2Samuel:15:1-18

---

Seeker Overlay ON

* 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 sha #ar #: 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 Yisra #el #. * And Absalom said unto him , See , thy matters are good and right ; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee . * 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 ! * 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 . * 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 Yisra #el #. * And it came to pass after forty #arba #iym # 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 . * For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria , saying , If the LORD shall bring me again (8676 ) 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 Yisra #el #, saying , As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet , then ye shall say , Absalom reigneth 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 , Davids 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 smite the city with the edge of the sword . * And the kings servants said unto the king , Behold , thy 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 Beyth ham-Merchaq #. * 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 .

---