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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 13:1-20

We have here a particular account of the abominable wickedness of Amnon in ravishing his sister, a subject not fit to be enlarged upon nor indeed to be mentioned without blushing, that ever any man should be so vile, especially that a son of David should be so. Amnon's character, we have reason to think, was bad in other things; if he had not forsaken God, he would never have been given up to these vile affections. Godly parents have often been afflicted with wicked children; grace does not... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 13:3

But Amnon had a friend ,.... Though in the issue his friendship proved his ruin: whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David's brother ; so that they were own cousins, the same with Shammah, 1 Samuel 16:9 , and Jonadab was a very subtle man ; a very penetrating man into the dispositions of men, and could judge by their countenances what they were, and the affections of their minds, and had a talent in forming schemes; he was wise to do evil and was wickedly cunning. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 13:3

Jonadab was a very subtle man - And most diabolic advice did he give to his cousin. We talk of the simplicity and excellence of primitive times! "Say not thou what is the cause that the former days were better than these." Take them altogether, we may thank God that they are past, and pray him that they may never return. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 13:1-22

The firstfruits of iniquity. The facts are: 1 . Amnon entertains an improper affection for his half-sister Tamar, and meditates evil. 2 . Making known his secret passion to Jonadab, he is prompted to a device for securing a personal interview with her. 3 . The king, visiting Amnon in his pretended sickness, kindly arranges that Tamar should wait upon him with special focal in his chamber. 4 . Seizing an opportunity in the absence of attendants, he accomplishes his purpose... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 13:1-33

( JERUSALEM .) The crime of Amnon. The chastisements which David experienced came upon him chiefly through his family. The misconduct of his sons was largely due to his own "in the matter of Uriah," and his defective discipline (lSa 2 Samuel 3:13 ; 1 Kings 1:6 ) in connection with polygamy ( 2 Samuel 3:1-5 ). "This institution is the absolutely irrepressible source of numberless evils of this description. It ever furnishes a ready stimulus to unbounded sensual desire in the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 13:3

Jonadab, the son of Shimeah. He is called Shammah in 1 Samuel 16:9 , and is there described as Jesse's third son. A brother of Jonadab, named Jonathan, is mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:21 as a valiant soldier who slew one of the Philistine giants. Subtil is not used in a bad sense, but means clever, ready in devising means. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 13:3

( JERUSALEM .) A false friend. "And Jonadab was a very subtil man." Every virtue has its counterfeit. As there is a friendship which is true and beneficial, so there is what appears to be such but is false and injurious. Of the former we have an instance in David and Jonathan ( 1 Samuel 18:1-4 ), of the latter in Amnon and Jonadab (his cousin, a son of Shammah, 1 Samuel 16:9 ; 2 Samuel 21:21 ), "one of those characters who in great houses pride themselves on being acquainted and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 13:3

A diabolical friend: a homily for young men. This chapter contains a dreadful story. The unnatural lust of Amnon, the vile counsels of Jonadab, the unsuspiciousness of the king, the confiding innocence of Tamar, her unavailing remonstrances and resistance, the hardened villainy of her half-brother, his hatred and cruel expulsion of his innocent victim, her bitter anguish and lamentations, the unjust leniency of David towards the offender (although "very wroth"), the vengeance so quietly... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 13:3

Shimeah - Called Shamma (marginal reference), was Jesse’s third son.Subtil - literally, wise. The word is generally used in a good sense, but here, and in Job 5:13, it means crafty. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 13:3

2 Samuel 13:3. Amnon had a friend Say rather an enemy; for surely he proved himself to be such in a high degree, by the evil counsel he gave, issuing in Amnon’s utter ruin of soul, as is too probable, as well as body. “He plainly perceived that Amnon’s disease was some strong desire ungratified; and insinuated to him that he who was the king’s son might give a loose to his desires, and despise the restraint of ordinary men! How vile was this advice! and how lamentable it is that the heirs... read more

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