1
It happened after this, that Absalom prepared him a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
2
Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man had a suit which should come to the king for judgment, then Absalom called to him, and said, Of what city are you? He said, Your servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.
3
Absalom said to him, Behold, your matters are good and right; but there is no man deputized of the king to hear you.
4
Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who has any suit or cause might come to me, and I would do him justice!
5
It was so, that when any man came near to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took hold of him, and kissed him.
6
In this manner Absalom did to all Israel who came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
7
It happened at the end of forty years, that Absalom said to the king, please let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed to Yahweh, in Hebron.
8
For your servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If Yahweh shall indeed bring me again to Jerusalem, then I will serve Yahweh.
9
The king said to him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron.
10
But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall say, Absalom is king in Hebron.
11
With Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, who were invited, and went in their simplicity; and they didn`t know anything.
12
Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David`s counselor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he was offering the sacrifices. The conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.
13
There came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.
14
David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for else none of us shall escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us quickly, and bring down evil on us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword.
15
The king`s servants said to the king, Behold, your servants are ready to do whatever my lord the king shall choose.
16
The king went forth, and all his household after him. The king left ten women, who were concubines, to keep the house.
17
The king went forth, and all the people after him; and they stayed in Beth-merhak.
18
All his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men who came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.