2 Samuel 13:22. Absalom spake, &c. — Though he hated Amnon in his heart, yet he never expressed the least resentment, nor said any thing to him at all about that business. He neither debated it with him, nor threatened him for it, but seemed willing to pass it by with brotherly kindness. Not that he forbore all discourse with him on any subject, which would have raised jealousy in his mind, and also in David’s. But by the method Absalom pursued, Amnon was lulled asleep, in a belief that he would give him no trouble for what he had done.

13:21-29 Observe the aggravations of Absalom's sin: he would have Ammon slain, when least fit to go out of the world. He engaged his servants in the guilt. Those servants are ill-taught who obey wicked masters, against God's commands. Indulged children always prove crosses to godly parents, whose foolish love leads them to neglect their duty to God.The Septuagint adds, what is a good explanation, "but he did not vex the spirit of Amnon his son, because he loved him, because he was his first-born." This want of justice in David's conduct, and favoritism to Amnon, probably rankled in Absalom's heart, and was the first seed of his after rebellion. 20. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house—He was her natural protector, and the children of polygamists lived by themselves, as if they constituted different families. Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad, i. e. he said nothing at all to him, to wit, about that business. It is a synecdochical expression, used in like manner, Genesis 31:24. He neither debated it with him, nor threatened him for it; but seemed willing to cover it, and pass it by with brotherly kindness. For if he had wholly forborne all discourse and converse with him, it would have raised great jealousies in Amnon and David, and hindered him in his intended and desired revenge.

For Absalom hated Amnon; or rather, but, or though Absalom, as the Hebrew particle chi commonly signifies; for the following clause is not added as a reason of the former, but by way of exception or opposition. Though he outwardly expressed no dislike of the fact, yet he inwardly hated him.

And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad,.... That is, said nothing at all to him about the rape of his sister; not that he was sulky with him, and would not converse with him at all; for then Amnon would have mistrusted that he was meditating revenge, and therefore would have been upon his guard; but on the contrary he talked freely, and in appearance friendly, on other things, the better to conceal his hatred of him, and his design to avenge the injury of his sister:

for Absalom hated Amnon; or, "though" (f) he hated him, yet he behaved in this manner towards him:

because he had forced his sister Tamar: who was so by father and mother's side, and so near and dear unto him, and therefore resented the injury done her.

(f) "quamvis", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Pool, & Patrick.

And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.