23. It came about, after two full years, that Absalom’s sheepshearers were at Baal-hazor, which is near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king’s sons.
24. Then Absalom came to the king and said, “See now, your servant has sheepshearers. Please let the king and his servants come with your servant.”
25. But the king said to Absalom, “No, my son. Let’s not all go—we don’t want to be burdensome to you.” Though he urged him, he would not go, though he blessed him.
26. Then Absalom said, “If not, then please let my brother Amnon go with us.” “Why should he go with you?” the king said to him.
27. But when Absalom pressed him, he let Amnon go with him, along with all the king’s sons.
28. Then Absalom commanded his young men saying, “Now watch Amnon until his heart is merry with wine. When I tell you, ‘Strike Amnon!’ then put him to death! Have no fear! Isn’t it I who commanded you? Be strong! Be sons of valor!”
29. So Absalom’s young men did to Amnon as Absalom had ordered. Then all the king’s sons got up, each mounted his mule and fled.
30. While they were on the way, a report came to David saying, “Absalom has killed all the king’s sons and not one of them is left!”
31. Then the king stood up, rent his clothes and lay on the ground, and all his courtiers were standing by with their clothes rent.
32. But Jonadab son of David’s brother Shimeah said in response, “My lord must not think that they have killed all the young men, the king’s sons! For only Amnon has died. For from Absalom’s mouth this has been determined since the day he raped his sister Tamar.
33. Now therefore, my lord the king must not take the report to his heart thinking that all the king’s sons are dead—for only Amnon is dead.”
34. Meanwhile Absalom had fled. When the young watchman lifted up his eyes and looked, behold, there were many people coming down the road behind him on the hillside.
35. Then Jonadab said to the king, “The king’s sons have just arrived! It’s just as your servant has said.”
36. As soon as he finished speaking, behold, the king’s sons arrived. They lifted up their voices and wept, and also the king and all his courtiers wept very bitterly.
37. But Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. David mourned for his son every day.
38. So Absalom fled, went to Geshur and remained there three years.
39. Then King David’s soul longed to go out to Absalom; for he was comforted about Amnon, since he was dead.