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Book of 2 Samuel - Chapter 13 - Verse 33

13:33
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.

Meaning

When Absalom's servant informed King David that all the king's sons were dead following Amnon's murder, he was deliberately misleading the king. The servant wanted to make sure that David did not grieve excessively over Amnon's death by making him believe that all his sons were dead. The servant's intention was to soften the blow and downplay the severity of the situation. By clarifying that it was only Amnon who had been killed, the servant was trying to prevent the king from blaming himself for the loss of all his sons. This verse highlights the intricacies of the relationships and dynamics within King David's family, as well as the political intrigue and manipulation that were prevalent at the time. It serves as a reminder of the challenges and complexities that the king had to navigate as a ruler and a father.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of this verse from 2 Samuel 13:33 centers around the concept of grief and misconception. In this passage, Jonadab urges King David not to assume that all of his sons have perished when in reality only one, Amnon, has died. This can be seen as a reminder that in times of tragedy and loss, it is easy to become overwhelmed by emotions and jump to conclusions without having all the facts. The verse underscores the importance of seeking clarity and understanding before making assumptions or judgments. In a broader theological context, it serves as a caution against allowing grief to cloud one's perceptions and lead to further sorrow. The word "dead" in this verse may also prompt a word study, highlighting the finality and seriousness of death as well as the need for discernment in interpreting events and information.

American Standard Version

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.
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