TRV
Translation
King James Version
And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come: as thy servant said, 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.
World English Bible Messianic
Jonadab said to the king, “Behold, the king’s sons are coming! It is as your servant said.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Ionadab said vnto the King, Behold, ye Kings sonnes come: as thy seruant sayd, so it is.
Young's Literal Translation
And Jonadab saith unto the king, `Lo, the sons of the king have come; as the word of thy servant, so it hath been.'
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In the KJVVerse 8,353 of 31,102
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Commentary on 2 Samuel 13 verses 30–39
30 ¶ 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.
31 Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent.
32 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.
33 Now therefore let not my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king's sons are dead: for Amnon only is dead.
34 But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him.
35 And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come: as thy servant said, so it is.
36 And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of speaking, that, behold, the king's sons came, and lifted up their voice and wept: and the king also and all his servants wept very sore.
37 But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.
38 So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years.
39 And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.
Here is, I. The fright that David was put into by a false report brought to Jerusalem that Absalom had slain all the king's sons, Sa2 13:30. It is common for fame to make bad worse; and the first news of such a thing as this represents it as more dreadful than afterwards it proves. Let us not therefore be afraid of evil tidings, while they want confirmation, but, when we hear the worst, hope the best, at least hope better. However, this false news gave as much affliction to David, for the present, as if it had been true; he tore his garments, and lay on the earth, while as yet it was only a flying story, Sa2 13:31. It was well that David had grace; he had need enough of it, for he had strong passions.
II. The rectifying of the mistake in two ways: - 1. By the sly suggestions of Jonadab, David's nephew, who could tell him, Amnon only is dead, and not all the king's sons (Sa2 13:32, Sa2 13:33), and could tell him too that it was done by the appointment of Absalom, and designed from the day Amnon forced his sister Tamar. What a wicked man was he, if he knew all this or had any cause to suspect it, that he did not make David acquainted with it sooner, that means might be used to make up the quarrel, or at least that David might not throw Amnon into the mouth of danger by letting him go to Absalom's house. If we do not our utmost to prevent mischief, we make ourselves accessory to it. If we say, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider whether we did or no? See Pro 24:11, Pro 24:12. It is well if Jonadab was not as guilty of Amnon's death as he was of his sin; such friends do those prove who are hearkened to as counsellors to do wickedly: he that would not be so kind as to prevent Amnon's sin would not be so kind as to prevent his ruin, when, it should seem, he might have done both. 2. By the safe return of all the king's sons except Amnon. They and their attendants were speedily discovered by the watch (Sa2 13:34, Sa2 13:35), and soon arrived, to show themselves alive, but to bring the certain sad news that Absalom had murdered their brother Amnon. The grief David had been in for that which was not made him the better able to bear that which was, by giving him a sensible occasion, when he was undeceived, to thank God that all his sons were not dead: yet that Amnon was dead, and slain by his own brother is such a treacherous barbarous manner, was enough to put the king and court, the king and kingdom, into real mourning. Sorrow is never more reasonable than when there is sin in the case.
III. Absalom's flight from justice: Absalom immediately fled, Sa2 13:34. He was now as much afraid of the king's sons as they were of him; they fled from his malice, he from their justice. No part of the land of Israel could shelter him. The cities of refuge gave no protection to a wilful murderer. Though David had let Amnon's incest go unpunished, Absalom could not promise himself his pardon for this murder; so express was the law in this case, and so well known David's justice, and his dread of blood-guiltiness. He therefore made the best of his way to his mother's relations, and was entertained by his grandfather Talmai, king of Geshur (Sa2 13:37), and there he was protected three years (Sa2 13:38), David not demanding him, and Talmai not thinking himself obliged to send him back unless he were demanded.
IV. David's uneasiness for his absence. He mourned for Amnon a good while (Sa2 13:37), but, he being past recall, time wore off that grief: he was comforted concerning Amnon. It also wore off too much his detestation of Absalom's sin; instead of loathing him as a murderer, he longs to go forth to him, Sa2 13:39. At first he could not find in his heart to do justice on him; now he can almost find in his heart to take him into his favour again. This was David's infirmity. Something God saw in his heart that made a difference, else we should have thought that he, as much as Eli, honoured his sons more than God.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 30–39. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
2 Samuel 13:35 marks a pivotal moment of partial clarity and profound relief within King David's court, as Jonadab, David's shrewd nephew, confirms his earlier assertion, dispelling the devastating rumor that all of David's sons had been slain by Absalom. This verse visually affirms that only Amnon, the perpetrator of a heinous act, has been killed, and the surviving princes are now returning, bringing a grim truth to the royal family amidst their deep grief and the escalating, tragic consequences of sin within David's own house.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse serves as the dramatic culmination 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, meticulously nursed a vengeful grudge. Absalom orchestrated a sheep-shearing feast as a pretext to execute Amnon, specifically commanding his servants to kill him (2 Samuel 13:28). 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). In this moment of royal panic and despair, Jonadab, who had previously advised Amnon in his wicked scheme (2 Samuel 13:3), and who also had foreknowledge of Absalom's specific intent due to his close observation of the court (2 Samuel 13:32), assured David that only Amnon was targeted. Verse 35 provides 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). 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.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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), 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 primarily 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), 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). He is the true "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29), 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), 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.