^{1 Ref} And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him.

^{2 Ref} And 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 unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.

^{3 Ref} 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 Ref} Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!

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

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

^{7 Ref} And it came to pass at the end of forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto Jehovah, in Hebron.

^{8 Ref} For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If Jehovah shall indeed bring me again to Jerusalem, then I will serve Jehovah.

⁹ And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron.

^{10 Ref} 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 is king in Hebron.

^{11 Ref} And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were invited, and went in their simplicity; and they knew not anything.

^{12 Ref} And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he was offering the sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.