23. Two years later, Absalom's servants were cutting wool from his sheep in Baal-Hazor near the town of Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king's sons to be there.
24. Then he went to David and said, “My servants are cutting the wool from my sheep. Please come and join us!”
25. David answered, “No, my son, we won't go. It would be too expensive for you.” Absalom tried to get him to change his mind, but David did not want to go. He only said that he hoped they would have a good time.
26. Absalom said, “If you won't go, at least let my brother Amnon come with us.”David asked, “Why should he go with you?”
27. But Absalom kept on insisting, and finally David let Amnon and all his other sons go with Absalom.Absalom prepared a banquet fit for a king.
28. But he told his servants, “Keep an eye on Amnon. When he gets a little drunk from the wine and is feeling good, I'll give the signal. Then kill him! I've commanded you to do it, so don't be afraid. Be strong and brave.”