I pray thee let my brother Amnon go with us— As heir presumptive to the crown, Amnon might represent the king; and it was probably upon this pretence that Absalom was so pressing for his attendance.
REFLECTIONS.—Such a transaction as this of Amnon's could not be concealed.
1. David heard of it, and very wroth he was; yet, instead of punishing this rape and incest with death, as it deserved, he spared his son; but God will not; vengeance shall overtake him. Note; Over-indulgent parents, by their sinful lenity, make a severe scourge for themselves.
2. Absalom, though silent, entertains deep-rooted vengeance in his bosom. He saw, probably, that to seek for justice were vain; or he desired the malicious gratification of being his own avenger. Two long years he waited opportunity, whilst the civility of his carriage, and his taking no notice of the rape, had now removed all suspicion of the sanguinary revenge that he meditated in his heart. But now the day approaches for the accomplishment of his dark design, a festal day, when, on shearing his sheep, he invited the king and his family to grace his entertainment at Baal-hazor: and when his father, fearing it would be too expensive and burdensome to him if they all went, excused himself, thanked him for his kindness, and gave him his paternal benediction, he presses him at least to send his brethren, and Amnon in particular, as the most honourable. David with reluctance, at his importunity, complies; and Amnon, unsuspicious of the plot, goes with his brethren to the feast. Note; (1.) The longer hatred is smothered, the fiercer it burns; and when it finds the moment for revenge, the deeper it strikes. (2.) Many are over-generous in their invitations, and consider not the expence of their entertainments, till the pressures of poverty make them smart for their extravagance.
3. The festal board is spread, the glass goes round, and Amnon, flushed with wine, little suspects the sword that hangs over him. The signal is given, which had before been concerted between Absalom and his servants; they suddenly rush into the room, and lay Amnon dead at their feet. Such were their master's guilty commands, and they judge this sufficient to authorise them; while he, who, as next heir to the crown, would be able to protect them, encourages them not to startle at the bloody work, but courageously execute his orders. Hereupon all the king's sons fled, fearing lest the same fate should overtake them. Note; (1.) To die in a state of drunkenness is very terrible. (2.) The fear of man is usually stronger than the fear of God; and many dare not dispute the commands of a master, though at the hazard of their eternal damnation. (3.) It was just in God to permit the death of Amnon, though wicked in Absalom to assassinate him. When sinners execute God's designs, they mean no such thing; but, while instruments of his vengeance, fill up the measure of their own iniquities.