Amnon and Tamar

1 Now ^zAbsalom, David’s son, had a beautiful sister, whose name was ^aTamar. And after a time ^bAmnon, David’s son, loved her.

Absalom Returns to Jerusalem

1 Now Joab the son of Zeruiah knew that the king’s heart went out to Absalom.

Absalom’s Conspiracy

1 After this Absalom got himself a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him.

8 The Lord has avenged on you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned, and the Lord has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. See, your evil is on you, for you are a man of blood.”

Hushai Saves David

1 Moreover, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue David tonight.

5 And the king ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king gave orders to all the commanders about Absalom.

Joab Rebukes David

1 It was told Joab, “Behold, the king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.”

6 And David said to ⁱAbishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, lest he get himself to fortified cities and escape from us.”¹

6 His father had never at any time displeased him by asking, “Why have you done thus and so?” He was also a very handsome man, and he was born next after Absalom.

7 But deal loyally with the sons of ^bBarzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who ^ceat at your table, for ^dwith such loyalty¹ they met me when I ^efled from Absalom your brother.

Save Me, O My God

A Psalm of David, ^twhen he fled from Absalom his son.