The army of Israel ¹  and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead.

So Joab got up and went to Geshur and brought Absalom back to Jerusalem. ¹ 

Now when Absalom and all the men ¹  of Israel arrived in Jerusalem, ²  Ahithophel was with him.

This seemed like a good idea to Absalom and to all the leaders ¹  of Israel.

(19:2) Joab was told, “The king is weeping and mourning over Absalom.”

After Absalom fled and went to Geshur, he remained there for three years.

So Absalom’s servants did to Amnon exactly what Absalom had instructed. Then all the king’s sons got up; each one rode away on his mule and fled.

Two years later Absalom’s sheepshearers were in Baal Hazor, ¹  near Ephraim. Absalom invited all the king’s sons.

The king covered his face and cried out loudly, ¹  “My son, Absalom! Absalom, my son, my son!”

Then Absalom sent spies through all the tribes of Israel who said, “When you hear the sound of the horn, you may assume ¹  that Absalom rules in Hebron.”

Absalom acted this way toward everyone in Israel who came to the king for justice. In this way Absalom won the loyalty ¹  of the citizens ²  of Israel.

So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, ¹  and Absalom had sex with ²  his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.

(19:1) ¹  The king then became very upset. He went up to the upper room over the gate and wept. As he went he said, “My son, Absalom! My son, my son, ²  Absalom! If only I could have died in your place! Absalom, my son, my son!” ³ 

But Absalom said nothing to Amnon, either bad or good, yet Absalom hated Amnon because he had humiliated his sister Tamar.

The king longed ¹  to go to Absalom, for he had since been consoled over the death of Amnon. ² 

Now Joab son of Zeruiah realized that the king longed to see ¹  Absalom.

Absalom lived in Jerusalem for two years without seeing the king’s face.

Some time later Absalom managed to acquire ¹  a chariot and horses, as well as fifty men to serve as his royal guard. ² 

Then a messenger came to David and reported, “The men of Israel are loyal to Absalom!” ¹ 

So David’s friend Hushai arrived in the city, just as Absalom was entering Jerusalem.