This past Saturday my wife and I set off on a long walk. Along the way we met a man who warned us of a rattlesnake just ahead. His dog spooked the snake, which then popped its head up in alarm and shook its tail. Luckily the dog avoided a bite. But the snake remained, directly in our path.

Intrigued, part of me wanted to edge forward and see the rattler, staying at a respectful distance. But another part of me (i.e. my wife) wanted none of that. We changed our course—best to avoid snakes whenever possible.

Jonadab is one of the snakes we find in the Bible. Described as a very crafty man, he served as an advisor to his cousin, Amnon, a son of King David. Amnon lusted for Tamar, his half-sister, and Jonadab helped him scheme to get her alone. Not everything went to plan, however. Tamar resisted Amnon who then raped her. Tamer fled in disgrace, and two years later Amnon was murdered by his brother Absalom. David watched his family come unhinged.

Jonadab skated through the crisis and continued to advise the royal household. Why keep him around? When did his duplicity become known? Perhaps not long after the death of Amnon, because Jonadab then disappeared from view. It could be that wiser counselors drove the snake away.

I must remain aware of the voices whispering in my ear. Advisors may profess to have my best interests in heart, but often I’m used for their advancement. The influencers of social media and popular causes especially fit into this category.

Check the sources of your input. Pause, think, and question. Seek out other counsel. Most importantly, do the thoughts you’re considering resonate with Scripture?

A second opinion might have stopped Amnon from greedily sucking down the venom of his cousin. For you and me this tragedy serves as a warning (like ours from a friendly hiker) to watch for snakes along the path.

2 Samuel 13 & 14 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo taken by my wife of two bullsnakes (whose coloring mimics rattlesnakes) lying across her path on a hike last week. She screamed and gave a wide berth!