2 Samuel 13:5

KJV

And Jonadab said unto him, Lay thee down on thy bed, and make thyself sick: and when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto him, I pray thee, let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat, and dress the meat in my sight, that I may see [it], and eat [it] at her hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jonadab {H3082} said {H559} unto him, Lay thee down {H7901} on thy bed {H4904}, and make thyself sick {H2470}: and when thy father {H1} cometh {H935} to see {H7200} thee, say {H559} unto him, I pray thee, let my sister {H269} Tamar {H8559} come {H935}, and give {H1262} me meat {H3899}, and dress {H6213} the meat {H1279} in my sight {H5869}, that I may see {H7200} it, and eat {H398} it at her hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yonadav said to him, "Lie down on your bed, and pretend you're sick. When your father comes to see you, say to him, 'Please let my sister Tamar come and give me food to eat, and have her prepare the food where I can watch. I'll eat what she serves me."

Berean Standard Bible

Jonadab told him, “Lie down on your bed and pretend you are ill. When your father comes to see you, say to him, ‘Please let my sister Tamar come and give me something to eat. Let her prepare it in my sight so I may watch her and eat it from her hand.’”

American Standard Version

And Jonadab said unto him, Lay thee down on thy bed, and feign thyself sick: and when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto him, Let my sister Tamar come, I pray thee, and give me bread to eat, and dress the food in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it from her hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 13:5 meticulously details Jonadab's insidious counsel to Amnon, outlining a deceptive scheme designed to facilitate Amnon's lustful intentions toward his half-sister, Tamar. This verse describes the elaborate pretense of illness Amnon is to adopt, followed by a specific request to King David for Tamar to come and prepare a special meal in his presence, and to feed him by hand. This calculated manipulation aimed to isolate Tamar, setting the stage for the tragic and morally reprehensible act that would deeply wound David's family and kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the tragic narrative of Amnon and Tamar, which commences in [2 Samuel 13:1](/2_samuel/13-1 "2 Samuel 13:1 - Amnon's Love for Tamar"). Amnon, David's eldest son, is consumed by an illicit desire for his half-sister. Jonadab, described as "a very subtil man" in [2 Samuel 13:3](/2_samuel/13-3 "2 Samuel 13:3 - Jonadab's Cunning Nature"), enters the scene as the architect of the manipulative plot. Verse 5 lays out the exact blueprint for deception that Amnon subsequently executes in [2 Samuel 13:6-7](/2_samuel/13-6 "2 Samuel 13:6-7 - Amnon's Deception and David's Compliance"), leading directly to the horrific assault in [2 Samuel 13:14](/2_samuel/13-14 "2 Samuel 13:14 - Amnon's Assault on Tamar"). This episode is not isolated but is a direct fulfillment of Nathan's prophecy against David's house following his sin with Bathsheba, particularly the judgment that "evil will arise against you from your own house" as foretold in [2 Samuel 12:11](/2_samuel/12-11 "2 Samuel 12:11 - Nathan's Prophecy of Trouble in David's House").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds within the royal court of King David in ancient Israel, a patriarchal society where family honor, purity, and the protection of female relatives were paramount. Unmarried princesses, like Tamar, were typically under the strict protection of the royal household. The act of feigning illness was a common ruse, and the cultural expectation was for family members, especially parents, to show concern and provide care. The request for Tamar to prepare a specific dish ("meat" or cakes) and to feed Amnon by hand, while seemingly a gesture of familial care for a sick brother, was a perversion of these cultural norms. Such an intimate act, performed in private, would remove Tamar from the protective gaze of the wider household, making her vulnerable. This exploitation of familial trust and cultural expectations underscores the depth of Jonadab's cunning and Amnon's depravity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is a stark illustration of several pervasive themes. **Deception and Manipulation** are central, as Jonadab's counsel masterfully exploits David's paternal concern and Tamar's familial duty to achieve a sinister end. This highlights the dangers of cunning used for evil, a theme echoed in [Proverbs 12:20](/proverbs/12-20 "Proverbs 12:20 - Deceit in the Heart of Those Who Devise Evil"). The **Destructive Power of Unchecked Lust** is the driving force behind Amnon's actions; his unbridled desire leads him to orchestrate a morally reprehensible act, demonstrating how sinful desires, when entertained, can lead to devastating consequences, as warned in [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Lust to Sin and Death"). The **Vulnerability of the Innocent** is poignantly depicted through Tamar, who, unaware of the malicious plot, becomes a victim of calculated evil. Finally, the verse foreshadows the **Ripple Effect of Sin**, as this initial act of deception and lust sets in motion a cascade of tragedies—sexual assault, murder, and rebellion—that would plague David's family and kingdom for years, fulfilling the divine judgment pronounced in [2 Samuel 12:10-12](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10-12 - Nathan's Prophecy of Perpetual Trouble for David's House").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sick (Hebrew, _ḥālāh'_):** This verb, while meaning "to be sick" or "to be ill," carries the clear implication of feigning illness in this context. It denotes a deliberate, deceptive act of pretense rather than genuine physical ailment. Jonadab's instruction is not merely to lie down, but to *make oneself* sick, underscoring the calculated nature of the deception.
* **meat (Hebrew, _lĕvivōt'_):** This specific term refers to a type of cake or pastry, often made from fine flour, perhaps a delicacy or comforting food. The request for this particular item, prepared by Tamar, adds a layer of authenticity to Amnon's feigned illness, making his desire for a specific, comforting dish from his sister seem plausible and innocent to David, thus masking the true, sinister intent.
* **at her hand (Hebrew, _miyyādāh'_):** This phrase emphasizes the intimacy and directness of the action. It implies Tamar would not merely bring the food but would personally feed Amnon, an act of close, personal care. This detail is crucial to Jonadab's plan, as it ensures Tamar's close proximity and isolation, removing any protective distance and creating the vulnerable situation Amnon sought.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jonadab said unto him, Lay thee down on thy bed, and make thyself sick":** This opening clause immediately establishes Jonadab's role as the cunning instigator of the plot. The command to "make thyself sick" reveals the deliberate and manipulative nature of the scheme from its very inception, setting the foundation for the elaborate deception that follows.
* **"and when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto him":** This phrase highlights the strategic exploitation of King David's paternal concern. Jonadab's plan shrewdly leverages David's expected visit to his ailing son, knowing that a father's natural inclination would be to grant a seemingly innocent request from a sick child.
* **"I pray thee, let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat, and dress the meat in my sight, that I may see [it], and eat [it] at her hand":** This is the core of the deceptive request, meticulously crafted to ensure Tamar's isolation and vulnerability. The multiple clauses—her coming, her giving him food, her preparing it in his sight, his seeing it, and finally, his eating it directly from her hand—progressively narrow the scope of interaction, maximizing intimacy and minimizing external oversight, all under the guise of a sick brother's comforting need.

#### Literary Devices
The passage masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten its dramatic and tragic impact. **Foreshadowing** is evident in the meticulous detail of Jonadab's plan; the elaborate nature of the deception strongly hints at the grave consequences that will inevitably unfold. The **Irony** is profound: King David, a man of God and a wise ruler, is unwittingly manipulated by his own son and nephew, his paternal concern exploited for a heinous crime. This underscores the vulnerability of even the powerful to familial betrayal. **Deception** is the central driving force, with Jonadab's cunning and Amnon's feigned illness forming the core of the plot. Finally, **Symbolism** is present in the "meat" or cakes; what should be a gesture of familial comfort and nourishment is perverted into a tool for sin, symbolizing the corruption of familial bonds and the perversion of natural affection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though seemingly a simple instruction, is deeply significant for its theological and thematic implications, serving as a chilling testament to the pervasive nature of sin and its destructive consequences. It underscores the biblical truth that unbridled desire, when coupled with malicious counsel and cunning, can lead to the most heinous acts, corrupting even the most sacred bonds of family. The narrative demonstrates how sin, once conceived, actively seeks means for its fulfillment, often through manipulation and the exploitation of trust. This episode is a direct outworking of the consequences prophesied for David's house following his own sin with Bathsheba, illustrating that sin has a ripple effect, impacting not only the individual but also their family and wider community, bringing sorrow and division where there should be peace and unity. It serves as a somber reminder of the need for moral vigilance and the discernment of counsel.

* [Proverbs 12:20](/proverbs/12-20 "Proverbs 12:20 - Deceit in the Heart of Those Who Devise Evil")
* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Lust to Sin and Death")
* [2 Samuel 12:11](/2_samuel/12-11 "2 Samuel 12:11 - Nathan's Prophecy of Trouble in David's House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Samuel 13:5 stands as a stark warning against the insidious nature of sin, particularly how it can fester in the heart and, with the aid of malicious counsel, orchestrate elaborate schemes of destruction. It challenges us to cultivate a profound discernment, not only of the overt temptations but also of the subtle, seemingly innocent suggestions that might lead us or others down a path of compromise and sin. The vulnerability of Tamar, exploited by those who should have protected her, calls us to be vigilant guardians of the innocent and to recognize the potential for evil even within trusted circles. This narrative compels us to examine our own desires, asking whether they align with God's will or if they are becoming unbridled passions that could lead to destructive actions. Ultimately, it reminds us that sin rarely remains contained; its consequences often extend far beyond the initial act, unraveling the fabric of relationships and bringing widespread sorrow, underscoring the urgent need for repentance and reliance on God's grace to guard our hearts and minds.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we discern counsel that appears wise or helpful on the surface but is, at its core, morally corrupt or manipulative?**
* **What safeguards can we establish in our lives and communities to guard against unchecked desires and prevent them from leading to destructive actions?**
* **In what ways might we, even unintentionally, contribute to or overlook situations where vulnerable individuals are at risk of exploitation?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jonadab give such advice to Amnon?**

Answer: Jonadab, Amnon's cousin, is explicitly described as "a very subtil man" in [2 Samuel 13:3](/2_samuel/13-3 "2 Samuel 13:3 - Jonadab's Cunning Nature"). His motivation isn't explicitly stated as malice towards Tamar, but rather a cunning desire to help Amnon achieve his illicit goal. He appears to be a pragmatist without moral compass, willing to devise an elaborate and unethical plan to satisfy Amnon's lust. His role highlights the danger of having "friends" who enable sin rather than offering godly counsel, demonstrating a perverse loyalty or perhaps a fascination with manipulation for its own sake.

**Why did King David agree to this deceptive plan?**

Answer: King David was likely motivated by sincere paternal concern for his "sick" son, Amnon. The request, on the surface, seemed innocent and culturally appropriate: a sick son desiring comforting care and a specific meal prepared by his sister. David had no reason to suspect the sinister intentions lurking beneath Amnon's feigned illness and seemingly simple request. This situation tragically illustrates how easily even a wise and discerning leader can be deceived when trust is exploited, especially by those within his own family, highlighting the pervasive nature of sin's deceit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dark narrative of 2 Samuel 13:5, steeped in deception, lust, and the exploitation of the innocent, stands in stark contrast to the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies purity, truth, and self-sacrificial love. While Amnon's scheme was designed to isolate and harm the innocent, Christ willingly became the ultimate innocent victim, isolated and betrayed, not for His own sin, but for the sins of humanity ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant Led Like a Lamb")). Where Jonadab's counsel led to manipulation and destruction, Jesus is the "Wonderful Counselor" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Names of the Messiah")), whose wisdom always leads to life and truth, exposing the lies of the "father of lies" ([John 8:44](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - Jesus Exposes the Devil as a Liar")). The perversion of familial love and trust in this passage is redeemed in Christ, who establishes a new family of God based on genuine love, purity, and mutual honor ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus breaks the cycle of sin's destructive consequences, offering forgiveness and healing where human depravity brings only pain and division ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love in Christ's Death")). He is the true Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, contrasting with the "meat" prepared for a sinful purpose, offering Himself as the Bread of Life to nourish and redeem ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")).

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.

Cross-References

Mark 6:24

And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.

Mark 6:25

And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.

2 Samuel 16:21

And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that [are] with thee be strong.

2 Samuel 17:4

And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.

Acts 23:15

Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.

Psalms 50:18

When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers.

Psalms 50:19

Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.