2 Samuel 15:1-13

2 Samuel 15:1-13

[1] And it came to pass after this,  that Absalom  prepared  him chariots  and horses,  and fifty  men  to run  before  him. [2] 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  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 Absalom  stole  the hearts  of Israel.  [7] And it came to pass after  forty  years,  that Absalom  said  unto the king,  and pay  my vow,  which I have vowed  unto the LORD,  in Hebron.  [8] For thy 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.  [9] And the king  said  in peace.  So he arose,  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 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.  [13] And there came  a messenger  to David,  saying,  The hearts  of the men  of Israel  are after  Absalom.