2 Samuel 13:3
Now Amnon had a friend named Jonadab, the son of David's brother Shimeah. Jonadab was a very shrewd man,
Now Amnon had a friend named Jonadab,

Amnon’s trusted companion would become a destructive influence rather than a faithful counselor. Jonadab’s access to the prince gave his advice unusual weight at a moment when Amnon’s desires were already turning sinful.

Pro 13:20 He who walks with the wise will become wise,…
1Co 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
Pro 1:10-15 My son, if sinners entice you, do not yield to them.…

the son of David’s brother Shimeah.

Jonadab was David’s nephew and Amnon’s cousin, belonging to the royal household through Shimeah, also called Shammah. Family proximity gave him intimate knowledge of palace life and enabled him to influence events within David’s own house.

2Sa 21:21 and when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of David’s…
1Ch 20:7 and when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of David’s…

Jonadab was a very shrewd man,

Jonadab possessed the intelligence to recognize Amnon’s condition and devise a plan to satisfy it. Yet he used his ability to advance wickedness rather than restrain it. His counsel helped bring about the violation of Tamar and contributed to the sorrow, violence, and division that followed in David’s family.

Luk 16:8 The master commended the dishonest manager…
Gen 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field…
Pro 14:15 The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Amnon
The firstborn son of King David, who harbored sinful desires towards his half-sister Tamar.

2. Jonadab
A cousin of Amnon and a son of Shimeah, David's brother. Known for his cunning and shrewdness, he played a pivotal role in advising Amnon.

3. Shimeah
David's brother, making Jonadab a member of the royal family and close to the events in the palace.

4. David
The King of Israel, father of Amnon, and a central figure in the unfolding family drama.

5. Tamar
Amnon's half-sister, who becomes the victim of Amnon's lustful actions, setting off a tragic chain of events.
Teaching Points
The Influence of Friends
The account of Amnon and Jonadab illustrates the profound impact that friends can have on our decisions. It is crucial to surround ourselves with godly influences who encourage righteousness.

The Consequences of Sin
Amnon's actions, spurred by Jonadab's counsel, lead to devastating consequences for himself and his family. Sin often has far-reaching effects beyond the immediate moment.

Discernment in Counsel
Jonadab's shrewdness was not used for good. Believers must seek wisdom and discernment in the advice they receive, ensuring it aligns with God's Word.

The Role of Family Dynamics
The events in 2 Samuel 13 highlight the complexities and potential dysfunction within family relationships. It serves as a reminder to address issues with grace and truth.

Repentance and Restoration
While the passage focuses on the tragedy of sin, it also points to the need for repentance and the hope of restoration through God's grace.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the relationship between Amnon and Jonadab illustrate the importance of choosing friends wisely? Reflect on Proverbs 12:26 in your response.

2. In what ways can we ensure that the counsel we receive aligns with biblical principles? Consider the role of prayer and scripture in seeking guidance.

3. What are some modern examples of how shrewdness can be used for both good and evil? How can we cultivate godly wisdom in our lives?

4. How do the events in 2 Samuel 13 demonstrate the ripple effect of sin within a family or community? Reflect on a personal experience or a biblical example.

5. What steps can we take to address and heal from family dysfunction, as seen in the account of David's family? Consider the role of forgiveness and reconciliation in your answer.
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 3
The cunning nature of Jonadab can be compared to the serpent's deception in the Garden of Eden, highlighting the destructive power of shrewd counsel.

Proverbs 12:26
This verse warns about the influence of friends, emphasizing the importance of choosing companions wisely, as seen in Amnon's relationship with Jonadab.

1 Corinthians 15:33
This New Testament verse underscores the corrupting influence of bad company, which is exemplified in Amnon's downfall due to Jonadab's advice.
A Diabolical Friend: a Homily for Young MenG. Wood 2 Samuel 13:3
A False FriendB. Dale 2 Samuel 13:3
Absalom and AmnonW. G. Blaikie, D. D.2 Samuel 13:1-29
Amnon and Absalom: -- Examples of Short-Circuited Lives2 Samuel 13:1-29
Parental FailureW. G. Blaikie, D. D.2 Samuel 13:1-29
Purity At All CostNewton Jones.2 Samuel 13:1-29
The Wickedness of AmnonJ. Parker, D. D.2 Samuel 13:1-29
Vengeance Upon the WrongdoerTytler's History2 Samuel 13:1-29
The Crime of AmnonB. Dale 2 Samuel 13:1-33
People
Absalom, Ammihud, Amnon, David, Jonadab, Shimeah, Talmai, Tamar
Places
Baal-hazor, Geshur, Jerusalem
Topics
Amnon, Brother, Crafty, David's, Friend, Jonadab, Jon'adab, Named, Shimeah, Shim'e-ah, Shrewd, Subtil, Subtle, Wise
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Samuel 13:3

     5948   shrewdness

2 Samuel 13:1-11

     5920   pretence
     8830   suspicion

2 Samuel 13:1-14

     5940   searching

2 Samuel 13:1-19

     5707   male and female

2 Samuel 13:1-20

     5737   sisters

2 Samuel 13:1-21

     5087   David, reign of

2 Samuel 13:1-22

     8340   self-respect

2 Samuel 13:1-33

     5661   brothers

Library
Saurin -- Paul Before Felix and Drusilla
Jacques Saurin, the famous French Protestant preacher of the seventeenth century, was born at Nismes in 1677. He studied at Geneva and was appointed to the Walloon Church in London in 1701. The scene of his great life work was, however, the Hague, where he settled in 1705. He has been compared with Bossuet, tho he never attained the graceful style and subtilty which characterize the "Eagle of Meaux." The story is told of the famous scholar Le Clerc that he long refused to hear Saurin preach, on the
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 3

Blessed are they that Mourn
Blessed are they that mourn. Matthew 5:4 Here are eight steps leading to true blessedness. They may be compared to Jacob's Ladder, the top whereof reached to heaven. We have already gone over one step, and now let us proceed to the second: Blessed are they that mourn'. We must go through the valley of tears to paradise. Mourning were a sad and unpleasant subject to treat on, were it not that it has blessedness going before, and comfort coming after. Mourning is put here for repentance. It implies
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

No Sorrow Like Messiah's Sorrow
Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Behold, and see, if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow! A lthough the Scriptures of the Old Testament, the law of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophecies (Luke 24:44) , bear an harmonious testimony to MESSIAH ; it is not necessary to suppose that every single passage has an immediate and direct relation to Him. A method of exposition has frequently obtained [frequently been in vogue], of a fanciful and allegorical cast [contrivance], under the pretext
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Exhortations to Christians as they are Children of God
1 There is a bill of indictment against those who declare to the world they are not the children of God: all profane persons. These have damnation written upon their forehead. Scoffers at religion. It were blasphemy to call these the children of God. Will a true child jeer at his Father's picture? Drunkards, who drown reason and stupefy conscience. These declare their sin as Sodom. They are children indeed, but cursed children' (2 Peter 2:14). 2 Exhortation, which consists of two branches. (i) Let
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Repentance
Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.' Acts 11: 18. Repentance seems to be a bitter pill to take, but it is to purge out the bad humour of sin. By some Antinomian spirits it is cried down as a legal doctrine; but Christ himself preached it. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent,' &c. Matt 4: 17. In his last farewell, when he was ascending to heaven, he commanded that Repentance should be preached in his name.' Luke 24: 47. Repentance is a pure gospel grace.
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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