What is the context?
A report reaches David saying that Absalom has killed all the king’s sons. David and his servants tear their clothes, and he lies on the ground. Jonadab counters that only Amnon is dead and connects the killing with Absalom’s purpose since Tamar’s assault.
The other sons arrive, confirming that the first report was exaggerated. They and David weep bitterly. Absalom has fled to Talmai king of Geshur, where he remains three years.
The chapter ends with David’s longing for Absalom after he has been consoled over Amnon’s death. One son is dead, another is in exile, and Tamar’s desolation has not been resolved. A corrected report spares David one imagined loss while leaving real grief and division.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Gill considers whether Jonadab’s confident answer suggests prior knowledge of the plot. That is an inference about how he knew, not something the narrator independently establishes. His earlier advice to Amnon is explicit; a second detailed conspiracy should not be supplied as a proven fact.
The final verse has also been understood differently. Wesley follows the longing-for-Absalom reading reflected in the BSB. Gill also discusses older readings in which David ceases going out against Absalom. The readings differ over pursuit and desire, but both leave a separation that the next chapter takes up.
Being consoled over Amnon’s death does not mean David is said to celebrate his murder. The account has just shown the family weeping. Its closing words describe a change over time in grief and in David’s attitude toward his absent son.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.