What does 2 Samuel 13:3 mean?
"But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man." - 2 Samuel 13:3

The Bible verse 2 Samuel 13:3 from the King James Version (KJV) states, "But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man." This verse is taken from the Old Testament, specifically from the book of 2 Samuel. This particular verse is a part of the account of Amnon, the eldest son of King David, and his friend Jonadab.
To understand the deeper meaning and commentary of this Bible verse, it is important to explore the context in which it is set. The story of Amnon and Jonadab is one of betrayal, lust, and ultimately, tragedy. Amnon falls in love with his half-sister Tamar, and consumed by his desire for her, he allows himself to be manipulated by Jonadab, whose cunning and deceptive nature is highlighted in the verse. Jonadab comes up with a plan to help Amnon satisfy his lustful desires, leading to the violation of Tamar and the subsequent tragic events that unfold within the royal family.
The themes present in this verse include the destructive nature of deceit and manipulation, the consequences of yielding to sinful desires, the abuse of power, and the breakdown of family relationships. Jonadab's subtilty or cunning nature is a central focus of the verse, serving as a warning against the dangers of associating with those who possess devious motives and intentions. It also serves as a reminder of the destructive influence that such individuals can have on others, ultimately leading them astray from God's will.
In the broader context of the biblical narrative, this verse serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the devastating impact of succumbing to temptation and the grave consequences of falling into sin. It underscores the importance of discernment and the need to guard against the influence of those who may lead us astray. It also highlights the responsibility of individuals to resist the allure of sinful desires and to uphold moral integrity in their relationships and interactions with others.
Symbolism is also present in this verse, particularly in the character of Jonadab. He represents the deceitful and manipulative forces that exist in the world, seeking to draw individuals away from righteousness and towards sin. His cunning nature serves as a symbol of the lures of temptation and the dangers of succumbing to ungodly influences. Additionally, Amnon's vulnerability and lack of discernment symbolize the inherent weakness of human nature and the need for spiritual strength and moral fortitude to resist temptation.
Overall, 2 Samuel 13:3 serves as a poignant reminder of the destructive power of deceit and manipulation, the consequences of yielding to sinful desires, and the importance of remaining steadfast in one's faith and moral convictions. It also underscores the need for discernment in our relationships and interactions, as well as the responsibility to resist the influence of those who may lead us astray. Ultimately, this verse challenges us to remain vigilant in upholding moral integrity and staying true to God's will amidst the temptations and deceptions of the world.
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2 Samuel 13:3 - "But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man."
"But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man." - 2 Samuel 13:3
2 Samuel 3:13 - "¶ And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face."
2 Samuel 13:38 - "So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years."
2 Samuel 22:13 - "Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled."
2 Samuel 15:13 - "¶ And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom."
2 Samuel 13:21 - "¶ But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth."
2 Samuel 3:2 - "¶ And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;"
1 Samuel 13:3 - "And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear."
2 Samuel 4:3 - "And the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and were sojourners there until this day.)"
2 Samuel 13:27 - "But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him."
2 Samuel 3:4 - "And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;"
2 Samuel 3:3 - "And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;"
2 Samuel 13:35 - "And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come: as thy servant said, so it is."
2 Thessalonians 3:13 - "But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing."
2 Samuel 7:13 - "He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever."
2 Samuel 3:33 - "And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?"
2 Samuel 3:5 - "And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron."
2 Samuel 10:13 - "And Joab drew nigh, and the people that were with him, unto the battle against the Syrians: and they fled before him."
2 Samuel 2:3 - "And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron."
2 Samuel 6:13 - "And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings."
2 Samuel 13:31 - "Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent."
2 Samuel 6:13 - "And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings."
2 Samuel 6:13 - "And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings."
2 Samuel 7:3 - "And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee."
2 Samuel 3:11 - "And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him."
2 Samuel 13:7 - "Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to thy brother Amnon's house, and dress him meat."
2 Samuel 13:37 - "¶ But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day."
2 Samuel 9:13 - "So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table; and was lame on both his feet."
2 Samuel 21:13 - "And he brought up from thence the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son; and they gathered the bones of them that were hanged."