2 Samuel 13:35

KJV

And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come: as thy servant said, so it is.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jonadab {H3122} said {H559} unto the king {H4428}, Behold, the king's {H4428} sons {H1121} come {H935}: as thy servant {H5650} said {H1697}, so it is.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yonadav said to the king, "Here, the king's sons have come; it's just as your servant said."

Berean Standard Bible

So Jonadab said to the king, “Look, the sons of the king have arrived! It is just as your servant said.”

American Standard Version

And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king’s sons are come: as thy servant said, so it is.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 13:35 marks a critical moment of clarity and partial relief within King David's court, dispelling a widespread and devastating rumor that all his sons had been slain by Absalom. Jonadab, David's nephew and a shrewd observer of court affairs, confirms his earlier assertion to the king: only Amnon, the perpetrator of a heinous act, has been killed, and the surviving princes are now returning, bringing a somber truth to the royal family amidst their profound grief and the escalating consequences of sin within David's house.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the dramatic climax of a deeply tragic and volatile narrative arc in 2 Samuel 13. It immediately follows the horrifying account of Amnon's rape of his half-sister Tamar, and the subsequent two years during which Tamar's full brother, Absalom, nursed a vengeful grudge. Absalom meticulously planned a sheep-shearing feast as a pretext to execute Amnon, specifically commanding his servants to kill him ([2 Samuel 13:28](/2_samuel/13-28 "2 Samuel 13:28 - Absalom's Command to Kill Amnon")). The news of Amnon's death reached King David, but it was amplified by a false, more devastating rumor that Absalom had killed all of David's sons ([2 Samuel 13:30](/2_samuel/13-30 "2 Samuel 13:30 - The False Rumor Reaches David")). In this moment of royal panic and despair, Jonadab, who had previously advised Amnon in his wicked scheme ([2 Samuel 13:3](/2_samuel/13-3 "2 Samuel 13:3 - Jonadab's Cunning Advice")), and who also had foreknowledge of Absalom's specific intent due to his close observation of the court ([2 Samuel 13:32](/2_samuel/13-32 "2 Samuel 13:32 - Jonadab's Earlier Assurance to David")), assured David that only Amnon was targeted. Verse 35 serves as the undeniable, visual confirmation of Jonadab's words, as the surviving princes arrive, bringing a measure of truth and a different, yet profound, sorrow to the royal family.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 2 Samuel 13 unfold within the patriarchal and monarchical structure of ancient Israel, where dynastic succession, family honor, and the king's authority were paramount. The sheep-shearing feast, while a common agricultural event, also served as a significant social gathering, providing a plausible cover for Absalom's deadly plot. The swift spread of rumors in the absence of immediate communication technology highlights the vulnerability of information in the ancient world, especially within a royal court prone to intrigue and factionalism. The king's sons, as potential heirs and figures of political importance, would typically accompany the crown prince, making the rumor of their collective demise particularly credible and terrifying to David. Jonadab's role as a shrewd advisor, though morally ambiguous given his earlier counsel to Amnon, underscores the presence of influential, perceptive figures within the royal entourage who understood the intricate dynamics of power and personal relationships. The emphasis on honor and shame, particularly in the context of Tamar's rape, provides the underlying cultural motivation for Absalom's extreme act of vengeance, as he sought to restore his sister's honor and his family's reputation, albeit through violence.

* **Key Themes:** The narrative of 2 Samuel 13, culminating in verse 35, powerfully illustrates several recurring themes within the Deuteronomistic History and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **unfolding consequences of sin**, particularly within David's own household, serving as a direct and tragic fulfillment of the prophet Nathan's prophecy that "the sword shall never depart from your house" ([2 Samuel 12:10](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10 - Nathan's Prophecy of the Sword")). The violence, deception, and familial breakdown are direct outgrowths of David's own prior transgressions. Secondly, the passage emphasizes the **importance of truth versus rumor** in times of crisis. David's initial despair is based on false information, and Jonadab's accurate assessment, confirmed by the arrival of the princes, underscores the value of reliable intelligence. Thirdly, the **complex and often morally ambiguous role of individuals** like Jonadab is highlighted; though he facilitated Amnon's sin, he later provides crucial, accurate information that mitigates the king's distress. Finally, the profound theme of **parental grief and the dysfunction of a royal family** is evident, as David grapples with the tragic outcomes of his children's actions and the deep-seated divisions within his own house, setting the stage for further familial strife and rebellion in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jonadab (Hebrew, _Yônādāb'_):** This name means "Yahweh is willing" or "Yahweh is generous." However, Jonadab's character in 2 Samuel is far from generous in the moral sense. He is described as "a very subtle man" ([2 Samuel 13:3](/2_samuel/13-3 "2 Samuel 13:3 - Jonadab's Cunning Nature")), highlighting his cunning and manipulative nature. His role in verse 35, confirming the truth, is paradoxical given his earlier complicity in Amnon's sin. He is a figure of shrewd observation and political acumen, understanding the dynamics of the royal family and Absalom's long-held grudge, which allows him to accurately predict events.
* **King's sons (Hebrew, _bənê hammeleḵ'_):** This phrase refers to the royal princes, the direct descendants of David, who held significant status and were potential heirs to the throne. The initial rumor that all of them were killed would have been catastrophic for the stability of the kingdom and David's lineage. Their arrival confirms not only Jonadab's word but also the continuation of David's dynasty, albeit with one son tragically lost and another, Absalom, now a fugitive.
* **So it is (Hebrew, _kēn hāyāh'_):** This simple but powerful phrase, meaning "so it was" or "thus it happened," denotes absolute confirmation and fulfillment. It validates Jonadab's earlier statement to David ([2 Samuel 13:32](/2_samuel/13-32 "2 Samuel 13:32 - Jonadab's Earlier Assurance")), emphasizing the accuracy of his foresight and the reliability of his intelligence. It brings an end to the agonizing uncertainty and replaces a worse rumor with a grim, but accurate, reality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jonadab said unto the king":** This opening clause re-establishes Jonadab's position as a key informant and a figure with privileged insight into the unfolding tragedy. His direct address to David underscores the urgency and importance of the information he is about to impart, acting as a voice of reason and truth amidst the king's panic and the court's distress.
* **"Behold, the king's sons come":** This is the dramatic revelation, a visual confirmation that immediately dispels the most devastating part of the rumor. The word "Behold" (Hebrew, _hinnēh'_) serves as an interjection, drawing immediate attention to the approaching princes. Their physical presence is the undeniable proof that not all of David's sons have been killed, bringing a moment of profound, albeit mixed, relief to the king.
* **"as thy servant said, so it is":** This concluding phrase is Jonadab's self-validation and the ultimate confirmation of his earlier words to David. It highlights his accurate prediction and deep understanding of Absalom's intentions. The phrase "so it is" (or "so it was") signifies the exact fulfillment of his prophecy, solidifying his credibility in this moment, despite his morally compromised past. It brings a definitive end to the period of agonizing uncertainty for David.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to heighten its dramatic impact and convey its themes. **Confirmation** is central, as Jonadab's words and the arrival of the princes confirm the truth, dispelling the initial, more devastating rumor. There is a strong element of **Juxtaposition** between the widespread, terrifying rumor of all sons being killed and the grim but less catastrophic reality that only Amnon is dead. This creates a powerful emotional shift from utter despair to a more focused grief. The narrative also uses **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader is aware of Absalom's plot and Jonadab's prior knowledge, while David remains in the dark, experiencing intense anguish based on misinformation. Jonadab's repeated assertion, "as thy servant said, so it is," functions as a form of **Repetition** or **Echo**, reinforcing his earlier, accurate prediction and underscoring his unique, albeit morally ambiguous, role as a reliable source of information within the volatile court.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 13:35, while a moment of confirmation, is deeply embedded in the larger theological narrative of consequences and divine justice. The events leading to this verse are a stark illustration of how unaddressed sin, particularly David's own adultery and murder, can ripple through generations, bringing chaos and violence into his own household. Jonadab's confirmation of the truth, though providing some relief, does not negate the profound sorrow or the ongoing fulfillment of Nathan's prophecy regarding the sword never departing from David's house. It highlights that while God is faithful to His covenant promises, human sin still carries devastating, tangible consequences, demonstrating the principle that "what a person sows, he will also reap." The partial truth revealed in this verse sets the stage for further familial strife and rebellion, underscoring the deep brokenness that sin introduces into human relationships and the divine order.

* [Numbers 32:23](/numbers/32-23 "Numbers 32:23 - Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")
* [Proverbs 10:9](/proverbs/10-9 "Proverbs 10:9 - Integrity and Security")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 2 Samuel 13:35 offers profound lessons for contemporary life. In an age saturated with information, often unverified and sensationalized, the narrative underscores the critical importance of seeking and confirming truth. David's initial despair, fueled by rumor, illustrates how quickly misinformation can lead to unnecessary anguish and misguided reactions. It challenges us to pause, verify, and discern before succumbing to panic or spreading unconfirmed reports. Furthermore, the broader context of this verse serves as a sobering reminder of the long-term, devastating consequences of unaddressed sin, both personal and familial. Just as Amnon's sin and David's inaction led to tragic outcomes, so too can unconfessed sin and unresolved conflict fester, leading to profound brokenness. The passage calls us to cultivate environments of truth, accountability, and swift, righteous dealing with injustice, recognizing that true peace and healing can only begin when reality, however painful, is confronted and acknowledged.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react when faced with distressing news or rumors? Do I seek to confirm the truth before reacting or spreading it?**
* **In what ways might unaddressed sin or conflict in my own life or family be creating ripple effects of pain or dysfunction?**
* **What role do "Jonadabs" (those with insight, even if flawed) play in my life, and how do I discern reliable information from unreliable sources?**
* **How can I contribute to a culture of truth and accountability within my community or family, rather than allowing misinformation or unaddressed issues to fester?**

### FAQ
**Who was Jonadab, and why was his word trusted by King David in this critical moment?**

Answer: Jonadab was the son of Shimeah, David's brother, making him David's nephew and Absalom's cousin. He is described as "a very subtle man" ([2 Samuel 13:3](/2_samuel/13-3 "2 Samuel 13:3 - Jonadab's Cunning Nature")), indicating his shrewdness and cunning. While he previously advised Amnon in his wicked plot against Tamar, he was also a keen observer of court dynamics and Absalom's character. His word was trusted in this moment not because of his moral standing, but because he had a demonstrated understanding of Absalom's long-held grudge and specific intentions. He had already assured David that Absalom's anger was directed solely at Amnon ([2 Samuel 13:32](/2_samuel/13-32 "2 Samuel 13:32 - Jonadab's Earlier Assurance")), and the arrival of the princes visually confirmed his earlier, accurate assessment, validating his insight and making his current statement undeniable.

**What is the significance of the phrase "as thy servant said, so it is" in this context?**

Answer: This phrase, spoken by Jonadab, serves as a powerful confirmation of his earlier, accurate prediction to King David. It literally means "according to the word of your servant, so it was." Its significance lies in several aspects: firstly, it validates Jonadab's unique insight and credibility as a source of information within the volatile royal court. Secondly, it brings an end to David's agonizing uncertainty and despair, replacing a catastrophic rumor with a grim, but precise, truth. Thirdly, it underscores the theme of truth versus rumor, highlighting how crucial accurate information is in times of crisis, even when that truth is painful. It marks a definitive moment where reality breaks through the fog of misinformation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The chaos, deception, and tragic consequences within David's household, culminating in the partial truth confirmed in 2 Samuel 13:35, powerfully foreshadow the ultimate need for a divine intervention that brings complete truth, reconciliation, and peace. While Jonadab's words bring a measure of relief by dispelling a worse rumor, they still confirm the painful reality of death and division, a direct result of sin's pervasive power. In contrast, Jesus Christ is the ultimate Truth-teller, the one who does not merely confirm a partial reality but embodies the fullness of truth, declaring, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He is the true "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice to address the root cause of all familial and societal brokenness – sin itself. Unlike the temporary relief offered by Jonadab's confirmation, Christ brings eternal reconciliation, not just between brothers, but between humanity and God. He is the Prince of Peace ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")), whose sacrifice and resurrection overcome the power of death and the divisive effects of sin, establishing a new covenant where true healing and restoration are possible, far beyond the fractured reality of David's kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.