2 Samuel 13:20-38

20Then 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. 21Now when King David heard of all these matters, he was very angry. 22But Absalom did not speak to Amnon 1either good or bad; for 2Absalom hated Amnon because he had violated his sister Tamar.

23Now it came about after two full years that Absalom 3had sheepshearers in Baal-hazor, which is near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king’s sons. 24Absalom came to the king and said, “Behold now, your servant has sheepshearers; please let the king and his servants go with your servant.” 25But the king said to Absalom, “No, my son, we should not all go, for we will be burdensome to you.” Although he 4urged him, he would not go, but blessed him. 26Then 5Absalom said, “If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us.” And the king said to him, “Why should he go with you?” 27But when Absalom 6urged him, he let Amnon and all the king’s sons go with him.

28Absalom commanded his servants, saying, “See now, 7when 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 8valiant.” 29The servants of Absalom did to Amnon just as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king’s sons arose and each mounted 9his mule and fled.

30Now 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.” 31Then the king arose, 10tore his clothes and 11lay on the ground; and all his servants were standing by with clothes torn. 3212Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David’s brother, 13responded, “Do not let my lord 14suppose they have put to death all the young men, the king’s sons, for Amnon alone is dead; because by the 15intent of Absalom this has been determined since the day that he violated his sister Tamar. 33Now therefore, do not let my lord the king 16take the report to 17heart, namely, ‘all the king’s sons are dead,’ for only Amnon is dead.”

34Now 18Absalom had fled. And 19the 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. 35Jonadab said to the king, “Behold, the king’s sons have come; according to your servant’s word, so it happened.” 36As 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 20very bitterly.

37Now 21Absalom fled and went to 22Talmai the son of Ammihud, the king of 23Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day. 3824So Absalom had fled and gone to Geshur, and was there three years.