שמואל ב, פרק י״ג, פסוק כ״ג

After a long period of suppressed hatred, Absalom's desire for revenge against Amnon finally matures into a practical plan of action. This moment marks the tragic beginning of the harsh prophecy given to David, which warned that the sword would never depart from his household [אברבנאל, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The execution of this revenge was carefully delayed for two full years [מצודת ציון]. There are two main reasons for this extended waiting period. On a practical level, Amnon was initially on his guard. Absalom required a prolonged period to maintain a facade, flatter his brother, and convince him that the past animosity was completely forgotten. Only by cultivating this false sense of security could Absalom ensure that Amnon would eventually accept his invitation [אברבנאל]. On a spiritual level, a person's merits can delay their punishment. Amnon's fate was postponed for these two years specifically because he was actively occupied with studying Torah during that time [אברבנאל].

The ideal opportunity to carry out the plot arrives during the sheep-shearing season [מצודת ציון]. The primary approach among commentators is that it was a widespread custom to host a large feast and special celebration on the day the flocks were sheared, a tradition also seen in the story of Nabal the Carmelite. This agricultural festival provided Absalom with a natural, joyful excuse to gather all the king's sons together [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The celebration was organized in Baal-hazor, an area situated immediately adjacent to the territory of the tribe of Ephraim [רד״ק, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ].