22. Absalom did not say a word, good or bad, to Amnon. He hated Amnon for violating his sister Tamar.
23. Two years later Absalom had some men come to Baal Hazor, near Ephraim. They were 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. It would be too much trouble for you.” Absalom begged David to go. David did not go, but he did give his blessing.
26. Absalom said, “If you don’t want to go, then please let my brother Amnon go with me.”King David asked Absalom, “Why should he go with you?”
27. Absalom kept begging David. Finally, David let Amnon and all the king’s sons go with Absalom.
28. Then Absalom gave a command to his servants. He said, “Watch Amnon. When he is drunk, I will tell you, ‘Kill Amnon.’ Right then, kill him! Don’t be afraid. 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. The message was, “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 was the son of Shimeah, David’s brother. Jonadab said to David, “Don’t think all the young men, your sons, are killed. No, only Amnon is dead! Absalom planned this because Amnon raped his sister Tamar.
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.There was a guard standing on the city wall. He 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!”