22. ABSALOM spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad; for ABSALOM hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.

23. After two full years, ABSALOM had sheep shearers in Baal Hazor, which is beside Ephraim: and ABSALOM invited all the king's sons.

24. ABSALOM came to the king, and said, "See now, your servant has sheep shearers. Please let the king and his servants go with your servant."

25. The king said to ABSALOM, "No, my son, let us not all go, lest we be burdensome to you." He pressed him; however he would not go, but blessed him.

26. Then ABSALOM said, "If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us."The king said to him, "Why should he go with you?"

27. But ABSALOM pressed him, and he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him.

28. ABSALOM commanded his servants, saying, "Mark now, when Amnon's heart is merry with wine; and when I tell you, 'Strike Amnon,' then kill him. Don't be afraid. Haven't I commanded you? Be courageous, and be valiant!"

29. The servants of ABSALOM did to Amnon as ABSALOM had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man got up on his mule, and fled.