24. Absalom 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 him, David did not want to go, though he did give Absalom his blessing.
26. So 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.
27. But when Absalom urged him, he let Amnon and all ⌊the rest of⌋ the king’s sons go with him.
28. Then 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.”
29. Absalom’s servants did to Amnon as Absalom had ordered. Then all the king’s sons got up, mounted their mules, and fled.
30. While they were on their way, David heard this rumor: “Absalom has killed all the king’s sons, and not a single one is left.”
31. The king stood up, tore his clothes, and lay down on the ground. All his servants were standing beside him with their clothes torn ⌊to show their grief⌋.