Study Desk

Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, Arise, be gone.

And she said to him, So now, since you have done this great evil to me, you send me away? But he would not listen to her.

And Absalom her brother said to her, Has Amnon your brother lain with you? But hold now your peace, my sister; he is your brother; do not take this deed to your heart. So Tamar remained horrified in the house of Absalom her brother.

So the servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded them. Then all the kings sons arose, and every man mounted his mule and fled.

And Jonadab said to the king, Behold, the kings sons come; as your servant said, so it is.

So Absalom fled and went to Geshur, and was there three years.

And come to the king and speak in this manner to him. So Joab prepared the words and put them in her mouth.

And behold, the whole family is risen against your handmaid, and they say, Deliver to us the man who slew his brother that we may kill him for the life of his brother whom he slew; so they want to destroy the heir also; moreover they want to quench the spark of life which is left for me, that they may not leave to his father either name or family upon the earth.

Then your handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall now be confirmed and shall be like an offering; for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and evil; therefore the LORD your God will be with you.

So Joab arose and went to Geshur and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.

And the king said, Let him go to his own house, but let him not be seen in my presence. So Absalom went to his own house and did not see the kings face.

Now in all Israel there was no man so much praised for his beauty as Absalom; from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.

So Absalom dwelt two years in Jerusalem, and saw not the kings face.

So Joab came to the king and told him the words of Absalom; and he called for Absalom, and Absalom came in before the king and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king; and the king kissed Absalom.

And Absalom rose up early and stood beside the kings gate; and it was so that when any man had a case to be tried before the king, then Absalom called him to him, and said, Of what city are you? And he said, Your servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.

And in this manner did Absalom to all the Israelites who came to the king for judgment; so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

And the king said to him, Go in peace. So he arose and went to Hebron.

So the king went forth and all his household after him. And the king left ten women who were concubines to keep his house.

And David said to Ittai, Go and pass over. So Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men and all the little ones that were with him.

So Hushai, Davids friend, came to the city, just as Absalom entered Jerusalem.