2 Samuel 13:28-37

2 Samuel 13:28-37 AMP

Now Absalom commanded his servants, “Notice carefully, when Amnon’s heart is joyous with wine, and when I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon,’ then kill him. Do not be afraid; have I not commanded you myself [and in doing so have I not taken full responsibility for his death]? Be courageous and brave.” So the servants of Absalom did to Amnon just as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king’s sons got up, and every man mounted his mule and fled. Now it happened while they were on the way [back home], that the [exaggerated] report came to David, “Absalom has killed all the king’s sons, and not one of them is left.” Then the king stood and tore his clothes and lay on the ground [in mourning]; and all his servants were standing by with their clothes torn. But Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David’s brother, responded, “Do not let my lord assume that all the king’s sons have been put to death; for only Amnon is dead. This act of revenge has been on Absalom’s mind since the day Amnon violated his sister Tamar. So now, do not let my lord the king take the report to heart that all the king’s sons are dead; for Amnon alone is dead.” Now Absalom fled. And the young man who kept watch looked up, and behold, many people were coming from the road behind him by the side of the mountain. And Jonadab said to the king, “Look, the king’s sons are coming. It has turned out just as your servant said.” And when he finished speaking, the king’s sons came, and they raised their voices and wept; and the king and all his servants also wept very bitterly. But Absalom fled and went to [his mother’s father] Talmai the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.

Read 2 Samuel 13