How does 2 Samuel 13:5 illustrate the consequences of deceitful counsel? Setting the Scene “Jonadab said to him, ‘Lie down on your bed and pretend to be ill. When your father comes to see you, say to him, “Please let my sister Tamar come and give me bread to eat; let her prepare the food in my sight so that I may watch and eat from her hand.” ’ ” (2 Samuel 13:5) Jonadab’s Counsel: The Anatomy of Deceit • Pretend illness—fabricating circumstances to manipulate • Exploit parental concern—Amnon uses David’s compassion as a tool • Target the innocent—Tamar is lured into a vulnerable position Immediate Fallout • Amnon’s sin against Tamar (vv. 10–14) exposes the destructive power of a single lie. • Tamar’s life is shattered; she lives “desolate” in Absalom’s house (v. 20). • David is angered yet fails to act decisively (v. 21), sowing seeds of further discord. Long-Term Ripple Effects • Absalom’s vengeance—two years later he murders Amnon (vv. 28–29). • Family fracture—Absalom’s rebellion against David (15:1-14) traces back to unresolved injustice. • National instability—Israel endures civil strife because deceit took root in one heart. Biblical Echoes on Deceitful Counsel • Proverbs 12:5: “The plans of the righteous are just, but the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit.” • Psalm 1:1: blessing is tied to avoiding “the counsel of the wicked.” • 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Bad company corrupts good character.” • James 1:15: “After desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” Timeless Lessons • Sinful advice often looks harmless—“pretend to be ill” sounded simple, yet opened the door to tragedy. • Deceit rarely stays private; it spirals outward, damaging lives far beyond the original act. • Unaddressed sin breeds greater sin; David’s inaction magnified the consequences. Safeguards Against Sinful Advice • Measure every suggestion by Scriptural truth (Psalm 119:105). • Seek counsel from godly, proven believers (Proverbs 11:14). • Refuse secrecy; bring plans into the light (Ephesians 5:11). • Own responsibility early—repent and restore before sin snowballs (1 John 1:9). |
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