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 isolated in her brother Absalom’s house. 21Now when King David heard about all these matters, he became very angry. 22But Absalom did not speak with 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 to celebrate. 24And Absalom came to the king and said, “Behold now, your servant has sheepshearers; may the king and his servants please go with your servant.” 25But the king said to Absalom, “No, my son, we should not all go, so that we will not be a burden to you.” Though he urged him, he would not go; but he blessed him. 26Then 4Absalom said, “If not, please have my brother Amnon go with us.” But the king said to him, “Why should he go with you?” 27Nevertheless Absalom urged him, so he let Amnon and all the king’s sons go with him.

28Then Absalom commanded his servants, saying, “See now, 5when Amnon’s heart is cheerful with wine, and I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon,’ then put him to death. Do not fear; have I not commanded you myself? Be courageous and be 6valiant.” 29And the servants of Absalom did to Amnon just as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king’s sons got up and each mounted 7his mule and fled.

30Now it was while they were on the way that the report came to David, saying, “Absalom has struck and killed all the king’s sons, and not one of them is left.” 31Then the king stood up, 8tore his clothes, and 9lay on the ground; and all his servants were standing by with clothes torn. 3210And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David’s brother, 11responded, “Let my lord not 12assume that they have put to death all the young men, the king’s sons, for only Amnon is dead; because this has been set up by the 13intent of Absalom since the day that he violated his sister Tamar. 33So now, may my lord the king not 14take the report to 15heart, 16claiming, ‘all the king’s sons are dead’; but only Amnon is dead.”

34Now 17Absalom had fled. And 18the 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. 35And Jonadab said to the king, “Behold, the king’s sons have come; so it has happened according to your servant’s word.” 36As soon as he had finished speaking, behold, the king’s sons came and raised their voices and wept; and the king and all his servants also wept 19very profusely.

37Now 20Absalom had fled and gone to 21Talmai the son of Ammihud, the king of 22Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day. 3823So Absalom had fled and gone to Geshur, and was there for three years.