Introduction:
Jon'adab is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, known for his cunning and influential role in the events surrounding the family of King David. His actions and counsel had significant implications in the narrative of David's reign and the subsequent turmoil within the royal family.

Biblical References:
Jon'adab is primarily mentioned in 2 Samuel 13, where he is described as the son of Shimeah, David's brother, making him a nephew of King David. His account is intertwined with the tragic events involving Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom.

Role and Actions:
Jon'adab is characterized by his shrewdness and insight, though not always used for righteous purposes. In 2 Samuel 13:3, he is described as "a very shrewd man." His cunning nature is evident in the advice he gives to Amnon, David's eldest son, who is infatuated with his half-sister Tamar. Jon'adab devises a plan for Amnon to feign illness and request Tamar to care for him, which ultimately leads to Amnon's assault on Tamar (2 Samuel 13:5-14).

Consequences and Further Involvement:
The aftermath of Amnon's actions sets off a chain of events leading to Absalom's revenge and the eventual murder of Amnon. Jon'adab reappears in the narrative following Amnon's death. When King David hears of the incident and is led to believe that all his sons have been killed, Jon'adab reassures the king by clarifying that only Amnon is dead, as Absalom had plotted this in response to the violation of his sister Tamar (2 Samuel 13:32-33).

Character Analysis:
Jon'adab's role in these events highlights the complexity of his character. While he is portrayed as perceptive and knowledgeable, his advice to Amnon reveals a lack of moral integrity. His involvement in the royal family's affairs demonstrates the influence he wielded, yet his actions contributed to the discord and tragedy within David's household.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, Jon'adab's account serves as a cautionary tale about the misuse of wisdom and influence. His actions remind readers of the importance of aligning one's counsel with righteousness and the potential consequences of failing to do so. The narrative also underscores the themes of sin, retribution, and the far-reaching impact of personal choices within the biblical text.

Conclusion:
Jon'adab's presence in the biblical narrative, though brief, is significant in understanding the dynamics of King David's family and the unfolding of events that led to further strife and division. His account is a testament to the complexities of human character and the moral lessons that can be drawn from the lives of those in Scripture.Jon'adab (11 Occurrences)

2 Samuel 13:3
But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother; and Jonadab was a very subtle man.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 13:5
And Jonadab said unto him: 'Lay thee down on thy bed, and feign thyself sick; and when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto him: Let my sister Tamar come, I pray thee, and give me bread to eat, and dress the food in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it at her hand.'
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 13:32
And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother, answered and said: 'Let not my lord suppose that they have killed 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.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 13:35
And Jonadab said unto the king: 'Behold, the king's sons are come; as thy servant said, so it is.'
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 35:6
And they say, 'We do not drink wine: for Jonadab son of Rechab, our father, charged us, saying, Ye do not drink wine, ye and your sons -- unto the age;
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 35:8
And we hearken to the voice of Jonadab son of Rechab, our father, to all that he commanded us, not to drink wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, and our daughters;
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 35:10
and we dwell in tents, and we hearken, and we do according to all that Jonadab our father commanded us;
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 35:14
Performed have been the words of Jonadab son of Rechab, when he commanded his sons not to drink wine, and they have not drunk unto this day, for they have obeyed the command of their father; and I -- I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking, and ye have not hearkened unto Me.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 35:16
Because the sons of Jonadab son of Rechab have performed the command of their father, that he commanded them, and this people have not hearkened unto Me,
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 35:18
And to the house of the Rechabites said Jeremiah: 'Thus said Jehovah of Hosts, God of Israel, Because that ye have hearkened unto the command of Jonadab your father, and ye observe all his commands, and do according to all that he commanded you;
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 35:19
therefore, thus said Jehovah of Hosts, God of Israel, Of Jonadab son of Rechab one standing before me is not cut off all the days.'
(See RSV)

Jon'adab (11 Occurrences)
Jon'adab. Jonadab, Jon'adab. Jonah . Multi-Version Concordance Jon'adab
(11 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 13:3 But Amnon had a friend, whose ...
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Jonadab (11 Occurrences)

/j/jonadab.htm - 10k

Jonah (30 Occurrences)

/j/jonah.htm - 35k

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