And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheepshearers; let the king, I beseech thee, and his servants go with thy servant.
Absalom came to the king and said, 'Listen, your servant has workers shearing sheep right now. Please, let the king and his officials come with your servant.'
Absalom is inviting his father King David and the royal court to attend his sheep-shearing celebration, though he has hidden motives for revenge.
📚 Historical Context
This takes place after Absalom's sister Tamar was assaulted by their half-brother Amnon, and David did nothing to punish Amnon. Sheep-shearing was traditionally a time of celebration and feasting in ancient Israel, making it a perfect cover for Absalom's plan to kill Amnon in revenge. Absalom had been planning this for two years while harboring bitterness toward both Amnon and his father David.
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