Useful Bible Studies > 2 Samuel Commentary > chapter 13
Absalom was only King David’s third son, but he was already a rich and powerful man. When this event happened, Absalom was only about 20 or 30 years old. Still, he owned a great number of sheep so that he was employing several men to look after them.
When his men had cut the wool from the sheep, Absalom organised a great party. He had made such great profits from the wool that he was able to invite the king’s sons. Of course, he belonged to the royal family; the king’s sons were, mostly, his younger brothers. There would be food and wine; and all the guests expected it to be a very happy occasion.
Absalom also wanted to invite his oldest brother, Amnon. However, he did not want anyone to suspect anything, so instead, he invited his father, King David. Absalom had not spoken to Amnon for the last two years. We are not sure that David would want to be at a party for young men. However, he gave the cost as an honourable reason why he should not attend. Such a party was expensive; Absalom should not use all his profits on the party. Still, David made it clear that he approved. It was good that Absalom had arranged this happy occasion for his brothers.
So then, Absalom asked his father to send Amnon instead of him. That seemed a strange request to David. However, David could not find out why Absalom wanted Amnon to go; and Amnon did not refuse. Perhaps David hoped that Absalom had decided to become friendly with Amnon again.
Next part: Absalom orders his men to kill Amnon (2 Samuel 13:28)
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