Amnon had a friend named Jonadab . . . a very shrewd man. (2 Samuel 13:3)These chapters illustrate the influence of a well-placed whisper. Our story begins with Amnon, a prince of Israel, who is head over heels in lust with his half sister. His friend Jonadab conceives an evil plan, and whispers it in Amnon's ear, leading to the travesty of King David's virgin daughter being raped by her half brother.
After Tamar confides in Absalom the terrible thing that has happened, her older brother nurses a scheme of vengeance and two years later kills Amnon for raping his sister, before finding asylum in a neighboring kingdom.
David is in a difficult position. Absalom (his father's favorite) has killed another of his sons. Societal conventions do not allow David to bring his son home (no doubt the two years between Tamar's rape and Amnon's death, not to mention the careful planning involved, make it difficult to argue against premeditation).
Joab, the king's trusted general, intervenes. Though he convinces David it is time to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem, David still refuses to see his son. Though back in his home, he is still exiled from his father's presence.
After another two years has passed, Absalom sends Joab to plead his case before David, and the king finally reconciles with his son.
Whispers. Jonadab whispered in Amnon's ear to indulge his appetites. Joab whispered in David's ear to do the right thing.
Who's your Jonadab? Who's your Joab?
No comments:
Post a Comment