21. When King David heard all this, he was furious.
22. And Absalom never said a word to Amnon, either good or bad; he hated Amnon because he had disgraced his sister Tamar.
23. Two years later, when Absalom’s sheep-shearers were at Baal Hazor near the border of Ephraim, he invited all the king’s sons to come there.
24. Absalom went to the king and said, ‘Your servant has had shearers come. Will the king and his attendants please join me?’
25. ‘No, my son,’ the king replied. ‘All of us should not go; we would only be a burden to you.’ Although Absalom urged him, he still refused to go but gave him his blessing.
26. Then Absalom said, ‘If not, please let my brother Amnon come with us.’The king asked him, ‘Why should he go with you?’
27. But Absalom urged him, so he sent with him Amnon and the rest of the king’s sons.
28. Absalom ordered his men, ‘Listen! When Amnon is in high spirits from drinking wine and I say to you, “Strike Amnon down,” then kill him. Don’t be afraid. Haven’t I given you this order? Be strong and brave.’
29. So Absalom’s men did to Amnon what Absalom had ordered. Then all the king’s sons got up, mounted their mules and fled.