16. Perverted Justice: From Rape to Murder ( 2Samuel 13:23 – 39)

Two years after that, Absalom devised a plan to murder Amnon—and he succeeded. This brought great sorrow to David and his entire household.

👉 Read 2Samuel 13:23 - 39

Q1. What did Absalom do to kill Amnon? (25-27, 28)

He urged David to send Amnon, and David granted it, not knowing what would happen.

He commanded his men to be bold enough to kill the prince

Note: Absalom pressed David twice (25, 27). He might have expected David’s refusal, but insisted on making David sorry if he had refused the second one, Amnon’s going. 

Q2. What are the points of Jonadab’s saying to David?

‘Not all the king’s sons are dead, but only Amnon’

‘This is what Absalom has talked about since Amnon raped Tamar.’ 

Jonadab’s legal interpretation of the incident (vv. 32–35) is framed by the loud weeping of David and his servants (vv. 30–31, 36), making his calm explanation feel strikingly out of place. His words ironically expose the deeper issue: justice left undone. When Jonadab says, “Only Amnon is dead,” he implies that Amnon’s death was expected. It’s as if he is saying, “Did you really think Absalom would do nothing to avenge his sister?” By pointing out that Absalom had planned this since the day of the rape, Jonadab indirectly highlights that David’s failure to administer justice two years earlier allowed resentment to fester, ultimately leading to Absalom’s calculated act of revenge.

Q3. In these verses: 6–7, 21, 27, 30–31, 37, 39, David appears (      ) to the hidden intentions of both Amnon and Absalom. He shows (      ) in response to Amnon’s sin, becoming angry (v.21) but taking no disciplinary action. He is (      ) and ineffective in dealing with the sins within his household (vv. 37, 39), failing to pursue reconciliation or justice. The author seems to portray David as a passive father and leader, whose emotional reactions are not followed by just or decisive (       ).

[Hint: action, passivity, indecisive, insensitive]

David appears ( insensitive ) to the hidden intentions of both Amnon and Absalom. He shows ( passivity ) in response to Amnon’s sin, becoming angry (v.21) but taking no disciplinary action. He is ( indecisive ) and ineffective in dealing with the sins within his household (vv. 37, 39), failing to pursue reconciliation or justice. The author seems to portray David as a passive father and leader, whose emotional reactions are not followed by just or decisive ( action ).