22. Absalom never said a word of any kind to Amnon. He hated Amnon because he had brought shame on his sister Tamar.
23. Two years later, Absalom invited all of the king's sons to come to Baal Hazor. It was near the border of Ephraim. The workers who clipped the wool off Absalom's sheep were there.
24. Absalom went to the king. He said, "I've had my workers come to clip the wool. Will you and your officials please join me?"
25. "No, my son," the king replied. "All of us shouldn't go. It would be too much trouble for you." Although Absalom begged him, the king still refused to go. But he gave Absalom his blessing.
26. Then Absalom said, "If you won't come, please let my brother Amnon come with us." The king asked him, "Why should he go with you?"