2 Samuel 13:21-39 - LSB - Legacy Standard Bible

2 Samuel 13:21-39

21 Now when King David heard of all these matters, he was very angry. 22 But Absalom did not speak to Amnon ^aeither good or bad; for ^bAbsalom hated Amnon because he had violated his sister Tamar.
23 Now it happened after two full years that Absalom ^ahad sheepshearers in Baal-hazor, which is near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king’s sons.

Absalom Strikes Down Amnon

24 And Absalom came to the king and said, “Behold now, your servant has sheepshearers; please let the king and his servants go with your servant.” 25 But the king said to Absalom, “No, my son, we should not all go, for we will be burdensome to you.” Although he ¹urged him, he was not willing to go, but blessed him. 26 Then ^aAbsalom said, “If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us.” And the king said to him, “Why should he go with you?” 27 But Absalom ¹urged him, so he sent Amnon and all the king’s sons with him.
28 Then Absalom commanded his young men, saying, “See now, ^awhen Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon,’ then put him to death. Do not fear; have not I myself commanded you? Be strong and be ¹valiant.” 29 Thus the young men of Absalom did to Amnon just as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king’s sons arose and each mounted ^ahis mule and fled.
30 Now it was while they were on the way that the report came to David, saying, “Absalom has struck down all the king’s sons, and not one of them is left.” 31 Then the king arose, ^atore his clothes and ^blay on the ground; and all his servants were standing by with clothes torn. 32 ^aBut Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David’s brother, answered and said, “Do not let my lord ¹suppose they have put to death all the young men, the king’s sons, for Amnon alone has died; because by the ²intent of Absalom this has been set since the day that he violated his sister Tamar. 33 So now, do not let my lord the king ^atake the report to ¹heart, saying, ‘all the king’s sons have died,’ for only Amnon has died.”
34 Then ^aAbsalom fled. And ^bthe young man who was the watchman raised his eyes and looked, and behold, many people were coming from the road behind him by the side of the mountain. 35 And Jonadab said to the king, “Behold, the king’s sons have come; according to your servant’s word, so it happened.” 36 As soon as he had finished speaking, behold, the king’s sons came and lifted their voices and wept; and also the king and all his servants wept ¹very bitterly.
37 Now ^aAbsalom had fled and went to ^bTalmai the son of Ammihud, the king of ^cGeshur. And David mourned for his son every day. 38 ^aSo Absalom had fled and gone to Geshur, and was there three years. 39 And the heart of King David was consumed with going out to Absalom; for ^ahe was comforted concerning Amnon, since he had died.