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2 Samuel 13:28

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Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.

Now Absalom {H53} had commanded {H6680} his servants {H5288}, saying {H559}, Mark {H7200} ye now when Amnon's {H550} heart {H3820} is merry {H2896} with wine {H3196}, and when I say {H559} unto you, Smite {H5221} Amnon {H550}; then kill {H4191} him, fear {H3372} not: have not I commanded {H6680} you? be courageous {H2388}, and be valiant {H1121}{H2428}.

Avshalom ordered his servants, "Pay close attention: when Amnon is in high spirits from drinking wine, and I say to you, 'Kill Amnon,' then strike him down. Don't be afraid - I'm the one ordering you to do it - but take courage, and be bold."

Now Absalom had ordered his young men, “Watch Amnon until his heart is merry with wine, and when I order you to strike Amnon down, you are to kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant!”

And Absalom commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now, when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine; and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon, then kill him; fear not; have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.

Commentary

2 Samuel 13:28 reveals the chilling culmination of Absalom's two-year plot for revenge against his half-brother, Amnon. This verse marks the precise moment of execution for a premeditated murder, driven by bitterness and a desire for personal retribution.

Context

This verse is set against the backdrop of profound family dysfunction within King David's household. Amnon, David's firstborn, had previously committed a heinous act by raping his half-sister Tamar, who was Absalom's full sister. Despite Absalom's deep distress and hatred for Amnon, King David failed to administer justice, leaving the wrong unpunished and festering (2 Samuel 13:21). Absalom harbored this anger for two years, meticulously planning his vengeance. The opportunity arose during a sheep-shearing feast at Baal-hazor, to which Absalom invited all the king's sons, including Amnon (2 Samuel 13:23-27).

Key Themes

  • Calculated Revenge: Absalom's command is not an act of spontaneous rage but a cold, deliberate instruction, highlighting the dangers of unchecked bitterness and the human inclination toward personal retribution.
  • Abuse of Authority: Absalom uses his position and influence over his servants to command a capital crime, assuring them by taking full responsibility: "have not I commanded you?" This demonstrates a willingness to manipulate and coerce others for his own ends.
  • Consequences of Unaddressed Sin: The tragedy underscores how unpunished wrongdoing can lead to further, more devastating acts. David's inaction regarding Amnon's crime directly contributes to Absalom's murderous plot, fulfilling, in part, Nathan's prophecy concerning the sword not departing from David's house.
  • Vulnerability in Intoxication: The instruction to strike Amnon when his "heart is merry with wine" points to the vulnerability that comes with intoxication, making him an easy target for Absalom's scheme.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "merry with wine" (Hebrew: tov lev hayayin) literally means "good of heart with wine," indicating a state of being happy and uninhibited due to drunkenness. This condition makes Amnon particularly defenseless. Absalom's powerful reassurance, "fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant," uses strong imperative verbs, emphasizing his absolute authority and determination to see the deed done, while simultaneously alleviating his servants' potential guilt or fear of reprisal.

Significance and Application

This tragic event illustrates the destructive cycle of sin, particularly within a family where justice is not properly administered. Absalom's act of vengeance, while perhaps understandable in its motivation given the grievous wrong done to Tamar, ultimately leads to further bloodshed and sets the stage for his own rebellion against David (see 2 Samuel 15). For believers today, the passage serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of addressing sin Biblically, seeking God's justice, and resisting the urge for personal revenge. It highlights the devastating impact of unconfessed sin and the need for accountability, even at the highest levels of leadership, to prevent further societal and familial breakdown.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Judges 19:6 (5 votes)

    And they sat down, and did eat and drink both of them together: for the damsel's father had said unto the man, Be content, I pray thee, and tarry all night, and let thine heart be merry.

  • Judges 19:9 (4 votes)

    And when the man rose up to depart, he, and his concubine, and his servant, his father in law, the damsel's father, said unto him, Behold, now the day draweth toward evening, I pray you tarry all night: behold, the day groweth to an end, lodge here, that thine heart may be merry; and to morrow get you early on your way, that thou mayest go home.

  • Judges 19:22 (4 votes)

    ¶ [Now] as they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Belial, beset the house round about, [and] beat at the door, and spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know him.

  • 1 Samuel 25:36 (3 votes)

    ¶ And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart [was] merry within him, for he [was] very drunken: wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light.

  • 1 Samuel 25:38 (3 votes)

    And it came to pass about ten days [after], that the LORD smote Nabal, that he died.

  • Ruth 3:7 (3 votes)

    And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.

  • Genesis 19:32 (2 votes)

    Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.