2 Samuel 13:20–33

20 Then Absalom her brother said to her, “Has Amnon your brother been with you? But now keep silent, my sister, he is your brother; do not take this matter to heart.” So Tamar remained and was desolate in her brother Absalom’s house.

21 Now when King David heard of all these matters, he was very angry.

22 But Absalom did not speak to Amnon aeither good or bad; for bAbsalom hated Amnon because he had violated his sister Tamar.

23 Now it came about after two full years that Absalom ahad sheepshearers in Baal-hazor, which is near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king’s sons.

Absalom Avenges Tamar

24 Absalom came to the king and said, “Behold now, your servant has sheepshearers; please let the king and his servants go with your servant.”

25 But the king said to Absalom, “No, my son, we should not all go, for we will be burdensome to you.” Although he 1urged him, he would not go, but blessed him.

26 Then aAbsalom said, “If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us.” And the king said to him, “Why should he go with you?”

27 But when Absalom 1urged him, he let Amnon and all the king’s sons go with him.

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.”