2Samuel:15:1-12

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* After this it happened that Absalom provided himself with chariots and horses , and fifty men to run before him . * Now Absalom would rise early and stand beside the way to the gate . So it was , whenever anyone who had a lawsuit came to the king for a decision , that Absalom would call to him and say , "What city are you from ?" And he would say , "Your servant is from such and such a tribe of Israel ." * Then Absalom would say to him , "Look , your case is good and right ; but there is no deputy of the king to hear you ." * Moreover Absalom would say , "Oh , that I were made judge in the land , and everyone who has any suit or cause would come to me ; then I would give him justice ." * And so it was , whenever anyone came near to bow down to him , that he would put out his hand and take him and kiss him . * In this manner Absalom acted toward all Israel who came to the king for judgment . So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel . * Now it came to pass after forty years that Absalom said to the king , "Please , let me go to Hebron and pay the vow which I made to the LORD . * For your servant took a vow while I dwelt at Geshur in Syria , saying , "If the LORD indeed brings me back to Jerusalem , then I will serve the LORD ."' * And the king said to him , "Go in peace ." So he arose and went to Hebron . * Then 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 reigns in Hebron !"' * And with Absalom went two hundred men invited from Jerusalem , and they went along innocently and did not know anything . * Then Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite , David 's counselor , from his city--from Giloh--while he offered sacrifices . And the conspiracy grew strong , for the people with Absalom continually increased in number .

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