Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.
Ver. 28. Now Absalom had commanded his servants.] His assassins, whom some conceive to have been Geshurites of his mother's country, ready to flee thither with him, as 2 Samuel 13:37 .
When Amnon's heart is merry with wine.] See on 2 Samuel 13:13 .
And when I say unto you, Smite Amnon.] So cowardly he was that he durst not do it himself, saith Pellican.
Then kill him, fear not.] This bloody command he uttered in plainer terms than did Tarlton, bishop of Winchester, when he gave order for the death of King Edward in these words unpointed, and therefore of doubtful interpretation, Edvardum occidere nolite timere bonum est.
Have not I commanded you?] Am not I the next heir to the crown? and so shall be able both to secure you and reward you.