Hebrews usually changed names ending with Baal into Bosheth ("shame") (compare Jud 9:53 with 2Sa 11:21). This prince was so called from his imbecility.
**A...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 30-39**
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.
Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfunction. David's failure to discipline Am...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(31) **Tare his garments.**—Rather, *rent his clothes, *the words being the same as in the last clause of the verse.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 30-39**
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.
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. appointment: Heb. mouth determined: or, settled
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family bre...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(32) **Jonadab.**—The same subtle counsellor who had led Amnon into his sin, now at once divined how the case really stood and reassured the king.
**By the appointment of Absalom this hath been determined.**—Literally, *upon Absalom’s mouth it hath been set, *an expression which has given rise to much variety of interpretation. The Authorised Version expresses the sense accurately.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19-32. Asahel pursued after Abner--**To gain the general's armor was deemed the grandest trophy. Asahel, ambitious of securing Abner's, had outstripped all other pursuers, and was fast gaining on the retreating commander. Abner, conscious of possessing more physical power, and unwilling that there should be "blood" between himself and Joab, Asahel's brother, twice urged him to desist. The impetu...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 30-39**
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.
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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfunction. David's failure t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19-32. Asahel pursued after Abner--**To gain the general's armor was deemed the grandest trophy. Asahel, ambitious of securing Abner's, had outstripped all other pursuers, and was fast gaining on the retreating commander. Abner, conscious of possessing more physical power, and unwilling that there should be "blood" between himself and Joab, Asahel's brother, twice urged him to desist. The impetu...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 30-39**
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.
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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dy...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(34) **Absalom fled.**—This is connected on one side with 2Samuel 13:29, and on the other with 2Samuel 13:37. Several things were happening at once. When the king’s sons fled to the palace, Absalom, taking advantage of the confusion, escaped another way. The reason for mentioning the fact just here is that otherwise he would seem to be included among “the king’s sons” of the two following verses.
...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19-32. Asahel pursued after Abner--**To gain the general's armor was deemed the grandest trophy. Asahel, ambitious of securing Abner's, had outstripped all other pursuers, and was fast gaining on the retreating commander. Abner, conscious of possessing more physical power, and unwilling that there should be "blood" between himself and Joab, Asahel's brother, twice urged him to desist. The impetu...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 30-39**
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.
And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come: as thy servant said, so it is. as thy: Heb. according to the word of thy servant
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come: as thy servant said, so it is.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfunction. David's failure to discipline Amnon (possibly from guilt ove...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19-32. Asahel pursued after Abner--**To gain the general's armor was deemed the grandest trophy. Asahel, ambitious of securing Abner's, had outstripped all other pursuers, and was fast gaining on the retreating commander. Abner, conscious of possessing more physical power, and unwilling that there should be "blood" between himself and Joab, Asahel's brother, twice urged him to desist. The impetu...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 30-39**
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.
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 . very: Heb. with a great weeping greatly
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metas...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19-32. Asahel pursued after Abner--**To gain the general's armor was deemed the grandest trophy. Asahel, ambitious of securing Abner's, had outstripped all other pursuers, and was fast gaining on the retreating commander. Abner, conscious of possessing more physical power, and unwilling that there should be "blood" between himself and Joab, Asahel's brother, twice urged him to desist. The impetu...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 30-39**
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.
But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud , king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day. Ammihud: or, Ammihur
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfunction. David's failure to discipline Amnon (p...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(37) **Went to Talmai.**—His maternal grandfather. (See Note on 2Samuel 3:2-5.) This verse may be considered parenthetical:—The king’s sons came . . . and wept sore. (“Only Absalom fled and went to . . . Geshur.”) In this case the omission of “David” in the latter clause of the verse is explained, as the nominative is easily supplied from 2Samuel 13:36.
**For his son every day.**—Amnon is certainl...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19-32. Asahel pursued after Abner--**To gain the general's armor was deemed the grandest trophy. Asahel, ambitious of securing Abner's, had outstripped all other pursuers, and was fast gaining on the retreating commander. Abner, conscious of possessing more physical power, and unwilling that there should be "blood" between himself and Joab, Asahel's brother, twice urged him to desist. The impetu...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 30-39**
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.
So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfunction. David's failure to discipline Amnon (possibly from guilt over his own sexual sin) enabled...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(38) **Was there three years.**—This is the third time the flight of Absalom has been mentioned; but, after the custom of Scripture narrative, each repetition has been for the purpose of introducing some additional fact. In 2Samuel 13:34 the simple fact of his flight is stated; in 2Samuel 13:37 it is added that he went to his grandfather, and here that he remained with him three years.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19-32. Asahel pursued after Abner--**To gain the general's armor was deemed the grandest trophy. Asahel, ambitious of securing Abner's, had outstripped all other pursuers, and was fast gaining on the retreating commander. Abner, conscious of possessing more physical power, and unwilling that there should be "blood" between himself and Joab, Asahel's brother, twice urged him to desist. The impetu...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 30-39**
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.
And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead. longed: or, was consumed
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfunction. David's failure to discipline Amno...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(39) **The soul of King David.**—The words, “the soul of,” are not in the original, and the most opposite interpretations have been given of the rest of the sentence. The sense of the English is that of the Chaldee and of the Jewish commentators—that David, after his grief for Amnon had abated, longed after Absalom and pined for his return. But it may be objected to this view, (1) that there is no...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19-32. Asahel pursued after Abner--**To gain the general's armor was deemed the grandest trophy. Asahel, ambitious of securing Abner's, had outstripped all other pursuers, and was fast gaining on the retreating commander. Abner, conscious of possessing more physical power, and unwilling that there should be "blood" between himself and Joab, Asahel's brother, twice urged him to desist. The impetu...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 30-39**
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.