2Samuel:15

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* And it came to pass after this , that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses , and fifty men to run before him . * 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 . * And Absalom said unto him , See , your matters are good and right ; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear you . * Absalom said moreover , Oh that I were made judge in the land , that every man which has any suit or cause might come unto me , and I would do him justice ! * And it was so , that when any man came nigh to him to do him reverence , he put forth his hand , and took him , and kissed him . * 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 . * And it came to pass after forty years , that Absalom said unto the king , I pray you , let me go and pay my vow , which I have vowed unto the LORD , in Hebron . * For your servant 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 . * And the king said unto him , Go in peace . So he arose , and went to Hebron . * But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel , saying , As soon as all of you hear the sound of the trumpet , then all of you shall say , Absalom reigns in Hebron . * 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 . * And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite , David 's counsellor , from his city , even from Giloh , while he offered sacrifices . And the conspiracy was strong ; for the people increased continually with Absalom . * And there came a messenger to David , saying , The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom . * And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem , Arise , and let us flee ; for we shall not else escape from Absalom : make speed to depart , lest he overtake us suddenly , and bring evil upon us , and strike the city with the edge of the sword . * And the king 's servants said unto the king , Behold , your servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint . * And the king went forth , and all his household after him . And the king left ten women , which were concubines , to keep the house . * And the king went forth , and all the people after him , and tarried in a place that was far off . * And all his servants passed on beside him ; and all the Cherethites , and all the Pelethites , and all the Gittites , six hundred men which came after him from Gath , passed on before the king . * Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite , Wherefore go you also with us ? return to your place , and abide with the king : for you are a stranger , and also an exile . * Whereas you came but yesterday , should I this day make you go up and down with us ? seeing I go where I may , return you , and take back your brethren : mercy and truth be with you . * And Ittai answered the king , and said , As the LORD lives , and as my lord the king lives , surely in what place my lord the king shall be , whether in death or life , even there also will your servant be . * And David said to Ittai , Go and pass over . And Ittai the Gittite passed over , and all his men , and all the little ones that were with him . * And all the country wept with a loud voice , and all the people passed over : the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron , and all the people passed over , toward the way of the wilderness . * And lo Zadok also , and all the Levites were with him , bearing the ark of the covenant of God : and they set down the ark of God ; and Abiathar went up , until all the people had done passing out of the city . * And the king said unto Zadok , Carry back the ark of God into the city : if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD , he will bring me again , and show me both it , and his habitation : * But if he thus say , I have no delight in you ; behold , here am I , let him do to me as seems good unto him . * The king said also unto Zadok the priest , Are not you a seer ? return into the city in peace , and your two sons with you , Ahimaaz your son , and Jonathan the son of Abiathar . * See , I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness , until there come word from you to certify me . * Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem : and they tarried there . * And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet , and wept as he went up , and had his head covered , and he went barefoot : and all the people that was with him covered every man his head , and they went up , weeping as they went up . * And one told David , saying , Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom . And David said , O LORD , I pray you , turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness . * And it came to pass , that when David was come to the top of the mount , where he worshipped God , behold , Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent , and earth upon his head : * Unto whom David said , If you pass on with me , then you shall be a burden unto me : * But if you return to the city , and say unto Absalom , I will be your servant , O king ; as I have been your father 's servant until now , so will I now also be your servant : then may you for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel . * And have you not there with you Zadok and Abiathar the priests ? therefore it shall be , that whatsoever you shall hear out of the king 's house , you shall tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests . * Behold , they have there with them their two sons , Ahimaaz Zadok 's son , and Jonathan Abiathar 's son ; and by them all of you shall send unto me every thing that all of you can hear . * So Hushai David 's friend came into the city , and Absalom came into Jerusalem .

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