After two full years, Absalom had sheep shearers in Baal Hazor, which is beside Ephraim; and Absalom invited all the king’s sons.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 23. Two. Hebrew “full years.” He waited so long, that he might put his murderous designs in execution with less suspicion. Bible.—Sheep. It was esteemed the best husbandry, “to have fine flocks;” bene pascere: (Cato) even for the nobility.—Ephraim, or Ephrem; (John 11:54) probably near Bethel. Joseph. Bel. verse 33. Calmet.—Nabal had made a feast on a similar occasion. 1 Kennicott. 25. Absalom invites his father to avoid suspicion; ( Menochius.) though he would be glad at his refusing to come, unless perhaps he would not have hesitated to order his brother to be murdered in his very presence, in order to punish both. Bible.