Absalom Flees to Geshur

30

While they were on their way, the news came to David that Avshalom had killed all the king's sons, and not one of them was left alive.

31

The king got up, tore his clothes and lay on the ground, while all his servants stood by with their clothes torn too.

32

But then Yonadav, the son of Shim'ah, David's brother, spoke up; he said, "My lord shouldn't think they have killed all the young men, the king's sons. Only Amnon is dead; for Avshalom has meant to do this ever since the day he raped his sister Tamar.

33

So my lord the king shouldn't take it as seriously as if all the king's sons are dead; only Amnon is dead."

34

However, Avshalom took flight. The young man keeping watch looked up and saw many people coming along the road behind him on the hillside.

35

Yonadav said to the king, "Here, the king's sons have come; it's just as your servant said."

36

The moment he finished speaking, the king's sons came, cried out and wept; and the king too, with all his servants, cried out in great pain.

37

Avshalom fled and went to Talmai the son of 'Ammihud, king of G'shur. David mourned for his son every day.

38

So Avshalom fled, went to G'shur and stayed there three years.

39

But as King David became reconciled to the death of his son Amnon, he was increasingly filled with longing to see Avshalom.

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