Then Absalomsaid,"If not, pleaselet my brotherAmnongowith us." And the kingsaidto him, "Whyshould he gowith you?"
But the kingsaidto Absalom,"No,my son,we should not allgo,for we will be burdensometo you." Although he urgedhim, he wouldnot go,but blessedhim.
But when Absalomurgedhim, he letAmnonand allthe king'ssonsgowith him.
Joabsaidto Amasa,"Is it wellwith you, my brother?"And JoabtookAmasaby the beardwith his righthandto kisshim.
So when Abnerreturnedto Hebron,Joabtookhim asideinto the middleof the gateto speakwith him privately,and therehe struckhim in the bellyso that he diedon account of the bloodof Asahelhis brother.
His speechwas smootherthanbutter,But his heartwas war;His wordswere softerthanoil,Yet they were drawnswords.
He who hatesdisguises[it] with his lips,But he laysup deceitin his heart.
Thereforethussaysthe LORDof hosts,"Behold,I will refinethem and assaythem; For what[else] can I do,becauseof the daughterof My people?
