2 Samuel 13

Amnon loveth his sister Thamar, and deflowreth her, by means of Jonadabs crafty counsel, but presently driveth her away, ver.1, &c. Which Absalom Thamars own brother, both by father and mother, some two years after, cruelly avengeth, causing his brother Ammon to be treacherously murdered, 23. These things trouble and grieve David exceedingly, 21, 36. Absalom fleeth to Gesur, 37.

1. And it came to pass after that, Absalom, David’s son, [By Maacha, the daughter of Talmai, King of Gesur, above chap.3.3. By this woman David had also Thamar: Absalom and Tamar, being both born of one father, and of one mother] having a fair sister, whose name was Thamar, that Ammon, David’s son, [by Ahinoam, above chap.3.2.] loved her.

2. And Amnon was so troubled, that he fell sick for his sister Thamars sake, for she was a virgin; [And consequently so narrowly looked to, that it seemed impossible for Amnon to talk with her in private, and to prevail with her. Compare Prov.30.19.] so as that it was grievous [or, impossible. Heb. properly wonderfull, hidden. Compare Gen.18.14.] in Amnons eyes to do any thing to her.

3. But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab a son of Simea, [See 1 Sam.16.9. and below chap.21, 21.] David’s brother: and Jonadab was a very wife man, [i.e. in this place, very crafty and cunning, to invent evil counsel, as he here did; whereas he ought rather to have reproved, and disswaded Amnon from this fact; and, if need required, to have told the King of it Compare below chap.14.2. Psal.58.6.]

4. The same said unto him, Why art thou so lean [Heb. so thin, consumed, wasted away] from morning to morning, [Heb. in the morning, in the morning, or, on the morning, on the morning; i.e. every morning, every morning, every day from day to day. As if he should say, What aileth thee, that thou looketh daily so lean?] thou Kings son, wilt thou not make it known to me? Then Amnon said unto him; I love Thamar, my brother Absaloms Sister.

5. And Jonadab [Heb Jehonadab] said unto him; Lay thee (down) upon thy bed, and make thy self sick: [Or, feign thy self sick; that is, behave thy self so, as if thou were sick] when therefore thy father shall come to see thee, then thou shalt say unto him; I pray thee, let my sister Thamar come, to feed me with bread, [i.e. as followeth, to dress me some meat, or victuals] and dress the meat before mine eyes, that I may see it, and eat it at her hand.

6. Then Amnon laid himself down, and made himself sick: Now when the King came to see him, Amnon said unto the King; I pray let my sister Thamar come, that she may dress two cakes [or, make pancakes. There be two words in the Hebrew, both derived from one word, which signifieth the heart; as if he should say, heartily make, or, dress heartily (cakes); i.e. bake some cakes (for which the Hebrew word is taken) so, as that the baking and dressing may please me, and cherish my heart, as well as the meat it self] before mine eyes, that I may eat at her hand.

7. Then David sent home to Thamar, saying: Go thy ways now [i.e. He sent her word] into thy brother Amnons house, and dress him some meat.

8. And Thamar went her ways into her brother Amnon house, (he was now laid down) [viz. upon his couch, or, bed; as above verse 5.] and she took dough, and kneaded it, and dressed cakes before his eyes, and did bake the cakes.

9. And she took a pan, and poured them out [Or, shaked them] before his face; but he refused to eat: and Amnon said: Cause all (or, every) man to go forth from me: and all (or, every) man went forth from him.

10. Then said Amnon unto Thamars; Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand: so Thamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.

11. Now when she brought them nigh unto him to eat, then he took hold of her, and said unto her; Come, lie with me, sister.

12. But she said unto him; Nay, my brother, do not force [See Gen.34.on ver.7.] me, for thus they do not do in Israel: [being an holy people, and making profession of Piety] do not this folly.

13. For I, whither should I bring my shame? and thou, thou shouldest be as one of the fools in Israel: now then, I pray thee, speak unto the King; for he will not with-hold me from thee. [‘Tis conceived, that she spake this to get away from Amnon for the present, not doubting but that the King would afterward find out means to hinder such marriage, which was forbidden in the Law of God, Lev.18.9, 11.]

14. But he would not hearken to her voice; but being stronger then she, he forced her, and lay with her.

15. After that Amnon hated her with a very great hatred, for the hatred, wherewith he hated her, was greater then the love, wherewith he had loved her: and Amnon said unto her, Go thee up, go away.

16. Then she said unto him; There be no causes to drive me away; this evil would be greater than the other, which thou didst unto me: [Oth. let there be no causes; that is, give nocause for anew evil to arise, whence more evil would ensue then from the former: for the thing as yet might be kept secret, but if thou doest onely thrust me away from thee with thee with shame and disgrace, Gods name will be blasphemed by enemies, his people offended, thou and I publikely disgrace, the King angered, and my brother Absalom provoked to be avenged on thee for this fact. Unto this request of Thamar, the words following do sitly agree, where Amnon rejecteth her suit] but he would not hearken to her.

17. And he called his youth that served him, and said; Put now this (woman) [hatefully and shamefully spoken] forth from me, and bolt the door after her.

18. Now she had a coat on of many colours; [See Gen.37.on ver.3.] for so were the Kings daughters, that were virgins apparelled with mantles: and his servant brought her forth, and bolted the door after her.

19. Then Thamar took [i.e. She took and cast, and strewed] ashes upon her head, [compare above chap.1.on ver.2.] and rent the coat [see Gen.37.on verse 29.] of many colours, which she hade on: and she laid her hand on her head, [after the manner of mourning women: see Jerem.2.v.37.] and went fast away, [Heb.went going; to wit, to her brother Absalom, as followeth] and cried: [i.e. going and crying. Compare below chap.16.5.]

20. And her brother Absalom said unto her: Hath Aminon [Some conceive that Absalom here thus changeth his mothers name out of scorn and contempt: for his name was Amnon] thy brother [i.e. half brother: see above on verse 1.] been with thee? then, my sister, hold thy peace, [For the honour of our house] he is thy brother; set not thy heart upon this thing; [i.e. take it not too much to heart, do not vex at it] thus Thamar remained, and was desolate [as being ashamed, shunning the company of men, and being visited by none: or, dismayed in her brother Absaloms house.]

21. When King David heard all these things, then he kindled greatly. [Heb. it kindled greatly him, viz. anger: see Gen.4.on ver.5.]

22. But Absalom spake not with Amnon, neither evil or good [Heb. from the evil to the good. Compare Gen.24.50. & 31.24. The meaning is, that although Absalom was exceedingly incensed against Amnon, yet he did not let it appear, but waited for an opportunity of revenge] but Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Thamar.

23. And it came to pass after two full years, [Heb. two years of days] that Absalom had (sheep) shearers at Baalhazor, [Heb. Baal-Chatsor. Oth. in the level or, plains of Hazor, lying on the borders of Ephraim and Benjamin, where also the City of Ephraim lieth, otherwise called Ephren, as the Maps do shew] which is by Ephraim: so Absalom invited all the Kings sons. [as in those times they were wont to make great feasts at the shearing of sheep. See 1 Sam.25.2, 4. 7.36. & Gen.38.on ver.12.]

24. And Absalom came to the King, and said; Behold now thy servant hath (sheep-) shearers: let the King, I beseech thee, and his servants, [i.e. Officers, Courtiers] go with thy servant. [i.e. with me]

25. But the King said unto Absalom; Nay, my son, let us not go now altogether, lest we be burden some to thee: [For the presence of the King, and his Officers, or Courtiers, would have been very chargable and burdensome unto Absalom]: and he [viz. Absalom] was instant with him, howbeit he [viz. the King] would not go, but blessed him. [i.e. wished him all happiness; as above chapter 6, 20, etc.]

26. Then said Absalom; If not, I pray let my brother Amnon go with us: but the King said unto him, why should he go with thee?

27. When Absalom was instant with him, then he let Amnon and all the Kings sons go with him.

28. Now Absalom commanded his youth, saying; Mark now, when Amnons heart is merry [Heb. good. See Judg.16.on ver.25.] of wine, and I shall say unto you, smile Amnon, then ye shall kill him, fear not, because I have commanded you (to do) it? [or, is it not (so) that I have commanded, &c. i.e. ye do it not of your own accord, but by my command and appointment therefore I shall answer for it, and not you: therefore fear not] be strong and be valiant. [Heb. children, or, sons of courage, or, valour. See above chap.3.on v.34.]

29. And Absaloms youths did unto Amnon according as Absalom had commanded: then all the Kings sons arose, and rode every one upon his Mule, and fled.

30. And it came to pass, when they were upon that way, that the rumour came to David, that they said Absalom hath smitten all the Kings sons, and there is not one of them left.

31. Then the King arose, and rent his garments, [As above chap.12.16.] likewise all his servants stood with rent garments. [or, all his servants, that stood there, had rent garments, or, all his servants, that stood there, rent (their) clothes. Heb. were rent in clothes.]

32. But Jonadab, the son of Simea, [See above vers.3.] David’s brother answered, [i.e. spake, began to speak. See Judg.18.on ver.14.] and said; Let not my Lord say, [viz. with himself; i.e. let him not think, imagine] that they have slain all the young men, the Kings sons; for Amnon onely is dead: for it was intended by Absalom, [or, it was done at, or, by Absalom command: or, it was appointed, determined, set on foot by Absaloms command: or, it was an appointment of Absalom. Oth. by Absaloms mouth; i.e. word, saying, or, command] from the day that he forced his sister Thamar.

33. Now therefore let not my Lord the King take [Heb. lay, put, set,] the thing into his heart, thinking; [Heb. saying, to wit, by himself; i.e. thinking; as verse 32.] all the Kings sons are dead: for Amnon onely is dead.

34. Now Absalom fled; and the youth that kept the Watch, [And when he perceived any thing, gave a token thereof with the Trumpet, or came and told it, or told him that asked him, that which he saw,] lift up his eyes, and looked; and behold, there came much people by the way, on the side of the hill behind him. [viz. Absalom, who was gone that way to Baal-hazor, and now fled thence to Geissur.]

35. Then said Jonadab unto the King: Behold, the Kings sons come; according to the word of thy servant, so it come to pass. [i.e. As I said, so it is. See verse 32.]

36. And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking, behold, then came he Kings sons, and lift up their voices, and wept: and that King also, and all his servants, wept a very great weeping.

37. (Absalom then fled, and went to Thalmai, the son of Ammichur, [Heb. Ammichur. This Thalmai was Absaloms Grandfather by the Mother side. See above chap.3.3.] King of Gesur:) [See above chap.3.on verse 3. and below chap.15.8.] and he [viz. David] mourned for his son, all those days. [i.e. many days, viz. the three years that Absalom was at Gesur, as followeth. For after that the King left mourning. Oth. this is generally understood of all the days of (his) life; which words of (his) life, are oftentimes added thereunto.]

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

39. Then the (soul) of King David lingered [Or, fainted, was consumed. Item, the desire of lusting or, longing consumed David. The Hebrew word is put in the feminine gender, so that it agreeth not to David, but rather to his soul: which word is here inserted out of Psal.84.3. & 119.81. where the like phrase is found thus full and entire. See also Job 19.on v.27.] exceedingly to go forth unto Absalom: [This may be understood of causing to go forth, that is, to send some body forth to bring Absalom back again] for he had comforted himself concerning Amnon that he was dead, [i.e. ha had given over, or, laid aside mourning for Amnons death. See gen.37.35. & 38.12.]