29. So Absalom’s young men did to Amnon just as Absalom had commanded. Then all the rest of the king’s sons got up, and each fled on his mule.
30. While they were on the way, a report reached David: “Absalom struck down all the king’s sons; not even one of them survived! ”
31. In response the king stood up, tore his clothes, and lay down on the ground, and all his servants stood by with their clothes torn.
32. But Jonadab, son of David’s brother Shimeah, spoke up: “My lord must not think they have killed all the young men, the king’s sons, because only Amnon is dead. In fact, Absalom has planned this ever since the day Amnon disgraced his sister Tamar.
33. So now, my lord the king, don’t take seriously the report that says all the king’s sons are dead. Only Amnon is dead.”
34. Meanwhile, Absalom had fled. When the young man who was standing watch looked up, there were many people coming from the road west of him from the side of the mountain.
35. Jonadab said to the king, “Look, the king’s sons have come! It’s exactly like your servant said.”
36. Just as he finished speaking, the king’s sons entered and wept loudly. Then the king and all his servants also wept bitterly.
37. Now Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.
38. Absalom had fled and gone to Geshur where he stayed three years.
39. Then King David longed to go to Absalom, for David had finished grieving over Amnon’s death.