Contemplative Bible Reading

2 Samuel 13:3 (New Living Translation)

3 But Amnon had a very crafty friend—his cousin Jonadab. He was the son of David’s brother Shimea.

This is part of the story of King David and his children who seemed to have too much time and luxury on their hands to stay out of trouble.

One of the sons, Amnon, loved a half-sister named Tamar. Well, you don’t love your half-sister. Hence, Amnon was burning with desire for someone he couldn’t have. Well, if he wasn’t crafty he couldn’t have her.

Along comes a crafty friend—his cousin Jonadab. This Jonadab was indeed “crafty.” Jonadab figured out a way for Amnon to have his half sister. Basically, Jonadab figured out a way for Amnon to rape his half sister, get over his desire, and move on with life. Trouble was, this crafty cousin left broken lives in his wake that eventually led to murder and a full-scale civil war.

Such is the “craftiness” of the world. Crafty schemes lead to short-term satisfaction that lead to awful long-term consequences. These crafty schemes do indeed weave a tangled web that once in place are difficult to cast aside and resume a righteous life.

Just stay away from crafty people and crafty schemes. Just be straight and truthful. Please God, help me in my unbelief.