13:1 Absalom the son of David had David’s third eldest son, beloved by David and renowned for his good looks (14:25).

Absalom the son of David had a beautiful sister Tamar was Absalom’s full sister (see v. 4); they had the same mother, Maacah (3:2–3).

Tamar Recalls Gen 38.

Amnon the son of David Amnon was Tamar’s half-brother through their father David; Amnon’s mother was Ahinoam of Jezreel (2 Sam 3:2). Amnon was the crown prince—the one who would inherit the throne, according to the rules of kingship based on order of birth.

13:2 it was too difficult Amnon may have been hindered due to their familial relation or her status as the king’s daughter.

13:3 Shimeah, the brother of David Shimeah was the third son of David’s father, Jesse, making Jonadab Amnon’s cousin (1 Chr 2:13).

crafty The Hebrew word used here, while sometimes translated “wise,” has negative connotations in this instance.

13:5 Lie down Jonadab instructs Amnon to feign illness to attract the attention of the king (see 2 Sam 13:3 and note). When the king visits, Amnon is to request that Tamar come and prepare food for him. While she is there, he will have the chance to rape her.

13:6 two cakes This food may have been infused with healing herbs or other remedies. The Hebrew word for it, levivah, is related to the Hebrew word for the heart, suggesting that these were heart-shaped or intended to benefit the heart.

13:7 to the house of Amnon your brother Members of the royal family may have had private residences, or perhaps this was only the prerogative of the crown prince. The privacy provides the perfect setting for Amnon to carry out his plot.

13:9 all the men Refers to his household stewards (v. 17).

13:10 the private room Amnon’s bedroom.

13:12 such a thing Refers to rape, incest, or both (Gen 34:7; Lev 18:9).

13:13 my disgrace Tamar would be forever shamed and stigmatized by this act (compare Lev 21:14).

he will not withhold me It is not likely that their marriage would be allowed because it would be considered incest (Lev 20:17; Deut 27:22). She may be desperate for any way out of this situation and is saying whatever she needs to in order to convince Amnon to let her leave.

13:16 in sending me away The Law required Amnon to marry her (see Exod 22:16–17 and note; Deut 22:28–29; note on Deut 22:29).

13:18 a long-sleeved robe See Gen 37:3 and note.

13:19 she tore the long-sleeved robe Symbolizes her grief over Amnon’s sin against her.

13:20 a desolate woman A shameful designation indicating that she was single and without children.

13:21 he became very angry In addition to Amnon’s reprehensible act, he also betrayed his father, David (see 2 Sam 13:6–7).

13:23 shearers They were preparing for an upcoming festival (compare 1 Sam 25:2).

13:24 the king Absalom’s later rebellion may indicate that he intended to kill David, in addition to Amnon, for failing to punish Amnon.

let the king and his servants go with your servant Absalom invites Amnon to celebrate with him.

13:25 he was not willing to go David may have sensed that it would be a bad idea for the king and all of his sons to be in the same place at the same time. A surprise attack from an enemy would eliminate the Israelite monarchy.

13:26 will you not let Amnon my brother go Because the king refuses to attend, Absalom requests the presence of the crown prince.

Why should he go with you? David may sense Absalom’s evil intentions. However, he may have assumed that Amnon would be safe—as the crown prince, he likely had a detachment of bodyguards accompanying him.

13:28 is tipsy with wine Absalom instructs his servants to kill Amnon when he is drunk.

13:29 did to Amnon just as Absalom commanded They kill Amnon.

each mounted his mule The mode of kingly transportation in ancient Israel (see 18:9; 1 Kgs 1:33, 44).

and fled They fear for their own lives.

13:31 he lay on the ground See 2 Sam 12:16 and note.

13:32 Jonadab See v. 3 and note.

as it was being determined It is unclear why Jonadab didn’t disclose this information sooner—especially since he was Amnon’s friend (v. 3). David does not punish him for withholding this information.

13:35 According to the word of your servant, so it has come about When everyone else around him is mourning for Amnon, the crafty Jonadab—who was Amnon’s friend (see v. 3 and note)—takes this opportunity to point out that he was right.

13:37 Talmai Absalom’s maternal grandfather (see 3:3). His family connection probably secured political refuge.

Geshur Located east of the Jordan River.

13:39 King David longed to go out to Absalom David probably desires to be reunited with his son (14:1).