Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Samuel 13

It came to pass after this. —This formula applies to the narrative which follows as a whole: not, of course, to the fact immediately afterwards mentioned, that Absalom’s sister was Tamar. This may illustrate the use of the same phrase in other places.

Absalom and Tamar were children of Maacah, daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur, and the former, at least, had been born during David’s reign at Hebron (2 Samuel 3:3). It is probable that the events here narrated occurred soon after the war with the Ammonites and David’s marriage with Bath-sheba.

Amnon was David’s first-born son (2 Samuel 3:2).

Thought it hard. —Rather, it seemed impossible to Amnon. The modest seclusion of Tamar in the harem of her mother seemed to leave him no opportunity to carry out his desires.

It appears from the narrative that the king’s children lived in different households, and each grown-up son lived in his own house.

Jonadab, the son of Shimeah. —In 1 Samuel 16:9, Shimeah is called Shammah, and appears there as the third son of Jesse. He had another son, Jonathan, mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:21, as the conqueror of one of the giants. The word subtle is used simply to indicate sagacity and wisdom, whether rightly or wrongly exercised.

Make yourself sick. —Rather, Feign yourself sick. It has already been mentioned in 2 Samuel 13:2 that Amnon “fell sick.” That was the real pining of ungoverned and ungratified passion; this was a crafty feigning of sickness. Yet the miserable condition to which Amnon was brought by the former would give color and plausibility to the latter.

That I may eat at her hand. —This request from a sick person seemed natural and was readily granted.

Sent home. —Literally, into the house; that is, to the private apartments of the women—the harem.