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and his second, Chileab, by Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur;
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Amnon and Tamar
Now it was after this that Absalom the son of David had a beautiful sister whose name was Tamar, and Amnon the son of David was in love with her.
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And he said to him, “Why are you, the king’s son, so depressed morning after morning? Will you not tell me?” So Amnon said to him, “I am in love with Tamar, the sister of my brother Absalom.”
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Then 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.
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But Absalom did not speak with Amnon either good or bad; for Absalom hated Amnon because he had violated his sister Tamar.
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Now it came about after two full years that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal-hazor, which is near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king’s sons to celebrate.
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Absalom Avenges Tamar
And Absalom came to the king and said, “Behold now, your servant has sheepshearers; may the king and his servants please go with your servant.”
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But 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.
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Then Absalom said, “If not, please have my brother Amnon go with us.” But the king said to him, “Why should he go with you?”
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Nevertheless Absalom urged him, so he let Amnon and all the king’s sons go with him.
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Then Absalom commanded his servants, saying, “See now, when 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 valiant.”
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And the servants of Absalom did to Amnon just as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king’s sons got up and each mounted his mule and fled.
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Now 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.”
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And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David’s brother, responded, “Let my lord not assume 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 intent of Absalom since the day that he violated his sister Tamar.
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Now Absalom had fled. And the 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.
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Now Absalom had fled and gone to Talmai the son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.
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So Absalom had fled and gone to Geshur, and was there for three years.
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And the heart of King David longed to go out to Absalom; for he was comforted regarding Amnon, since he was dead.
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The Woman of Tekoa
Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king’s heart was drawn toward Absalom.
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Absalom Returns
Then the king said to Joab, “Behold now, I will certainly do this thing; go then, bring back the young man Absalom.”
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So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.
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However, the king said, “He shall return to his own house, but he shall not see my face.” So Absalom returned to his own house and did not see the king’s face.
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Now in all Israel there was no one as handsome as Absalom, so highly praised; from the sole of his foot to the top of his head there was no impairment in him.
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And to Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter whose name was Tamar; she was a woman of beautiful appearance.
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Now Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem, yet he did not see the king’s face.
