Jonadab(jehonadab)
“Whom Jehovah impels”
Summary
A shortened form of Jehonadab, borne by two men: a crafty nephew of David who advised Amnon in his rape of Tamar, and the Rechabite leader whose descendants remained faithful to his commands for centuries.
☩David's Nephew
Jonadab the son of Shimeah was David's nephew, described as 'very subtle' or crafty. He became a confidant of his cousin Amnon, the crown prince, and gave him the evil counsel that led to the rape of his half-sister Tamar. When Amnon feigned illness to lure Tamar to his chamber, it was Jonadab's scheme that he followed. Later, when Absalom murdered Amnon in revenge and exaggerated reports reached David that all his sons were killed, Jonadab immediately assured the king that 'Amnon only is dead'—revealing that he knew Absalom's intentions and had kept the conspiracy secret. His character exemplifies the dangers of evil counsel and false friendship based on self-interest.
☩The Rechabite
A very different Jonadab (also called Jehonadab) was the son of Rechab and founder of the Rechabite order. He joined Jehu in his chariot during the purge of Baal worship from Israel, demonstrating his zeal for the Lord. He commanded his descendants to abstain from wine, not to build houses, and to dwell in tents as nomads—restrictions they faithfully observed for over two centuries. When Jeremiah tested them by offering wine, they refused, citing their ancestor's command. God commended their obedience and promised that Jonadab would never lack a descendant to stand before Him—a striking contrast to the faithless generations of Israel.
Related Verses14 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Jonadab," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.George Morrish, "Jonadab," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Jonadab," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).