2 Samuel 13:20-38

20Her brother Absalom asked her, “Has your brother Amnon been with you? Sister, be quiet for now. He’s your brother. Don’t dwell on this matter.” So Tamar stayed there at the home of her brother Absalom and was depressed.

21When King David heard about this, he became very angry. But David didn’t punish his son Amnon. He favored Amnon because he was his firstborn son.

22Absalom wouldn’t speak at all to Amnon. He hated Amnon for raping his sister Tamar.

23Two years later Absalom had sheepshearers at Baal Hazor near Ephraim. He invited all the king’s sons.

24Absalom went to the king and said, “Since I have sheepshearers, Your Majesty and your officials are invited ⌞to feast⌟ with me.”

25“No, Son,” the king answered Absalom. “If we all go, we’ll be a burden to you.” Even when Absalom continued to urge  him, David did not want to go, though he did give Absalom his blessing.

26So Absalom said, “If you won’t go, then please let my brother Amnon go with us.” “Why should he go with you?” the king asked him.

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

28Then Absalom gave an order to his servants. “Watch now,” he said. “When Amnon begins to feel good from drinking ⌞too much⌟ wine, I’ll tell you, ‘Attack Amnon.’ Then kill him. Don’t be afraid. I’ve given you the order, haven’t I? Be strong and courageous.”

29Absalom’s servants did to Amnon as Absalom had ordered. Then all the king’s sons got up, mounted their mules, and fled.

30While they were on their way, David heard this rumor: “Absalom has killed all the king’s sons, and not a single one is left.”

31The king stood up, tore his clothes, and lay down on the ground. All his servants were standing beside him with their clothes torn ⌞to show their grief⌟.

32Then Jonadab, the son of David’s brother Shimea, said, “Sir, don’t think that all the young men, all the king’s sons, have been killed. Only Amnon is dead. Absalom decided to do this the day his half brother raped his sister Tamar.

33You shouldn’t burden your heart with the idea that all the king’s sons are dead, Your Majesty. Only Amnon is dead.

34Absalom has fled.” When the servant who kept watch looked up, he saw many people coming down the road beside the mountain west of him.

35Then Jonadab told the king, “The king’s sons have come. It’s just as I said.”

36When he finished speaking, the king’s sons arrived and cried loudly. The king and all his men also cried very bitterly.

37Absalom, however, fled to Geshur’s King Talmai, Ammihud’s son. But the king mourned for his son Amnon every day.

38Absalom, having fled to Geshur, stayed there three years.