2 Samuel 13:30-39 – Discipline delayed increases pain

The sword that Nathan said would divide David’s house had started. And Amnon was killed by Absalom. Once he was killed, the other sons of David scattered, mounted their mules and ran for their lives. News then came to David. He was first told that all his sons were killed by Absalom and none of them survived that massacre. David then immediately arose, tore his garment, laid prostrate on the ground, and mourned believing that all his sons were dead. When his servants saw what he did, they ripped their clothes as well. At this point, Jonadab spoke up assuring David that only Amnon had been killed but that the rest of his sons were spared. He also told David that Absalom had fled. Shortly after he had spoken, David’s other sons were spotted coming toward Jerusalem. All of them came to David who was mourning, and they all joined him and wept bitterly.

Jonadab was a double-headed snake. Wasn’t he the one who had counseled Amnon to feign illness so that David would visit him? He was also the one who had advised Amnon to request for Tamar to come and bake cakes for him and to nurse him. In other words, he was an accomplice to Amnon’s wicked deed. What’s worst was that he knew that Absalom was planning and waiting for an opportunity to have Amnon killed. It did not occur to him to do the right thing and alert David about it. Now he was telling David that Absalom had determined to get at Amnon, since the day his sister was raped. Isn’t this a tad too late?

Absalom having killed Amnon, fled to his maternal grandfather, Talmai, the king of Geshur. Verse 37 said that David mourned for Amnon every day. This was one of the reasons why he did not chastise him for raping Tamar and that was also the reason that Absalom took matters into his own hand. Meanwhile, Absalom remained with his grandfather for three years. The time had elapsed, and time heals. Soon David had gotten over the loss of Amnon and started to miss Absalom. So he pined for him.  

Here are some truths we can pick up from these verses. Firstly, we must not allow a vengeful heart to develop in us. If we do, we will end up being consumed by evil intention and bitterness. And when that spirit reaches its height, the evil intention will be acted out to exact the revenge. Secondly, we must be careful whom we are listening to. Though Amnon had received his just dessert, it was Jonadab who had instigated him into evil. Amnon heard too much from Jonadab, who masterminded his evil deeds. He not only helped to plan the rape of Tamar but, when he knew Amnon was in danger he did not even alert David. He literally threw Amnon under the bus. So we must be careful who we listen to. Finally, we see the danger of partiality. As parents or leaders showing partiality, it will always lead to bias and tinted judgment. David’s love for Amnon blinded him to act judiciously. He did nothing when he was told of Amnon’s wicked deed. He literally kicked the can down the road and deferred the trouble. By not acting, David had empowered Absalom to act with greater venom. That had increased his sorrow. We need to take corrective measures swiftly; delayed discipline always increases pain. So learn to act swiftly, and correct immediately. It’s needful!