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!”

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.”

But Absalom fled and went to King Talmai son of Ammihud of Geshur. And David grieved over his son every day.

Absalom would then say, “If only they would make me a judge in the land! Then everyone who had a judicial complaint could come to me and I would make sure he receives a just settlement.”

Now two hundred men had gone with Absalom from Jerusalem. Since they were invited, they went naively and were unaware of what Absalom was planning.

Zadok and Abiathar the priests will be there with you. Everything you hear in the king’s palace you must tell Zadok and Abiathar the priests.

Furthermore, their two sons are there with them, Zadok’s son Ahimaaz and Abiathar’s son Jonathan. You must send them to me with any information you hear.”

The king said to Ziba, “Everything that was Mephibosheth’s now belongs to you.” Ziba replied, “I bow before you. May I find favor in your sight, my lord the king.”

He threw stones at David and all of King David’s servants, as well as all the people and the soldiers who were on his right and on his left.

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.

When I catch up with him he will be exhausted and worn out. I will rout him, and the entire army that is with him will flee. I will kill only the king

The battle there was spread out over the whole area, and the forest consumed more soldiers than the sword devoured that day.

Then the Cushite arrived and said, “May my lord the king now receive the good news! The Lord has vindicated you today and delivered you from the hand of all who have rebelled against you!”

He won over the hearts of all the men of Judah as though they were one man. Then they sent word to the king saying, “Return, you and all your servants as well.”

So all the people crossed the Jordan, as did the king. After the king had kissed him and blessed him, Barzillai returned to his home.

So all the men of Israel deserted David and followed Sheba son of Bicri. But the men of Judah stuck by their king all the way from the Jordan River to Jerusalem.

Once he had removed Amasa from the path, everyone followed Joab to pursue Sheba son of Bicri.

David sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord rescued him from the power of all his enemies, including Saul.

Now, my master, O king, all Israel is watching anxiously to see who is named to succeed my master the king on the throne.

All the people followed him up, playing flutes and celebrating so loudly they made the ground shake.