2. And Absalom rose up early and stood beside the way of the gate; and when anyone that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto them and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy slave is of one of the tribes of Israel.
3. And Absalom would say unto them, See, thy matters are good and just; but there is no one delegated by the king to hear thee.
4. And Absalom would say, Oh, that I were made judge in the land, that everyone who has any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!
5. And it was so, that when anyone came near unto him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand and took him and kissed him.
6. And Absalom did according to this manner with all Israel that came to the king for judgment; so Absalom stole the hearts of those of Israel.
7. And at the end of a predetermined period of forty years, it came to pass that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go to Hebron and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the Lord.
8. For thy slave vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the Lord shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the Lord.
9. And the king said unto 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 ye hear the sound of the shofar, then ye shall say, Absalom reigns in Hebron.
11. And two hundred men of Jerusalem went with Absalom, that were invited by him, and they went in their integrity, without knowing anything.
12. Absalom also sent for Ahithophel, the Gilonite, of David’s counsel, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong, for the people increased continually with Absalom.
13. And the word came to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.
14. Then David said unto all his slaves that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee, for we shall not otherwise escape from Absalom; make speed to depart lest he overtake us suddenly and bring evil upon us and smite the city with the edge of the sword.
15. And the king’s slaves said unto the king, Behold, thy slaves are ready to do whatever my lord the king shall choose.
16. And the king went forth and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, who were concubines, to keep the house.
17. And the king went forth and all the people after him and stopped in a place that was far off.