2 Samuel 13:24–37

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.”

34 Now aAbsalom had fled. And bthe young man who was the watchman raised his eyes and looked, and behold, many people were coming from the road behind him by the side of the mountain.

35 Jonadab said to the king, “Behold, the king’s sons have come; according to your servant’s word, so it happened.”

36 As soon as he had finished speaking, behold, the king’s sons came and lifted their voices and wept; and also the king and all his servants wept 1very bitterly.

37 Now aAbsalom fled and went to bTalmai the son of Ammihud, the king of cGeshur. And David mourned for his son every day.