Amnon had a friend named Jonadab . . . a very shrewd man
(NIV 1984, 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. Yet another two years pass. Joab pleads Absalom’s 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.
TODAY’S MEDITATION
Who’s your Jonadab? Who’s
your Joab? Can you discern who’s been whispering in your ear?
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