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.”

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

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

(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!”

Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give us your advice. What should we do?”

But Absalom said, “Call for Hushai the Arkite, and let’s hear what he has to say.”

Hushai replied to Absalom, “Ahithophel’s advice is not sound this time.”

Then ten soldiers who were Joab’s armor bearers struck Absalom and finished him off.

Her brother Absalom said to her, “Was Amnon your brother with you? Now be quiet, my sister. He is your brother. Don’t take it so seriously!” Tamar, devastated, lived in the house of her brother Absalom.

But Absalom said nothing to Amnon, either bad or good, yet Absalom hated Amnon because he had humiliated his sister Tamar.

While he was offering sacrifices, Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s adviser, to come from his city, Giloh. The conspiracy was gaining momentum, and the people were starting to side with Absalom.