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?”
27. Absalom kept begging David until he let Amnon and all the king’s sons go with Absalom.
28. Then Absalom instructed his servants, “Watch Amnon. When he is drunk, I will tell you, ‘Kill Amnon.’ Right then, kill him! Don’t be afraid, because I have commanded you! Be strong and brave!”
29. So Absalom’s young men killed Amnon as Absalom commanded, but all of David’s other sons got on their mules and escaped.
30. While the king’s sons were on their way, the news came to David, “Absalom has killed all of the king’s sons! Not one of them is left alive!”
31. King David tore his clothes and lay on the ground to show his sadness. All his servants standing nearby tore their clothes also.