²³Two years later Absalom had sheepshearers at Baal Hazor near Ephraim. He invited all the king’s sons.^b²⁴Absalom went to the king and said, “Since I have sheepshearers, Your Majesty and your officials are invited ⸤to feast⸥ with me.”

²⁵“No, Son,” the king answered Absalom. “If we all go, we’ll be a burden to you.” Even when Absalom continued to urge^chim, David did not want to go, though he did give Absalom his blessing.

²⁶So Absalom said, “If you won’t go, then please let my brother Amnon go with us.”

“Why should he go with you?” the king asked him. ²⁷But when Absalom urged him, he let Amnon and all ⸤the rest of⸥ the king’s sons go with him.

²⁸Then Absalom gave an order to his servants. “Watch now,” he said. “When Amnon begins to feel good from drinking ⸤too much⸥ wine, I’ll tell you, ‘Attack Amnon.’ Then kill him. Don’t be afraid. I’ve given you the order, haven’t I? Be strong and courageous.”

²⁹Absalom’s servants did to Amnon as Absalom had ordered. Then all the king’s sons got up, mounted their mules, and fled.

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Footnotes

b 13:23 The time when sheep were sheared was also a time of rejoicing and feasting.
c 13:25 Dead Sea Scrolls; Masoretic Text “press,” also in verse 27.