18. So his servant led her out of the room and bolted the door after her.Tamar was wearing a special robe with long sleeves, because the king’s virgin daughters wore this kind of robe.
19. To show how upset she was, Tamar put ashes on her head and tore her special robe and put her hand on her head. Then she went away, crying loudly.
20. Absalom, Tamar’s brother, said to her, “Has Amnon, your brother, forced you to have sexual relations with him? For now, sister, be quiet. He is your half-brother. Don’t let this upset you so much!” So Tamar lived in her brother Absalom’s house and was sad and lonely.
21. When King David heard the news, he was very angry.
22. Absalom did not say a word, good or bad, to Amnon. But he hated Amnon for disgracing his sister Tamar.
23. Two years later Absalom had some men come to Baal Hazor, near Ephraim, 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, because it would be too much trouble for you.” Although Absalom begged David, he would not go, but he did give his blessing.
26. Absalom said, “If you don’t want to come, then please let my brother Amnon come with us.”King David asked, “Why should he go with you?”