“And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.”
Tamar was Absalom’s sister both by father and mother, and Amnon’s only by father.
“And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her. Amnon thought: Heb. it was marvellous, or, hidden in the eyes of Amnon”
And therefore kept in her father’s house, as virgins were accustomed.
“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.”
Here we see that there is no enterprise so wicked that can lack counsel to further it.
“So Amnon lay down, and made himself sick: and when the king was come to see him, Amnon said unto the king, I pray thee, let Tamar my sister come, and make me a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat at her hand.”
Meaning, some delicate and dainty meat.
“And she took a pan, and poured them out before him; but he refused to eat. And Amnon said, Have out all men from me. And they went out every man from him.”
For the wicked are ashamed to do that before men, which they are not afraid to commit in the sight of God. That is, she served them on a dish.
“And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee.”
Or, how shall I put away my shame? As a lewd and wicked person.
“And she had a garment of divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king's daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her.”
For that which was of divers colors or pieces, in those days was had in great estimation, Gen. 37:3 ; Judg. 5:30 .
“And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? but hold now thy peace, my sister: he is thy brother; regard not this thing. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house. Amnon: Heb. Aminon regard: Heb. set not thy heart desolate: Heb. and desolate”
For though he conceived sudden vengeance in his heart, yet he dissembled it till occasion served, and comforted his sister.
“And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baalhazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons.”
Or, in the plain of Hazor. To wit, to a banquet, thinking thereby to fulfill his wicked purpose.
“Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go with thee?”
Pretending to the king that Amnon was most dear unto him.
“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 . have: or, will you not, since I have commanded you? valiant: Heb. sons of valour”
Such is the pride of the wicked masters, that in all their wicked commandments they think to be obeyed.
“Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent.”
Lamenting, as he that felt the wrath of God upon his house, 2 Sam. 12:10 .
“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. appointment: Heb. mouth determined: or, settled”
Hebrew, because it was put in Absalom’s mouth .
“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.”
Or, take it to heart. Or, but.
“But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud , king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day. Ammihud: or, Ammihur”
For Maacah his mother was the daughter of this Talmai, 2 Sam. 3:3 .