2 Samuel 13:30-39
30 Now it was while they were on the way that the report came to David, saying, “Absalom has struck and killed all the king’s sons, and not one of them is left.”
31 Then the king stood up, tore his clothes, and lay on the ground; and all his servants were standing by with clothes torn.
32 And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David’s brother, responded, “Let my lord not assume that they have put to death all the young men, the king’s sons, for only Amnon is dead; because this has been set up by the intent of Absalom since the day that he violated his sister Tamar.
33 So now, may my lord the king not take the report to heart, claiming, ‘all the king’s sons are dead’; but only Amnon is dead.”
34 Now Absalom had fled. And the young man who was the watchman raised his eyes and looked, and behold, many people were coming from the road behind him by the side of the mountain.
35 And Jonadab said to the king, “Behold, the king’s sons have come; so it has happened according to your servant’s word.”
36 As soon as he had finished speaking, behold, the king’s sons came and raised their voices and wept; and the king and all his servants also wept very profusely.
37 Now Absalom had fled and gone to Talmai the son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.
38 So Absalom had fled and gone to Geshur, and was there for three years.
39 And the heart of King David longed to go out to Absalom; for he was comforted regarding Amnon, since he was dead.
Absalom’s Flight
Jonadab’s testimony
Before the king’s sons had even returned, rumors reached David’s ears ahead of them. How swiftly rumors can spread. David was plunged into the depths of grief upon hearing that all his sons had been killed. However, there was one person who had accurate information – Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David’s brother. He was David’s nephew. (1) He had been a bad influence on Amnon. It was he who advised Amnon on how to violate Tamar (ref. v 5-6). (2) He seemed to know that Absalom had long harbored the intent to kill Amnon. Therefore, he confidently reported to David that only Amnon, who had violated Tamar, had been killed. (3) Jonadab should bear the same responsibility as Amnon concerning the rape of Tamar. Likewise, regarding the murder of Amnon, he should be held guilty alongside Absalom. Proverbs says, “One who despises the word will do badly, but one who fears the commandment will be rewarded” (Prov. 13:20). Are your relationships pleasing to the Lord? If you have friends like Jonadab, let us pray that you may have the strength in the Lord to cut off those ties.
David’s weakness
Absalom fled to his maternal grandfather (Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur) and stayed there for three years. He later returned to Israel, but it was another two years before he saw David again. (1) Strangely, David seemed to have a special affection for Absalom. This did not change, even later when Absalom rebelled against David. (2) David seemed to desire to see Absalom, but he likely felt the need to first uphold legal justice. In the end, he refrained from going to see Absalom. (3) What stands out is David’s lenient attitude toward his sons. Just as he took no action when Tamar was violated, he also does nothing in response to Absalom’s actions. This later leads to greater problems. Let us seek wisdom from the Lord on how we ought to relate to our children.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, please pour out Your wisdom upon me so that I may build godly relationships. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.