BEWARE THE “JONADABS” IN YOUR LIFE
Jonadab was the son of Jesse’s third son, David’s brother, Shimeah. He was David’s nephew and a supposed “friend” to David’s firstborn son, Amnon. Yet, on this occasion his true identity was revealed, for as the serpent in the garden of Eden was described as “crafty” (Gen. 3:1), so was he. And as the serpent tempted Adam, he tempted Amnon, advising him of a way to obtain the forbidden fruit of his half-sister, Tamar. His subtle strategy even involved David, so that his involvement would produce the desired result.
So, Amnon followed Jonadab’s advice and raped his his half-sister, Tamar, the full-sister of Absalom, who hated his brother from that day. Two years later, Absalom conspired to have Ammon killed.
Now adultery and murder, which had been David’s sins, had been found in David’s sons. And where was Jonadab when the news of Absalom’s revenge was heard in the royal court? He was at the king’s side, advising him not to worry that all his sons were dead at the hands of Absalom, but only Ammon. How did Jonadab know this? He must have been in on Absalom’s secret. Perhaps he had been Absalom’s advisor in this murder plot too.
Who was Jonadab? He was the serpent in David’s family. The crafty advisor that led them to follow their fleshly desires.
The peace in David’s life was ended. From that day forward, his life was followed by one trouble after another. Surely he could trace his children’s sins to his own, which must have made the pain of it all the more unbearable. His sin had left open the door of his house, allowing a serpent to crawl inside and find a mouthpiece in David’s nephew, Jonadab.
How do we recognize and respond to a “Jonadab?” Consider Christ’s response in the wilderness. He quoted Scripture to all three of Satan’s temptations. Or consider Christ’s response to Peter when he rebuked Jesus for saying that He must die and be raised again. He said, “Get thee behind me Satan!” For Jesus recognized a “Jonadab” and knew how to respond when he saw one.
PRAYER: Our Father, we lift up the prayer that our Lord Jesus taught us, that You would not lead us into temptation but deliver us from evil. For we are easily tempted. And we often mistake a serpent for a friend. Give us Your discernment and Your wisdom and will power to say no to sin. Yet, when we fail, thank You that we are forgiven in Jesus. Strengthen us today to live for You alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.