The army of Israel and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead.

Two years later Absalom’s sheepshearers were in Baal Hazor, near Ephraim. Absalom invited all the king’s sons.

So Absalom’s servants did to Amnon exactly what Absalom had instructed. Then all the king’s sons got up; each one rode away on his mule and fled.

Absalom acted this way toward everyone in Israel who came to the king for justice. In this way Absalom won the loyalty of the citizens of Israel.

Then Absalom sent spies through all the tribes of Israel who said, “When you hear the sound of the horn, you may assume that Absalom rules in Hebron.”

When David’s friend Hushai the Arkite came to Absalom, Hushai said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”

So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and Absalom had sex with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.

The king covered his face and cried out loudly, “My son, Absalom! Absalom, my son, my son!”

After Absalom fled and went to Geshur, he remained there for three years.

So Joab got up and went to Geshur and brought Absalom back to Jerusalem.

So David’s friend Hushai arrived in the city, just as Absalom was entering Jerusalem.

This seemed like a good idea to Absalom and to all the leaders of Israel.

(19:1) The king then became very upset. He went up to the upper room over the gate and wept. As he went he said, “My son, Absalom! My son, my son, Absalom! If only I could have died in your place! Absalom, my son, my son!”

But when Absalom pressed him, he sent Amnon and all the king’s sons along with him.

The king longed to go to Absalom, for he had since been consoled over the death of Amnon.

Now Joab son of Zeruiah realized that the king longed to see Absalom.

Absalom lived in Jerusalem for two years without seeing the king’s face.

Some time later Absalom managed to acquire a chariot and horses, as well as fifty men to serve as his royal guard.

Absalom would then say to him, “Look, your claims are legitimate and appropriate. But there is no representative of the king who will listen to you.”

Then a messenger came to David and reported, “The men of Israel are loyal to Absalom!”