18. Now there was a long-sleeved robe on her, for so they clothed the daughters of the king who were virgins, in robes. His servant put her outside, and he bolted the door behind her.
19. Tamar put ashes on her head, and she tore the long-sleeved robe which was on her. She put her hand on her head, and she went away, crying out as she went.
20. Absalom her brother said to her, “Was Amnon your brother with you? But now, my sister, be quiet; he is your brother. Do not take this matter to heart.” So Tamar remained a desolate woman in the house of Absalom her brother.
21. Now King David heard all these things, and he became very angry.
22. Absalom did not speak with Amnon either bad or good, for Absalom hated Amnon over the matter when he raped Tamar his sister.
23. About two full years later, Absalom’s shearers were in Baal Hazor, which is near Ephraim, and Absalom summoned all the sons of the king.
24. Then Absalom went to the king and said, “Look, here are your servant’s shearers; please let the king and his servants go with your servant.
25. The king said to Absalom, “No my son, not all of us shall go, so that we not be a burden to you.” And he urged him, but he was not willing to go, but he blessed him.
26. So Absalom said, “But will you not let Amnon my brother go with us?” And the king said to him, “Why should he go with you?”
27. But Absalom pressed him, so he sent Amnon with him and all of the sons of the king.
28. Absalom commanded his servants, saying, “Please watch. At the moment the heart of Amnon is tipsy with wine, then I shall say to you, ‘Strike Amnon down,’ and you shall kill him! Don’t be afraid. Is it not I myself who has commanded you? Be courageous and be valiant!