Why did Jonadab suggest such a deceitful plan in 2 Samuel 13:5? Text “Jonadab told him, ‘Lie down on your bed and pretend to be sick. When your father comes to see you, say to him, “Please let my sister Tamar come and feed me some bread. Let her prepare the food in my sight so that I may watch and eat from her hand.” ’ ” (2 Samuel 13:5) Identity and Background of Jonadab Jonadab was the son of Shimeah (also called Shammah), one of King David’s older brothers (1 Samuel 16:9; 2 Samuel 13:3). That placed him among the royal cousins—close enough to influence palace affairs yet far enough from succession to seek significance by other means. Scripture calls him “a very shrewd man” (2 Samuel 13:3). The Hebrew root ḥākām generally commends prudence, but here it carries the darker nuance of crafty manipulation, echoing the moral ambivalence of the serpent’s “craftiness” (ʿārûm) in Genesis 3:1. Historical Setting The event occurs shortly after David’s sin with Bathsheba and Nathan’s pronouncement that “the sword shall never depart from your house” (2 Samuel 12:10). The unfolding turmoil inside David’s family—including Amnon’s lust, Tamar’s violation, and Absalom’s eventual revolt—constitutes the divine chastening promised by God. Jonadab’s counsel becomes a catalyst in that sequence. Archaeological finds such as the Tel Dan Stele (9th century BC)—inscribed “House of David”—and the partial Samuel scrolls from Qumran (4QSam a) confirm the historic backdrop in which these palace intrigues played out. Immediate Context: Amnon’s Obsession Amnon, David’s firstborn, “was frustrated to the point of illness on account of his sister Tamar” (v. 2). He confided in Jonadab, who saw an opportunity to exercise influence by offering a scheme that bypassed both moral restraint and legal boundaries (Leviticus 18:9; Deuteronomy 27:22). Jonadab directed Amnon to feign sickness—a plan exploiting David’s compassion and Tamar’s innocence. Possible Motives Behind Jonadab’s Deceitful Counsel 1. Familial Politics – By helping the crown prince satisfy an illicit craving, Jonadab could bind Amnon to himself, securing favor in any future reign. – In a polygamous royal household, alliances were volatile; strategic counsel could translate into political capital. 2. Personal Ambition and Curiosity – The narrative gives no hint of moral outrage in Jonadab; instead, he displays detached calculation, intrigued by the possibilities of court intrigue. 3. Sinful Nature and Worldview – Absent a fear of Yahweh, “every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). Jonadab’s “wisdom” was earthly, unspiritual, and demonic (James 3:15). – He exemplifies Proverbs 12:5: “The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.” Cultural and Legal Considerations Royal custom allowed intimate family members to attend the sick, providing the logistical opening Jonadab exploited. Mosaic Law strictly forbade sexual relations with a half-sister (Leviticus 18:9), and rape carried capital penalties (Deuteronomy 22:25–27). Jonadab’s plot therefore required deception to conceal the law’s clear prohibitions and to keep David unaware until the violation was complete. Psychological and Behavioral Analysis From a behavioral‐scientific perspective, Jonadab embodied the “Machiavellian” personality—high in social astuteness and manipulative intent. He read Amnon’s emotional vulnerability (“love-sick”) and crafted a low-cost, high-gain solution. The absence of empathic concern for Tamar or fear of divine retribution evidences a seared conscience (1 Timothy 4:2). Spiritual/Theological Dimensions Sin spreads through suggestion (Genesis 3:1-6). Just as Eve was enticed by false counsel, Amnon fell through Jonadab’s words. Scripture warns, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Jonadab functions as a narrative warning against ungodly advisers who appear insightful but lead to death (Proverbs 14:12). Consequences of the Counsel – Tamar’s lifelong desolation (2 Samuel 13:20). – Amnon’s murder by Absalom (13:28-29). – Absalom’s civil war, fulfilling Nathan’s oracle (2 Samuel 15–18). – Jonadab’s eventual exposure: he glibly briefs David on Amnon’s death (13:32-35), proving himself loyal to no one but self-interest. Ethical Evaluation Jonadab’s advice violated: 1. The sixth and seventh commandments by fostering violence and sexual sin. 2. The ninth commandment through deceit. 3. The royal duty to uphold justice (2 Samuel 23:3). His counsel epitomizes Isaiah 5:20—calling evil good for personal gain. Archaeological Support Clay bullae bearing royal names (e.g., “Belonging to Yehuchal son of Shelemiah,” found in the City of David excavations) confirm a bureaucratic milieu consistent with court advisers like Jonadab. The administrative setting makes the plausibility of private counsel and palace plots historically credible. Application and Lessons 1. Test Counsel by God’s Word – Like Bereans (Acts 17:11), believers must evaluate advice against Scripture. 2. Guard the Heart – Desire unrestrained by obedience births sin (James 1:14-15). 3. Choose Companions Wisely – “He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed” (Proverbs 13:20). 4. Trust Divine Justice – Though Jonadab seemed to escape judgment, the narrative shows God inexorably working out justice within David’s house. Christological Reflection Jonadab’s treachery magnifies humanity’s need for a righteous Counselor. In contrast, Messiah is named “Wonderful Counselor” (Isaiah 9:6), whose guidance leads to life. Where Jonadab abetted sin, Jesus bore sin and rose again, offering new hearts empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in truth (John 16:13; Romans 8:1-4). Summary Jonadab proposed a deceitful plan because he combined natural shrewdness with self-serving ambition, untempered by reverence for God or love for neighbor. His counsel illustrates how unsanctified “wisdom” becomes devilish craft, how proximity to power can corrupt, and how evil advice triggers cascading tragedy. The episode warns against ungodly influence, underscores the justice of God’s prophetic word, and directs the reader to seek counsel in Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). |
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