2 Samuel 13:24-39 ▼

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

25 And the king said to him, No, my son, let us not all now go lest we be burdensome to you. And he pressed him, but he would not go with him, but he blessed him.

26 Then said Absalom, Why should not my brother Amnon go with me? The king said to him, Why should he go with you?

27 But Absalom pressed him that he should let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him.

28 Then Absalom commanded his servants, saying, Mark when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, Smite Amnon and kill him, fear not; have I not commanded you? Be courageous and be valiant.

29 So the servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded them. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man mounted his mule and fled.

30 And while they were on the way, the news came to David that Absalom had murdered all the king's sons and there was not one of them left.

31 Then the king arose and tore his garments and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent.

32 And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother, said to him, Let not my lord the king think that all the king's sons are dead; for Amnon alone is dead: for Absalom had been determined to do this from the day that Amnon forced his sister Tamar.

33 Now therefore let not my lord the king think that all the king's sons are dead; for Amnon alone is dead.

34 But Absalom fled. And the watchman lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, many people were coming by the way on the side of the mountain.

35 And Jonadab said to the king, Behold, the king's sons come; as your servant said, so it is.

36 And as soon as he had finished speaking, behold, the king's sons came and lifted up their voices and wept; and the king and all his servants also wept bitterly.

37 But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai. the son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son many days.

38 So Absalom fled and went to Geshur, and was there three years.

39 And King David longed to go forth after Absalom; for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.