“Murder He Wrote”

“And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.” (2 Samuel 13:22)

Two Years Later

Absalom said nothing to Amnon about his sinful ways with his sister Tamar. David said nothing to Amnon. It is almost as if nothing happened? David’s guilt of his own sins kept him from teaching his son how to be righteous, and how to repent of his sins. David could have reproached Amnon and as King David had every right to do so.

Absalom is a different story. He is not seeking to educate Amnon, he is seeking revenge. Absalom sees himself as a Judge of Israel and since David will not, Absalom will.

Absalom was planning a sheep shearing party. He plans on inviting all of the sons of David, and King David himself. This was important to Absalom. He could not invite his brothers without giving and invite to his father. King David saw no reason for him to go to a sheepshearing and have Absalom spend his money on David’s entertainment.

Absalom pushes King David to allow Amnon and the other sons to join in the party. King David could see no reason to suspect any foul behavior by Absalom, so he allowed Amnon to go.

Murder So Foul.

With King David out of the way Absalom sees himself as having the upper hand.

“Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.” (2 Samuel 13:28)

Absalom attempts to take the responsibility for murdering his brother and sharing it among his servants. However, Absalom’s servants are only responsible for following his commands. Absalom is the authority in this case.

When Absalom’s brothers find out about the death of Amnon they get on their donkeys and run away. It is obvious they fear Absalom.

Satan In The House

“And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that tidings came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king’s sons, and there is not one of them left.” (2 Samuel 13:30)

Who came to King David with this information is not known. However, we do know there was someone else in the room that knew what the truth was. King David was beside himself with the grief that all his sons had been killed.

“And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David’s brother, answered and said, Let not my lord suppose that they have slain all the young men the king’s sons; for Amnon only is dead: for by the appointment of Absalom this hath been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar.” (2 Samuel 13:32)

There is no way Jonadab could have known this. He could not have watched Absalom kill Amnon, watch David’s sons ride off, and then make it back to David. Jonadab knew what Absalom had planned. Jonadab also knew what Amnon had planned. Satan likes to observe the sinful ways of people, then make it known to everyone.

Jonadab was there when David’s sons returned with the news Amnon was indeed dead. King David is sad about the death of Amnon, but happy that his sons are okay. Yet, he is still upset that Absalom had killed Amnon.

Stay tuned…