2 Samuel 13:23-39

New Century Version

Absalom’s Revenge

²³ Two years later Absalom had some men come to Baal Hazor, near Ephraim, to cut the wool from his sheep. Absalom invited all the king’s sons to come also. ²⁴ Absalom went to the king and said, “I have men coming to cut the wool. Please come with your officers and join me.”

²⁵ King David said to Absalom, “No, my son. We won’t all go, because it would be too much trouble for you.” Although Absalom begged David, he would not go, but he did give his blessing.

²⁶ Absalom said, “If you don’t want to come, then please let my brother Amnon come with us.”

King David asked, “Why should he go with you?”

²⁷ Absalom kept begging David until he let Amnon and all the king’s sons go with Absalom.

²⁸ Then Absalom instructed his servants, “Watch Amnon. When he is drunk, I will tell you, ‘Kill Amnon.’ Right then, kill him! Don’t be afraid, because I have commanded you! Be strong and brave!” ²⁹ So Absalom’s young men killed Amnon as Absalom commanded, but all of David’s other sons got on their mules and escaped.

³⁰ While the king’s sons were on their way, the news came to David, “Absalom has killed all of the king’s sons! Not one of them is left alive!” ³¹ King David tore his clothes and lay on the ground to show his sadness. All his servants standing nearby tore their clothes also.

³² Jonadab son of Shimeah, David’s brother, said to David, “Don’t think all the young men, your sons, are killed. No, only Amnon is dead! Absalom has planned this ever since Amnon forced his sister Tamar to have sexual relations with him. ³³ My master and king, don’t think that all of the king’s sons are dead. Only Amnon is dead!”

³⁴ In the meantime Absalom had run away.

A guard standing on the city wall saw many people coming from the other side of the hill. ³⁵ So Jonadab said to King David, “Look, I was right! The king’s sons are coming!”

³⁶ As soon as Jonadab had said this, the king’s sons arrived, crying loudly. David and all his servants began crying also. ³⁷ David cried for his son every day.

But Absalom ran away to Talmai^[a] son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. ³⁸ After Absalom ran away to Geshur, he stayed there for three years. ³⁹ When King David got over Amnon’s death, he missed Absalom greatly.