²¹ Then the king said to Joab, “Very well, I grant this; go, bring back the young man Absalom.”

¹¹ Then she said, “Please, may the king keep the Lord your God in mind, so that the avenger of blood may kill no more and my son not be destroyed.” He said, “As the Lord lives, not one hair of your son shall fall to the ground.”^(A)

²⁶ The king was deeply grieved, yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her.

³⁹ For as the Lord lives who saves Israel, even if it is in my son Jonathan, he shall surely die!” But there was no one among all the people who answered him.^(A)