2 Samuel 15:1-9 ▼

1 And it came to pass after this that Absalom prepared for himself a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before his face.

2 And Absalom would rise early and stand by the side of the way of the gate. And it came to pass, when every man who had a grievance came to the king for a decision, that Absalom would call to him and say, “From which city are you?” And he would say, “From one of the tribes of Israel is your servant.”

3 And Absalom would say to him, “Look, your case is good and right, and there is none from the king to hear you.”

4 And Absalom would say, “Who will make me judge in the land, and to me would come every man who has to him a grievance or dispute, and I would give him justice!”

5 And it came to pass whenever anyone came near to bow down to him, that he would put out his hand and take him and kiss him.

6 And Absalom acted in this manner toward all Israel who came for judgment to the king. And Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

7 And it came to pass after four years that Absalom said to the king, “Let me go, please, and pay the vow that I made to YHWH in Hebron.

8 For your servant took a vow while I dwelt at Geshur in Aram, saying, ‘If YHWH does surely bring me back to Jerusalem, I will serve YHWH in Hebron.’”

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