2 Samuel 13:28

Now Absalom had ordered his young men, "Watch Amnon until his heart is merry with wine, and when I order you to strike Amnon down, you are to kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant!"

Study Bible

Now Absalom commanded
The Hebrew root for "commanded" is צָוָה (tsavah), which implies a strong directive or order. Absalom, as a son of King David, holds a position of authority, and his command reflects a decisive and premeditated action. This moment marks a pivotal point in Absalom's rebellion and personal vendetta, highlighting the gravity of his intentions and the seriousness with which he approaches this act of vengeance.

his young men
The term "young men" refers to Absalom's servants or attendants, likely loyal to him and accustomed to following his orders. In the historical context, these young men would be expected to carry out their master's wishes without question, reflecting the hierarchical and patriarchal nature of ancient Israelite society.

Watch Amnon
The instruction to "watch" suggests vigilance and careful observation. Absalom's plan requires precise timing, indicating his cunning and strategic mindset. This word underscores the premeditated nature of the act, as Absalom ensures that his men are ready to act at the opportune moment.

until his heart is merry with wine
The phrase "merry with wine" indicates a state of inebriation, which in biblical times was often associated with vulnerability and lack of control. Absalom exploits Amnon's weakness, using it as an opportunity to exact revenge. This reflects the biblical theme of the dangers of overindulgence and the moral lessons often associated with wine and drunkenness.

And when I say to you
This phrase emphasizes Absalom's control over the situation. He is the orchestrator of the events, and his authority is absolute. It also highlights the importance of timing and obedience in the execution of his plan.

‘Strike Amnon down,’ then kill him!
The command to "strike" and "kill" is direct and violent, reflecting the severity of Absalom's anger and the depth of his desire for retribution. The Hebrew word for "strike" is נָכָה (nakah), which can mean to smite or to hit with deadly intent. This act of fratricide is a turning point in the narrative, leading to further turmoil within David's family.

Do not be afraid
Absalom reassures his men, addressing the natural fear that comes with committing such a grave act. This phrase suggests that Absalom is aware of the moral and legal implications of his command, yet he seeks to embolden his servants by asserting his authority and the righteousness of his cause.

Have I not commanded you?
This rhetorical question reinforces Absalom's authority and the expectation of obedience. It implies that his command carries weight and legitimacy, and it serves to remind his men of their duty to follow his orders without hesitation.

Be strong and brave!
The exhortation to "be strong and brave" echoes biblical calls to courage found throughout Scripture, such as in Joshua 1:9. However, in this context, it is a tragic misuse of a noble sentiment, as Absalom twists it to serve his vengeful purposes. This phrase highlights the tension between righteous courage and misguided valor, serving as a cautionary tale about the misuse of power and authority.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Absalom
The third son of King David, known for his handsome appearance and later rebellion against his father. In this passage, he orchestrates the murder of his half-brother Amnon.

2. Amnon
The firstborn son of King David, who previously committed a grievous sin against his half-sister Tamar, which led to Absalom's desire for revenge.

3. Young Men
Servants of Absalom, tasked with carrying out the murder of Amnon at Absalom's command.

4. King David
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the father of both Absalom and Amnon, and his family dynamics play a crucial role in the unfolding events.

5. The Feast
The setting of the event, where Absalom uses the occasion of a feast to execute his plan against Amnon.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
Absalom's actions are a direct result of Amnon's sin against Tamar. Sin often leads to further sin, creating a cycle of destruction.

Misuse of Authority
Absalom uses his position to manipulate others into committing murder, showing how authority can be abused for personal vendettas.

The Danger of Unchecked Emotions
Absalom's anger and desire for revenge lead to murder. It's crucial to address emotions like anger and bitterness before they lead to sin.

The Importance of Justice
Absalom's actions highlight the need for justice and proper channels to address wrongs, rather than taking matters into one's own hands.

Courage in the Wrong Context
Absalom's call to "be strong and courageous" is a perversion of a biblical principle, reminding us to discern the context and purpose of our actions.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Absalom's command to his servants reflect a misuse of leadership and authority? Can you think of other biblical examples where authority was misused?

2. In what ways does the cycle of sin and revenge in this account mirror situations in our own lives or society today?

3. How can we apply the biblical principle of "be strong and courageous" in a way that aligns with God's will, rather than personal desires?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that our emotions, such as anger or bitterness, do not lead us to sin?

5. How does the account of Absalom and Amnon challenge us to seek justice through godly means rather than personal vengeance? Can you find other scriptures that support this approach?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 4:8
The account of Cain and Abel, where Cain's jealousy leads to murder, parallels Absalom's vengeful act against Amnon.

Deuteronomy 31:6
The phrase "Be strong and courageous" echoes God's command to Joshua, highlighting the misuse of divine encouragement for sinful purposes.

Romans 12:19
This verse speaks against taking personal vengeance, contrasting with Absalom's actions.