And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.

 2 And ^aAbsalom 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 art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.

 3 And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.

 4 Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!

 5 And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.

 6 And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so ^aAbsalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

 7 And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the Lord, in Hebron.

 8 For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at ^aGeshur 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 trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.

 11 And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.

 12 And Absalom sent for ^aAhithophel the Gilonite, David's ^bcounsellor, from his city, even from ^cGiloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the ^dconspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.

 13 And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.

 14 And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us ^aflee; for we shall not else 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.