19. She put ashes on her head. She tore the beautiful robe she was wearing. She put her hands on her head and went away. She was sobbing out loud as she went.
20. When her brother Absalom saw her, he spoke to her. He said, "Has Amnon, that brother of yours, forced you to have sex with him? My sister, don't let it upset you. Don't let it bother you. He's your brother." After that, Tamar lived in her brother Absalom's house. She was very lonely.
21. King David heard about everything that had happened. So he became very angry.
22. Absalom never said a word of any kind to Amnon. He hated Amnon because he had brought shame on his sister Tamar.
23. Two years later, Absalom invited all of the king's sons to come to Baal Hazor. It was near the border of Ephraim. The workers who clipped the wool off Absalom's sheep were there.
24. Absalom went to the king. He said, "I've had my workers come to clip the wool. Will you and your officials please join me?"
25. "No, my son," the king replied. "All of us shouldn't go. It would be too much trouble for you." Although Absalom begged him, the king still refused to go. But he gave Absalom his blessing.
26. Then Absalom said, "If you won't come, please let my brother Amnon come with us." The king asked him, "Why should he go with you?"
27. But Absalom begged him. So the king sent Amnon with him. He also sent the rest of his sons.
28. Absalom ordered his men, "Listen! When Amnon has had too much wine to drink, I'll say to you, 'Strike Amnon down.' When I do, kill him. Don't be afraid. I've given you an order, haven't I? Be strong and brave."
29. So Absalom's men killed Amnon, just as Absalom had ordered. Then all of the king's sons got on their mules and rode away.