*2 Samuel 13:20-39
Absalom, seeking revenge for his sister Tamar’s rape by their half-brother Amnon, plots and carries out Amnon’s murder.
- Absalom’s Revelation
- Absalom, Tamar’s full brother, learns of Amnon’s violation.
- His heart burns with a desire for retribution.
- The Feast and Amnon’s Demise
- Absalom bides his time for two years.
- He invites Amnon to a feast, seemingly reconciling.
- In a calculated move, Absalom’s men murder Amnon.
- David’s Heartbreak
- The news reaches David: Absalom has slain all his sons.
- The truth emerges—only Amnon is dead.
- David’s grief is compounded by his unwitting role in the tragedy.
- Absalom’s Exile
- Absalom flees to Geshur, seeking refuge.
- Three years pass as he grapples with guilt and longing.
2 Samuel 13:20-39 shows the lasting pain that comes from injustice, anger, and unresolved conflict. When we experience hurt or see others suffering, it’s important to seek healing, speak truth, and handle our emotions in a way that leads to peace rather than more harm. Holding onto bitterness or seeking revenge only deepens the pain. Instead, we should turn to God for wisdom and trust that He is just, allowing Him to guide our actions toward forgiveness and restoration.
2 Samuel 13:20-39 (WEB)
13:20 Absalom her brother said to her, “Has Amnon your brother been with you? But now hold your peace, my sister. He is your brother. Don’t take this thing to heart.”So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom’s house. 21 But when King David heard of all these things, he was very angry. 22 Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad; for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.23 After two full years, Absalom had sheep shearers in Baal Hazor, which is beside Ephraim; and Absalom invited all the king’s sons. 24 Absalom came to the king and said, “See now, your servant has sheep shearers. Please let the king and his servants go with your servant.”25 The king said to Absalom, “No, my son, let’s not all go, lest we be burdensome to you.” He pressed him; however he would not go, but blessed him.26 Then Absalom said, “If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us.”The king said to him, “Why should he go with you?”27 But Absalom pressed him, and he let Amnon and all the king’s sons go with him. 28 Absalom commanded his servants, saying, “Mark now, when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine; and when I tell you, ‘Strike Amnon,’ then kill him. Don’t be afraid. Haven’t I commanded you? Be courageous, and be valiant!”29 The servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king’s sons arose, and every man got up on his mule and fled.30 While they were on the way, the news came to David, saying, “Absalom has slain all the king’s sons, and there is not one of them left!”31 Then the king arose, and tore his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes torn. 32 Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David’s brother, answered, “Don’t let my lord suppose that they have killed all the young men, the king’s sons, for Amnon only is dead; for by the appointment of Absalom this has been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar. 33 Now therefore don’t let my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king’s sons are dead; for only Amnon is dead.” 34 But Absalom fled. The young man who kept the watch lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, many people were coming by way of the hillside behind him. 35 Jonadab said to the king, “Behold, the king’s sons are coming! It is as your servant said.” 36 As soon as he had finished speaking, behold, the king’s sons came, and lifted up their voices and wept. The king also and all his servants wept bitterly.37 But Absalom fled and went to Talmai the son of Ammihur, king of Geshur. David mourned for his son every day. 38 So Absalom fled and went to Geshur, and was there three years. 39 King David longed to go out to Absalom, for he was comforted concerning Amnon, since he was dead.