Lexical Definition

‎יוֹנָדָב‎ Yôwnâdâb (yo-naw-dawb') Jonadab ^N:N-M-P
a form of ‎יְהוֹנָדָב‎

Jonadab.

• § Jonadab or Jehonadab = "Jehovah is willing"
• Jonadab, the name of an Israelite and of a Rechabite

1) a son of Rechab, chief of the Rechabites, in the time of Jehu and Ahab
2) a nephew of David

Extended Information

• A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.13.3
• son of: Shimeah (שִׁמְעָה); also called Jonathan at 2Sa.21.21

Profile

Male • David's nephew • Nephew of David, friend and advisor to Amnon

David's nephew living at the time of United Monarchy

Jonadab, also known as Jonathan, was the son of David's brother Shimeah and a friend and advisor to Amnon, David's eldest son (2Sa.13.3,3,32,35,5; 21.21; 1Ch.20.7; 27.32).

• David's nephew from the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.13.3;
• referred to as Jonadab יוֹנָדָב, or Jonadab יְהוֹנָדָב, or Jonathan יְהוֹנָתָן;
• a son of Shimeah שִׁמְעָה.

Jonadab, also referred to as Jonathan, was the son of Shimeah, King David's brother, making him David's nephew (2Sa.13.3; 21.21; 1Ch.20.7). He is primarily mentioned in the context of the tragic story of Amnon and Tamar, David's children.

Jonadab is described as a very shrewd man and a close friend of Amnon (2Sa.13.3). When Amnon became infatuated with his half-sister Tamar and was distressed about how to approach her, Jonadab devised a plan for Amnon to be alone with Tamar (2Sa.13.5). This plan ultimately led to Amnon raping Tamar, an act that had severe consequences for the royal family (2Sa.13.11-14).

After Amnon's actions were discovered, Jonadab was the one who informed David that only Amnon had been killed by Absalom, Tamar's full brother, contrary to the initial report that all of David's sons had been slain (2Sa.13.32-33). This suggests that Jonadab was well-informed about the events and dynamics within the royal family.

In 1 Chronicles 27:32, Jonadab is mentioned as King David's counselor, described as a wise man and a scribe. This indicates that he held a position of influence and trust within the royal court, despite his role in the events surrounding Amnon and Tamar.

The story of Jonadab highlights the complex relationships and conflicts within David's family and the far-reaching consequences of sin and poor judgment. It also demonstrates the importance of wise counsel and the potential for even trusted advisors to contribute to negative outcomes when their wisdom is misused.

All entries for Jonadab or Jonathan: יוֹנָדָב ☩ יְהוֹנָדָב ☩ יְהוֹנָתָן

Related Profiles:

• Shimeah (father)