28 Absalom commanded his servants, saying, “See now, awhen Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon,’ then put him to death. Do not fear; have not I myself commanded you? Be courageous and be 1valiant.”

29 The servants of Absalom did to Amnon just as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king’s sons arose and each mounted ahis mule and fled.

30 Now it was while they were on the way that the report came to David, saying, “Absalom has struck down all the king’s sons, and not one of them is left.”

31 Then the king arose, atore his clothes and blay on the ground; and all his servants were standing by with clothes torn.

32 aJonadab, the son of Shimeah, David’s brother, 1responded, “Do not let my lord 2suppose they have put to death all the young men, the king’s sons, for Amnon alone is dead; because by the 3intent of Absalom this has been determined since the day that he violated his sister Tamar.

33 “Now therefore, do not let my lord the king atake the report to 1heart, namely, ‘all the king’s sons are dead,’ for only Amnon is dead.”