17. Then he called his young man who attended him and said, "Now throw this woman out of my presence, and lock the door behind her."
18. Now she had on a long-sleeved garment; for in this manner the virgin daughters of the king dressed themselves in robes. Then his attendant took her out and locked the door behind her.
19. Tamar put ashes on her head and tore her long-sleeved garment which was on her; and she put her hand on her head and went away, crying aloud as she went.
20. Then Absalom her brother said to her, "Has Amnon your brother been with you? But now keep silent, my sister, he is your brother; do not take this matter to heart." So Tamar remained and was desolate in her brother Absalom's house.
21. Now when King David heard of all these matters, he was very angry.
22. But Absalom did not speak to Amnon either good or bad; for Absalom hated Amnon because he had violated his sister Tamar.
23. Now it came about after two full years that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal-hazor, which is near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king's sons.
24. 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 urged him, he would not go, but blessed him.
26. Then Absalom 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 when Absalom urged him, he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him.
28. Absalom commanded his servants, saying, "See now, when 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 courageous and be valiant."