2 Samuel 13:24-30

The Voice

²⁴He went to his father, the king, to ask for permission to invite his brothers.

Absalom: I have gathered my men to shear the sheep. Will the king and his servants please join me, your servant, in celebrating?

David: ²⁵No, my son. If we all go, we would just be a burden to you.

Absalom pressured his father. The king still refused to come, although he did offer his blessing. Absalom turned to go, but he stopped with a final request.

Absalom: ²⁶Then send my brother Amnon to be with us.

David (curious): Why would you want him to go?

²⁷But Absalom pushed and pressed him until finally David was persuaded to give his permission for Amnon and all of his sons to go.

[Absalom threw a kingly feast.]^[a] ²⁸But before it began, he gave his servants unusual instructions.

Absalom: Watch Amnon to see when the wine makes him drunk; and when I tell you, “Strike Amnon,” kill him. Don’t be nervous—this is my command from my own lips. Have courage and show your bravery.

²⁹So Absalom’s servants followed his command and killed Amnon when he became drunk, and the other royal sons rose from the feast and fled on their mules. ³⁰While they were on the road, a false report reached David’s ears that all of his sons had been slain by Absalom, and no one had survived.

Read full chapter