30. While they were still on their way, the following report reached David: “Absalom has killed all the king’s sons; not one of them is left!”
31. Then the king stood up and tore his garments and lay down on the ground. All his servants were standing there with torn garments as well.
32. Jonadab, the son of David’s brother Shimeah, said, “My lord should not say, ‘They have killed all the young men who are the king’s sons.’ For only Amnon is dead. This is what Absalom has talked about from the day that Amnon humiliated his sister Tamar.
33. Now don’t let my lord the king be concerned about the report that has come saying, ‘All the king’s sons are dead.’ It is only Amnon who is dead.”
34. In the meantime Absalom fled. When the servant who was the watchman looked up, he saw many people coming from the west on a road beside the hill.
35. Jonadab said to the king, “Look! The king’s sons have come! It’s just as I said!”