Leadership Verses

And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that tidings came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king's sons, and there is not one of them left.

Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent.

And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother, answered and said, Let not my lord suppose {that} they have slain all the young men the king's sons; for Amnon only is dead: for by the appointment of Absalom this hath been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar. {appointment: Heb. mouth} {determined: or, settled}

Now therefore let not my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king's sons are dead: for Amnon only is dead.

And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come: as thy servant said, so it is. {as thy...: Heb. according to the word of thy servant}

And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of speaking, that, behold, the king's sons came, and lifted up their voice and wept: and the king also and all his servants wept very sore. {very...: Heb. with a great weeping greatly}

But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And {David} mourned for his son every day. {Ammihud: or, Ammihur}

And {the soul of} king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead. {longed: or, was consumed}

Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart {was} toward Absalom.

And come to the king, and speak on this manner unto him. So Joab put the words in her mouth.

And when the woman of Tekoah spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king. {Help: Heb. Save}

And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, I {am} indeed a widow woman, and mine husband is dead.