1. And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared himself chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
2. And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city are you? And he said, Your servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.
3. And Absalom said unto him, See, your matters are good and right; but there is no man appointed 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 unto me, and I would do him justice!