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!" Now Absalom had ordered his young men,Absalom, the third son of King David, is taking decisive action against his half-brother Amnon. This reflects the deep-seated animosity following Amnon's violation of their sister Tamar. The use of "young men" indicates Absalom's authority and influence, as he commands his servants to carry out his will, a common practice for those of noble status in ancient Israel. 2Sa 11:14-15 The next morning David wrote a letter to Joab… “Watch Amnon until his heart is merry with wine, The setting is a feast, a common occasion for celebration and drinking in ancient Near Eastern culture. Wine was often used to induce a state of relaxation or vulnerability. This phrase suggests a premeditated plan to catch Amnon off guard, reminiscent of other biblical narratives where wine leads to significant events, such as Noah's drunkenness (Genesis 9:21) or Lot's daughters (Genesis 19:32-35). 1Sa 25:36-37 When Abigail returned to Nabal, there he was… and when I order you to strike Amnon down, you are to kill him. Absalom's command is clear and ruthless, reflecting the law of retribution, "an eye for an eye" (Exodus 21:23-25). This act of vengeance is personal and calculated, highlighting the cycle of violence within David's family, a consequence of David's own sins (2 Samuel 12:10-12). 1Ki 2:29-34 It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled… Do not be afraid. Absalom reassures his men, acknowledging the gravity of the task. This echoes God's frequent encouragement to His people to not fear when undertaking daunting tasks (Joshua 1:9). However, here it is used in a morally complex situation, contrasting divine missions with human vendettas. Deu 31:6-8 Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified… Have I not commanded you? Absalom asserts his authority, reminiscent of military leaders in Israel who commanded obedience. This phrase underscores the hierarchical nature of ancient societies, where loyalty to one's superior was paramount, even above moral considerations. Jos 1:6-7 Be strong and courageous, for you shall give… Be courageous and valiant!” These words are often associated with battle and heroism in the Old Testament (e.g., Joshua 1:6). Absalom's use of them in this context is ironic, as he calls for bravery in committing murder, twisting the noble call to courage for a sinister purpose. This reflects the tragic misuse of God-given virtues for personal revenge, contrasting with the righteous courage exemplified by figures like David in his youth (1 Samuel 17:45-47). 2Sa 10:12 Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people… Persons / Places / Events 1. AbsalomThe 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 SinAbsalom'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 4:8The 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.
People Absalom, Ammihud, Amnon, David, Jonadab, Shimeah, Talmai, TamarPlaces Baal-hazor, Geshur, JerusalemTopics Absalom, Ab'salom, Afraid, Amnon, Amnon's, Attack, Brave, Commanded, Commandeth, Courageous, Death, Drinking, Fear, Glad, Haven't, Heart, Kill, Listen, Mark, Merry, Myself, Note, Order, Ordered, Orders, Saying, Servants, Slay, Smite, Sons, Spirits, Strike, Strong, Valiant, Valour, Wine, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 13:28 5040 murder Library Saurin -- Paul Before Felix and DrusillaJacques 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 No Sorrow Like Messiah's Sorrow Exhortations to Christians as they are Children of God Repentance Samuel Links 2 Samuel 13:28 NIV2 Samuel 13:28 NLT 2 Samuel 13:28 ESV 2 Samuel 13:28 NASB 2 Samuel 13:28 KJV 2 Samuel 13:28 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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