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

(p) For Maachah his mother was the daughter of this Talmai, 2Sa 3:3.

Wesley's Notes

13:37 Talmai - His mother's father, that he might have present protection and sustenance from him; and that by his mediation he might obtain his father's pardon.

King James Translators' Notes

Ammihud: or, Ammihur

Scofield Reference Notes

[1] But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai

1Sam 27:8. David, in the years of his wanderings, made a savage raid upon Geshur, and evidently bore away Maacah, daughter of the king of Geshur. Of her was born Absalom, and in him was her wild Bedouin blood, and the blood of a father who had been the reckless chief of a handful of desperate men. 2Sam 3:3 23:8-39 and whom only the divine love could tame. 2Sam 22:36. In Absalom David reaped from his own sowing.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

2Sa 13:37-39. Absalom Flees to Talmai.

37. Absalom fled, and went to Talmai-The law as to premeditated murder (Nu 35:21) gave him no hope of remaining with impunity in his own country. The cities of refuge could afford him no sanctuary, and he was compelled to leave the kingdom, taking refuge at the court of Geshur, with his maternal grandfather, who would, doubtless, approve of his conduct.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

13:30-39 Jonadab was as guilty of Ammon's death, as of his sin; such false friends do they prove, who counsel us to do wickedly. Instead of loathing Absalom as a murderer, David, after a time, longed to go forth to him. This was David's infirmity: God saw something in his heart that made a difference, else we should have thought that he, as much as Eli, honoured his sons more than God.